Record Numbers of Humpbacks and Blue Whales Near Farallones National Marine Sanctuary

Record numbers of humpack and blue whales are feeding off the coast of San Francisco, a study near the Farallon Islands has confirmed

“We don’t know if it’s food-driven or water-temperature- or climate-change-driven,” Jan Roletto, research coordinator for the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, said.

Last year was also a big year for humpbacks. “They’ve been showing up earlier and earlier” every year, she said.

Researchers suspect the giant cetaceans are following prey — including the tiny shrimp-like creatures known as krill, anchovies and schools of small fish. Several humpbacks were seen over the past few weeks feeding in San Francisco Bay near Fort Point, a highly unusual activity for the whales, which generally prefer to be well offshore.

NOAA’s Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Seeks Advisory Council Applicants

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has posted the following request:

“Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applicants for six alternate seats on its advisory council. The council ensures public participation in sanctuary management and provides advice to the sanctuary superintendent.”
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“The sanctuary is accepting applications for the following alternate seats: business/industry; mobile gear commercial fishing; recreational fishing; research; whale watch; and youth.