Gray Whales: Sharing the Water

Back to this week's update.

Sharing the Water
On good-weather days, the whales passing Observation Post #7 share the water. This surfer was surprised! And they aren't the only ones in the water with the whales. "We have had far less boat traffic this year now that the ocean in front of us is a Marine Protected Area, established by California Department of Fish & Game on January 1, 2012. Even so, interactions do occur. This is a danger in the life of Gray whales, migrating so near to the coast. The more boaters areg aware that there are whales present, the better chance the whales have for safe travel through here. Fortunately, the word is getting out.—Michael H. Smith, Director of Gray Whales Count

Courtesy of Michael H. Smith

Gray whale calf surfaces near a surfer off California coast.