The full fleet was out today, eager to spot whales. One advantage of an overcast day, and we get plenty of those on the Island, is that it makes blows and splashes easier to spot thanks to the contrast, even from a distance. With a bit of luck on our side, we saw blows in the Strait, not too far from home. Just a hop, skip, and a jump away, near Entrance Island, is where we found our whales today.

Incognito (BCX2053) appeared to be off on their own, entertaining themselves with some seaweed. Not far away, we spotted more blows — it was Callisto (BCX2486) and Mow (BCY0523calf2023), most likely busy feeding.

For decades, humpback whales in the Northern Hemisphere were a symbol of the devastating effects of commercial whaling. By the mid-20th century, their numbers had plummeted, driving them dangerously close to extinction. But today, thanks to widespread conservation efforts and international protections, humpback whale populations are making a remarkable comeback, and along the way, we're learning that these giants of the sea are far more social and complex than we once believed.

The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) was once one of the most heavily hunted species during the era of industrial whaling. Their large size, slow speed, and coastal migration routes made them easy targets. By the time commercial whaling was banned in many regions in the 1960s and 1970s, humpback populations had been reduced by more than 90%.

Thankfully, global conservation measures began to take hold. The 1985 moratorium by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) on commercial whaling marked a turning point. Marine sanctuaries were established, ship speeds were regulated, and entanglement prevention programs were rolled out. Over time, these efforts started to pay off.

Recent data shows that humpback whale numbers in several Northern Hemisphere populations are rebounding impressively. Similar trends are being observed in the North Atlantic, where sightings are increasing steadily.

As the population has recovered, researchers have had more opportunities to study humpbacks closely, and what they’re finding challenges long-held beliefs. Humpbacks were traditionally thought to be solitary animals, only coming together temporarily during breeding or feeding. But recent observations paint a much richer picture.

Humpbacks display complex social structures that vary by region and season. In their feeding grounds, especially in places like Alaska or Norway, they often work cooperatively in groups to corral fish, a strategy known as bubble-net feeding. This behaviour, once thought to be rare, is now recognized as a learned, socially transmitted technique passed down between whales.

In breeding areas, researchers have observed that male humpbacks form alliances and engage in intricate displays of song and physical interaction, possibly to attract mates or establish dominance. Some whales return to the same breeding groups year after year, suggesting lasting social bonds.

There’s also growing evidence that mothers with calves associate with other females for extended periods, providing protection and possibly sharing knowledge, a trait more akin to elephant herds or dolphin pods than what we previously thought possible for baleen whales.

The resurgence of humpback whales is not just a feel-good environmental success story, it also brings ecological benefits. As top-tier consumers, humpbacks play a crucial role in ocean health. Their feeding behaviour helps cycle nutrients through the water column, boosting plankton productivity and supporting entire marine food webs. Known as the whale pump!

Despite this success, challenges remain. Ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and the impacts of climate change still pose significant risks to humpbacks. Shifting ocean temperatures can alter prey availability and migration patterns, adding new layers of uncertainty to their future.

Still, the story of the humpback whale’s comeback is a testament to what coordinated global action can achieve. As we continue to protect and study them, these gentle giants are not only rebounding in number but also revealing themselves to be complex, social beings — a reminder of how much more there is to learn about our oceans and why they’re worth protecting. After spending time with our gentle giants, we had more to see!

We spotted some of our familiar harbour seals hauled out on the rocks, always adorable and entertaining to watch. We were also lucky enough to encounter both species of sea lions today. The massive Steller sea lions, with mature males weighing up to 2,800 pounds, and the California sea lions, smaller but still impressive, with males reaching up to 1,000 pounds. A river otter was enjoying a meal on the bank before cooling off with a swim. Eagles were everywhere; we saw a mix, mature bald eagles, recognizable by their distinct white heads and tails, and juveniles, who sport a mottled blend of brown and white feathers. They won’t acquire their iconic white plumage until around five years of age. We even got a glimpse of a chick in the nest, offering a glimpse at the eagle’s growth cycle. Last but not least, we spent some time at the Gabriola Bluffs, where sleek black cormorants nest along the rocky cliffs, and vibrant sea stars were visible in the intertidal zone thanks to the low tide.

Enjoy the photos below taken by Hayleigh Hilbert, Aly Kohlman and Val Watson.

May 30, 2025 - A beautiful day with humpbacks!