Fewer humpback whales on the Central Coast

It’s that time of year again when humpback whales make their way to the Central Coast. But where are the whales? Marine experts said there’s a chance we may not see as many whales as years past. This time last year it wasn’t hard to find humpback whales and so close to shore. So far this year, whale rescuer Peggy Stap said that’s no longer the case.

“This is more of a normal year. Last year was really unusual where there were humpback whales here in January, February and even March, feeding on fish,” said Stap.

Normally the whales are gone by December, but in 2015 deep cold waters rose to the surface and that meant lots of sardines and anchovies stayed in the area. It’s simple, more food supply, meant more whales, which led to more entanglements.

“Northern California, Central California there were a total of 25 reports with 21 of those in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Yes we were very busy, so we were kind of glad to have the reprieve this winter,” said Stap.

As of 2016 there haven’t been any calls for whale entanglements here on the Central Coast. Yes, Stap said that’s a good thing but there could also be some science behind it. Moss Landing marine researchers said this could have to do with the warmer waters.

“The temperature of the California current heated up and the service waters became warm it didn’t mix. There’s lack of nutrients coming from below. So it turned what was sort of a garden environment in Monterey Bay into what is a desert environment for fish to live,” said Dr. Kenneth Coale, with Moss Landing Marine Labs.

So the fish have left and with them many humpback whales but not to be discouraged, Stap said we could see greater numbers of them this summer.