We had two of our vessels out on the water today, our semi-covered boat Kula and our open vessel Cascadia. After loading up, we pushed off the dock and headed into the Strait. Our humpbacks have been returning from their breeding grounds in full force! These whales undertake an extraordinary migration from tropical breeding areas in Hawaii, Mexico, and even, on occasion, Central America. When they arrive in the Salish Sea, they are ravenous, having fasted for up to six months during their time in the warm, less productive waters of their breeding grounds.

Today, we found our whales gathered around one of the region’s most productive hotspots, Halibut Bank. Located in the heart of the Salish Sea, just off the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, Halibut Bank is a shallow underwater plateau that rises from deeper surrounding waters. This topography creates ideal conditions for upwelling, a process where cold, nutrient-rich water is drawn to the surface. These nutrients stimulate the growth of phytoplankton, which form the base of the marine food web. That productivity supports everything from zooplankton and schooling fish to seabirds, sea lions, and, of course, humpback whales. Thanks to a combination of underwater structure, tidal mixing, and seasonal currents, Halibut Bank is one of the most ecologically rich areas in the entire Salish Sea.

So, while we weren’t surprised to find a humpback feeding here, we were surprised by just how many we encountered, 11 individuals in total, likely enjoying the buffet! We had Neptune (BCY1021), Scuba (BCY1225), Two Spot BCZ0432, Malachite (BCY1463), Wisp (BCY1464), Moraine ( BCY1465), Coyote (BCX2484), Mow (KEY0063), Wizard (BCY1412), Harpy (BCZ0503) and 1 unknown friend. We were fairly confident they were finding plenty to eat because there was a lot of defecation happening. Yes, we get excited about whale poop! When we see it, it’s a strong sign that our whales are feeding well, and it also signals something else remarkable: their waste plays an important role in ocean health by recycling nutrients through the water column, helping to fuel the very productivity that brought them here in the first place. Did you know that humpback whales play a key role in ocean health through something affectionately known as the whale pump. It might not sound glamorous, but their poop is powerful. When humpbacks dive deep to feed on krill and small fish, they return to the surface to breathe, and that’s often when they release waste. This nutrient-rich poop is packed with iron and nitrogen, essential elements for phytoplankton growth. Phytoplankton are microscopic plants that form the foundation of the marine food web and are also major oxygen producers. By releasing these nutrients near the surface, humpbacks help fertilize the upper layers of the ocean, stimulating phytoplankton blooms. In turn, this boosts productivity all the way up the food chain, from zooplankton to fish, birds, and even other marine mammals. Essentially, every time a humpback goes to the bathroom, it’s giving the ocean a helping hand, or tail, in staying healthy and thriving! After having a crappy time with the humpbacks, we ventured over to the White Islets that were teeming with wildlife!

Our giant Steller Sea Lions may not be the first animals that come to mind when you think of ecosystem engineers, but these massive marine mammals play a surprisingly important role in coastal nutrient cycling like our humpbacks, thanks, in part, to their poop! When Steller sea lions haul out on rocky shores or coastal haul-outs to rest and socialize, they often leave behind large deposits of feces. This waste is incredibly rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, which can leach into the surrounding terrestrial and intertidal ecosystems. These nutrients help fertilize nearby plant life and promote the growth of algae and kelp in the water, forming the base of the food web for countless marine species. In areas where sea lions are abundant, their contribution can significantly boost the productivity of the local ecosystem, supporting everything from tiny invertebrates to fish populations and seabirds. So, while they might look like lazy loungers on the rocks, Steller Sea Lions are actively enriching the environment in a very natural way!

There were also so many gulls since it’s a popular nesting spot. It turns out gulls are doing more than just stealing snacks at the beach, their poop is an important part of the ecosystem as well! Gulls, like many seabirds, feed out at sea and return to land or coastal islands to roost and nest, where they deposit nutrient-rich guano. This guano is packed with nitrogen and phosphorus, which act like natural fertilizer for coastal and island ecosystems. These nutrients can dramatically enhance plant growth, especially in places where the soil is otherwise poor or rocky. In turn, lush vegetation supports insects, nesting birds, and other wildlife. When rain washes guano into the ocean, it also contributes to nearshore productivity, feeding microscopic plankton that form the base of the marine food web. So while gulls might get a bad rap for being noisy or messy, their poop is quietly working behind the scenes to keep both land and sea ecosystems thriving.

We also spotted some of our adorable seals! Harbour seals may seem like quiet observers as they lounge on rocky shores, but they’re playing an important ecological role, through their poop! Just like the Steller Sea Lions, the Harbour Seals contribute to the ecosystem via feces.

Last but not least, our Bald Eagles made an appearance. Bald Eagles are known for their powerful presence and majestic nests, but they’re also surprisingly skilled when it comes to keeping those nests clean! Unlike many birds, bald eagles don’t just let waste accumulate in their nest. Instead, they turn around, lift their tails, and shoot their poop out of the nest with impressive force. This behaviour helps keep their living space sanitary, especially important when raising chicks. And just how far can an eagle poop? Believe it or not, their droppings can shoot up to six feet (nearly two meters) away! This distance isn’t just for show; it’s a smart adaptation that prevents the buildup of harmful bacteria and parasites in the nest. So while it may not be the most glamorous part of eagle life, their projectile pooping is just another example of nature’s clever solutions to everyday challenges.

Enjoy photos below by Aly Kohlman and Hayleigh Hilbert.

June 18, 2025 - Humpback Party in the Salish Sea!