Gray whales
We awoke to a thick fog in Hull Canal. However, no harm done, Captain Graves safely navigated the ship up to the Boca de Soledad (mouth of solitude). As we ate our breakfast the fleet of Zodiacs were lowered and readied for our day of whale watching. Throughout the day we were all treated to amazing encounters with the “comeback whale.” Gray whales were once one of the many whales that were considered an endangered species. However, in 1993 the gray whale was de-listed due to its tremendous comeback over time. It is estimated that at the end of commercial whaling the population had been reduced to approximately 4,000 animals or less. It is now estimated that there are over 23,000 gray whales in the eastern North Pacific Ocean.
One of the best techniques for counting animals is to use a method called “mark and recapture.” It allows scientists to identify animals by photographing distinct features on their bodies. Many of the boats today encountered a small gray whale with a large spot on its left tail stock, as pictured above. This mark will allow local panga drivers, researchers and naturalists to identify this particular animal for years to come.
We awoke to a thick fog in Hull Canal. However, no harm done, Captain Graves safely navigated the ship up to the Boca de Soledad (mouth of solitude). As we ate our breakfast the fleet of Zodiacs were lowered and readied for our day of whale watching. Throughout the day we were all treated to amazing encounters with the “comeback whale.” Gray whales were once one of the many whales that were considered an endangered species. However, in 1993 the gray whale was de-listed due to its tremendous comeback over time. It is estimated that at the end of commercial whaling the population had been reduced to approximately 4,000 animals or less. It is now estimated that there are over 23,000 gray whales in the eastern North Pacific Ocean.
One of the best techniques for counting animals is to use a method called “mark and recapture.” It allows scientists to identify animals by photographing distinct features on their bodies. Many of the boats today encountered a small gray whale with a large spot on its left tail stock, as pictured above. This mark will allow local panga drivers, researchers and naturalists to identify this particular animal for years to come.
