SALISH SEA, Wash. – Humpback whales appear to be thriving in the Salish Sea this year.
The Pacific Whale Watch Association says a record high number of calves were spotted this season in the inland waters of Washington and British Columbia.
In total, 21 humpback calves have been spotted this year, compared to 11 in 2020.
PWWA Director Erin Gless says they aren’t sure why they’ve seen a banner year for births, but it’s possible there has been an abundance of food for the species over the last couple years.
The whales feed on small fish and krill, consuming over 2,000 pounds of food a day.
The Salish Sea humpback whales will swim to breeding grounds near Hawaii, Mexico, and Central America over the next few months to give birth and mate, before returning next spring.