Record Number Of Humpback Whales Seen In B.C.

It looks like the humpbacks are making a rebound.

396 humpback whales have been spotted off the coast, according to new data released by The Canadian Pacific Humpback Collaboration.

The organization says it’s the highest  number counted in the area since researchers started keeping track.

Project lead for Humpback Whales of the Salish Sea, Tasli Shaw, says there is sometimes a misconception that humpbacks are just passing through the Salish Sea, when in reality, the whales return to the same areas to feed, sometimes staying for months at a time.

"They come here very specifically to feed, and they're very experienced and very skilled at what they do," she said.

"They know the best places to come and find prey and how best to capture it. So we actually see the same individuals year after year."

The Fisheries Department says the increase in numbers does have its setbacks, causing problems for vessel traffic.

At least three humpbacks have been found dead along B-C beaches so far this fall.