![]() ![]() Sightings of minke whales are common in the nearshore waters of the sanctuary, but since sightings are usually of a single individual, these whales may easily be overlooked. These whales are believed to winter in the coastal waters of Mexico and Central America and like blue whales, are still considered an endangered species. Humpback whales are the favorite of whale watchers, as they frequently perform aerial displays, such as breaching (jumping out of the water), or slapping the surface with their pectoral fins, tails, or heads. They often feed in the same spot for several days, making them easy to find. They can consume up to 3,000 pounds (1360 kg) of food per day! They use several kinds of hunting methods involving air bubbles to herd, corral, or disorient fish. ![]() Humpbacks also dive in the sanctuary for schools of small fish such as anchovies and sardines. Humpback whales are one of the more commonly seen large baleen whales in the sanctuary, mostly sighted during summer and fall as they feast on krill. Blue whales were significantly depleted by commercial whaling and are still considered an endangered species. Blue whales are attracted to sanctuary waters during this time, when krill swarms are often seen in great concentrations in Monterey Bay. Gray whales are rarely seen feeding in central California, however they are prey for killer whales, as sometimes witnessed by those on whale watching boats.īlue whales can move along the entire California coastline during summer and fall searching for their prey -great swarms of krill. Though most populations of large whales are greatly reduced, the gray whale population is an exception: In 1994 the population, estimated to be similar to historical levels (21,100-23,000 individuals), was removed from the endangered species list. Depending on what time of the year you visit the sanctuary, the most likely species you might see include: Baleen Whales Gray Whaleĭuring the winter and spring, almost the entire gray whale population migrates through the sanctuary, usually within three kilometers of shore, traveling between their summer feeding grounds in the Bering Sea and to their winter breeding grounds in Baja. Toothed whales, including dolphins, porpoises, sperm whales and orcas, use sharp, pointed teeth to catch fish and other large prey. Baleen whales, such as gray and humpback whales, have hundreds of comb-like plates with stiff bristles growing from the upper jaw to strain small food from huge mouthfuls of water. Whales, dolphins and porpoises are divided into two groups: toothed and baleen. ![]()
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