Humpbacks Mugging
With so many Humpback whales in upper Georgia Strait and various inland waterways that are being reported by a number of observers, it is difficult to determine the exact number of whales in the indicated areas. However, it is estimated that there are at minimum 15-20 Humpback whales spending their time in these channels, with some of the individual Humpbacks being identified by name. Our cover image shows a Humpback whale displaying a behaviour called “mugging”, where the whale approaches a boat and spends time around the boat. This may be due to the curious and/or playful nature of the whales. Boaters are reminded that boats are not to approach whales and must maintain a distance of at least 100-m from all Cetaceans (400-m for Orca), unless the whales approach you. Boaters should not be in the path of whales travelling in a certain direction and to minimize their impact on the whales’ activities as much as possible.
Of note is a pair of Minke whales travelling together near West Thurlow Island near the east end of Johnstone Strait. There are 6 Minke whales that return to the north-east side of Vancouver Island each summer so to see two at the same time is rare and unique as they usually travel by themselves. Many pods of Pacific White-Sided dolphins were observed each numbering around one hundred members. Rounding our report are sightings of Transient Orca and a few porpoises. Some of the Southern Resident Orca were observed off the San Juan Islands, Washington State this past week and have kept researchers puzzled as to their whereabouts most of the time. Go to our magazine section to find out the latest news about them.
On the subject of conserving Cetaceans, July 6th happens to be the International Save the Vaquita Day. Vaquita is currently the most endangered porpoise in the world, with less than 20 surviving in the northernmost section of the Gulf of California in Mexico. The population has decreased dramatically due to Vaquita getting caught and dying in nets of an illegal fishery. To find out more about the plight of the Vaquita and what you can do to help them, refer to the website of the Porpoise Conservation Society (porpoise.org).
Boaters, please use caution on the water. There are Cetaceans out there. Effective June 1st, Federal laws require boats to remain at least 400-m away when viewing Orca and for other Cetaceans, laws require boats to remain at least 100-m from the animals. Remember N.E.W.S. when you see a whale, meaning put your boat in NEUTRAL, ENJOY the view, WAIT till the whales are at a fair distance, and then SLOWLY leave the scene.
WOWs works throught the year, so please continue to keep your eyes open, and report your sightings to us.
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of splashing. ▫ Leaving the Scene
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