Record 21 humpback calves spotted in Salish Sea over feeding season as whale numbers rebound

A record number of humpback whale calves have been spotted in the Salish Sea off the coast of British Columbia and Washington state this summer and fall, researchers say.

The Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA) says 21 calves have been photographed or tallied by watchers and researchers in the Salish Sea this feeding season. That’s almost double the 11 spotted in 2020. 

It marks a significant rebound for a species that was endangered just a couple of decades ago.

Nobody is sure exactly why there’s been such a humpback baby boom.

PWWA executive director Erin Gless says it might be due to an abundance