'Humpback comeback': Whale researchers say species making dramatic return to B.C. waters
Humpback whales are making a significant comeback in the waters around Vancouver Island and northern Washington state, according to researchers at the Pacific Whale Watch Association.
Calling it a “humpback comeback,” researchers at the agency say the number of humpbacks in the Salish Sea has increased exponentially since a single whale was spotted in the region over 20 years ago.
“Since whale researchers first documented a single humpback whale in 1997, the humpback whales that migrate each summer to feed in the nutrient-rich waters of the Salish Sea now number in the hundreds,” the whale watch association said in a statement Tuesday.
The researchers say 2021 is proving no different, with the documented return of famed whale “Big Mama” and three of her calves.
The whale watch association says Big Mama is a “pioneer and significant contributor to this population increase,” giving birth to six calves that have returned to the inland waters of B.C. since 2003.
“When Big Mama arrived in late April 2021, the whale watch community was extremely excited to see her return, as she often marks the beginning of the humpback whale watching season throughout the region,” the association said. “Dozens more humpbacks have arrived since then, and this past week, something happened that had the whale watch and research community abuzz.”
The buzz arose when Big Mama was reportedly spotted on Saturday, feeding alongside three of her calves in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, south of Victoria.
“Humpback whales are not known to have close family ties, leaving their mothers at less than a year old,” the Pacific Whale Watch Association said. “The fact that three siblings were seen in such close proximity to each other has piqued the interest of humpback whale researchers.”
Big Mama was sighted for the first time in 1997 by a skipper with Prince of Whales Whale Watching near Race Rocks, southwest of Victoria. According to researchers, she was the first humpback spotted in the strait in nearly a century.
Since then, more than 500 humpbacks have been documented and cataloged in the Salish Sea, according to the Pacific Whale Watch Association.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.