Community News
Whales Galore Off the Coast
by Bryon L. Richards
Over the last few weeks, Harbor Breeze Cruises of Long Beach has taken spectators out on whale watching tours and every time the majestic beauty of the blue whale has been visible. Actually, it seems the whales have been showing off — advertising that they are here early — when normally these whales don’t show up till about August.
There was a time when you were lucky if you discovered one whale, let alone many. Whale watching trips can be a roll of the dice depending on if the mammals want you to see them or the weather gives you the visibility you need to see the small spout of steam as you look to the horizon. This summer, off the coast of Long Beach, the odds are in your favor.
Not only are they here, there are many and they appear close to the shore. What does this mean? According to Dudley Wigdahl, curator of mammals and birds at the Aquarium of the Pacific, “Tthe impact of seeing them is great for many reasons.”
One reason could be that the population is growing. “There are about 2,400 blue whales in the Northern Pacific,” said Wigdahl. Worldwide the numbers vary according to whom you ask; anywhere from 5,000 to 14,000.
“Blue whales are harder to find just because of their range of migration,” Wigdahl added. For example, their smaller cousins, the grey whales are always found in the same areas so it makes them easier to predict.
Another reason that the whales could be here early is global warning. “I’ve been working on these boats for 20 years,” said Dan Salas, captain and owner of Harbor Breeze Cruises. “Over the past five years, I have definitely noticed a change in the local waters.”
One morning in July, experts from the Aquarium of the Pacific and Southland reporters joined Salas on one his ships, the Christopher, just to see what everyone was talking about. It took a little over an hour to get to the spot where the blue whales were reported to be seen earlier in the morning. Salas told everyone to start looking for the sign of a whale: the spout of steam. So, for those that weren’t already seasick, it was a waiting game.
It didn’t take long. Not one, not two, but eight blue whales were spotted off the coast by Point Fermin and they weren’t just spotted, they were showing off. Salas talked about how smart the whales are and if they don’t want to be seen they won’t be.
“They know where the boat is at all times,” said Salas who was extremely cognizant of the fact that the crew and the passengers were intruding on the whale’s turf. This time the whales didn’t seem to mind.
Marine biologists aboard the vessel were amazed to actually see some of the blue whale’s eating habits. It’s not often you see krill visible on the surface let alone the bright orange by-product of the whale after it digests the tiny shrimp. The average blue whale eats approximately four tons a day.
It was a day full of rare experiences. After witnessing six of the eight glorious animals, Salas decided to start heading back to the port before anyone else became ill. Photographers still had their cameras ready and other “sea worthy” folk stood against the railings just in case any more whales were spotted. They were in for a treat.
Most everyone just wanted to see another whale show its tail off as it dived down into the depths only to appear in another part of the ocean, but then the rarest of all whale watching events occurred. In the distance, a blue whale breeched the waters of the Pacific Ocean and slammed back down into the water. At a possible 100 feet in length and 160 tons, that is a sight that most will never forget.
Salas wailed out in excitement as it was a unique sight for him as well. Salas and crew have spotted an unprecedented 149 whales between June and mid-July and the number continues to rise. Wigdahl comments, “In the past, it was very rare for a human being to see a blue whale unless they were far out to sea.”
If you haven’t been whale watching before or have but never saw much of anything, now is the time to do it. Maybe take a trip down to the Aquarium of the Pacific first and study up on the magnificent creatures and then walk next door to Harbor Breeze Cruises and see them for yourself. A new addition to the whale exhibit is on view at the aquarium featuring the much endangered Arctic whales. It is a once in a life time opportunity to witness one of the most beautiful creatures in the world and one of the most endangered.
The Aquarium of the Pacific is located at 100 Aquarium Way and is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Call (562) 590-3100 or visit www.aquariumofpacific.org for more details.
Located at Dock #2 at Rainbow Harbor is Harbor Breeze Cruises and they are running daily at noon and 3:30 p.m. Call (562) 432-4900 or visit www.2seewhales.com for more details.
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