Record Number of Humpback Whales Spotted in Salish Sea this Year, Despite Recent Collisions with Boaters

Despite humpback whale injuries being in the headlines lately, researchers have counted more this year than ever before along BC’s south coast.

According to the Canadian Pacific Humpback Collaboration, who collect counts from various sources, 396 humpbacks have been spotted in the Salish Sea this year.

That count comes following the discovery of 5 dead humpbacks found beached on BC’s coasts since mid-October.

Researchers believe collisions with large boats to have been a factor in at least two of those deaths.

Earlier this month, a whale was spotted near Hawaii after making the trip from Northern BC with a severe spinal injury, likely caused via impact with a boat.

As the number of humpbacks climb, the DFO is cautioning boaters to take more precautions to avoid potential collisions with marine mammals.