RocketJSquirrel
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Posts: 251
Registered: 8-3-2019
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Grey Whales in BC "Dying in Masse"
https://earther.gizmodo.com/gray-whales-off-baja-california-...
I am curious if Shari or Blanca and or other people knowledgeable of this year's events down there could let us know what they think. If they think
the article accurately reflects the situation or even if it is difficult to know for sure.
Looking for someone knowledgeable on the topic. If they would be willing to share their on-the-scene understanding of the situation.
Thank you!
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BajaBlanca
Select Nomad
Posts: 13165
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
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Boy oh boy, the expert is Shari. I just love the whales but am not knowledgeable enough.
There have been no whale carcasses here in La Bocana the last 12 months.
Shari is taking folks whale watching right now, I am sure she will sign in once she can.
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bajamary1952
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Posts: 204
Registered: 9-29-2016
Location: Ensenada
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I've read scientific reports the past years that the world wide population of grey whales has become saturated at full capacity (due to recovery of
the species) so perhaps the population is already at full capacity for sustainability.
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shari
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Posts: 13033
Registered: 3-10-2006
Location: bahia asuncion, baja sur
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Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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The last article I read was that it is estimated that 25% of the EAstern Pacific Gray Whale stock has succumbed to starvation. The common theory is
that their food source disappeared due to the ice pack melting so their primary food of amphipods has decreased so whales have to go further to find
food and remain up north longer than usual to bulk up enough for the southern migration.
We are losing mostly reproducing females who are weaker from nursing. Gray whales reduce calf production when their food source is compromised so we
havent seen much mating at all. Whales have been very thin but last year they looked a bit better and were mating....ALOT so this season we should see
more calves we hope.
The migration has been much later than usual the last 3 years so calf survival is less as well as babies are born outside the lagoon on the way down.
Last week there were only about 80 whales in the lagoon, 34 of which are calves. Usually by the end of January there have been between 300-400 calves!
The population was at all time high so perhaps it needed to slow down to accommodate to the scarcity in food. Gray Whales bounce back from adversity
very well...they were the first whale to have been taken off the endangered species list.
I noticed mating taking place later last season so maybe they are adjusting their biological clocks in response to longer feeding times up north. Time
will tell.
This healthy male who breached 8 times by our panga last week was in very good shape and no doubt will be mating!
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matthew_mangus
Junior Nomad
Posts: 81
Registered: 10-4-2019
Location: Portland, OR
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great info. Thanks for sharing Shari!
I like to explore remote dirt tracks and beaches.
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Lexusallterrain
Newbie
Posts: 6
Registered: 1-19-2021
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Are we allowed to go petting at Scammons Lagoon after the Governor closed South Border Baja???
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Skipjack Joe
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8084
Registered: 7-12-2004
Location: Bahia Asuncion
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You can 'go petting' in your van at any beach here. No questions asked.
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PaulW
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Posts: 3005
Registered: 5-21-2013
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And
A 'uniquely American whale': new species discovered off southern US coast
Rice’s whales already considered endangered by the US with a population estimated at fewer than 100
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/feb/08/rices-wh...
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RocketJSquirrel
Nomad
Posts: 251
Registered: 8-3-2019
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Thank you, Shari, for your always quality reports on the local scene.
Gracias!
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