I just discovered some great news regarding whale sightings and migration in the South Bay. Scientists with the American Cetacean Society Los Angeles Gray Whale Census and Behavior Project report that so far this season, 1,055 gray whales have been tracked southbound en route to nursing and calving waters off Baja California. Last year at this time the number was 704, so this represents a substantial increase. It is the highest count since the 1997-98 season and represents the third highest count on record, with December being the highest month on record.
Alisa Schulman-Janiger, project director for the ACS/LA census, said that good weather and more gray whales traveling closer to shore may be some of the reasons for the increased count. Four fin whales were also seen traveling together near shore over the weekend, as well. It used to be that fin whale sightings were extremely rare but they, too, have been reported more often in the past five to six years. Fin whales (the second largest animals in the world after blue whales) are in the same family as the blue and humpback whale. February is normally the end of the peak of the southbound migration of gray whales, but this year has been different. There appear to be two peaks this season, Schulman-Janiger said, making this a great year a peak opportunity to get out and see whales firsthand.
The ACS/LA census uses citizen scientists who track whales seen from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center in Ranchos Palos Verdes. If you have never been to the Point Vicente Interpretive Center you definitely have to check out its beautiful park and the expansive natural and cultural exhibits about the history of the peninsula. Whale-watching from there is REALLY fun and there is always a colorful group of locals and regulars camped out along the ocean cliffs. Whale season usually runs from the beginning of December until near the end of May, and the ACS/LA gives monthly talks regarding whale and sea life in the area all year long at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro.
Alisa Schulman-Janiger, project director for the ACS/LA census, said that good weather and more gray whales traveling closer to shore may be some of the reasons for the increased count. Four fin whales were also seen traveling together near shore over the weekend, as well. It used to be that fin whale sightings were extremely rare but they, too, have been reported more often in the past five to six years. Fin whales (the second largest animals in the world after blue whales) are in the same family as the blue and humpback whale. February is normally the end of the peak of the southbound migration of gray whales, but this year has been different. There appear to be two peaks this season, Schulman-Janiger said, making this a great year a peak opportunity to get out and see whales firsthand.
The ACS/LA census uses citizen scientists who track whales seen from the Point Vicente Interpretive Center in Ranchos Palos Verdes. If you have never been to the Point Vicente Interpretive Center you definitely have to check out its beautiful park and the expansive natural and cultural exhibits about the history of the peninsula. Whale-watching from there is REALLY fun and there is always a colorful group of locals and regulars camped out along the ocean cliffs. Whale season usually runs from the beginning of December until near the end of May, and the ACS/LA gives monthly talks regarding whale and sea life in the area all year long at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro.
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