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November 7, 2025
What Humpbacks and Bigg’s Orcas Taught Us This Winter
The Salish Sea’s winter, once perceived as a dormant period for its magnificent marine inhabitants, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, particularly concerning whale activity.
Perhaps the most astonishing discovery, entirely novel to this region, involves a humpback whale actively feeding on spawning Pacific Herring within the Salish Sea’s waters. This observation transcends the realm of a mere anecdotal sighting, representing a significant ecological revelation. Its importance stems not only from the expansion of our documented knowledge regarding the dietary breadth of humpback whales but also from the intriguing implications it raises concerning potential competition for this vital forage fish between the burgeoning whale populations and existing commercial fisheries. As more humpbacks learn to capitalize on this seasonal abundance of herring, diligent and sustained monitoring will be essential to comprehend the long-term ecological consequences and potential resource conflicts fully.
Ocean Wise’s research has unveiled compelling evidence indicating a shift in the year-round residency patterns of Bigg’s killer whales within the Salish Sea. Notably, these apex predators exhibit a strong affinity for the area, notably coinciding with the annual Pacific Herring spawning events. Their primary prey during these winter months? Sea lions. This pronounced predation pressure exerted by Bigg’s killer whales has the potential to significantly influence both their seasonal movements and their intricate social group dynamics. Over time, the accumulation of detailed data on their winter diet, juxtaposed with their established summer feeding habits, will undoubtedly reveal critical ecological patterns and insights into the intricate predator-prey relationships that govern this dynamic marine ecosystem.
Each seemingly minute piece of evidence gathered during these winter months, every recovered scale, every uniquely identifiable fluke print captured, and every DNA fragment meticulously collected, contributes to the construction of a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of how marine predators within the Salish Sea are adapting and responding to an evolving ecosystem. This detailed knowledge is not merely academic; it directly informs the critical conservation strategies and management decisions necessary to effectively protect these magnificent creatures and the delicate balance of their marine environment.
At Prince of Whales, our commitment extends beyond the provision of exceptional whale-watching experiences. We firmly believe in the power of citizen science and the transformative potential of turning passive observation into active knowledge about whales. We extend our sincere gratitude for your continued support. Every ticket booked directly contributes to the funding of these vital research endeavours, empowering us to unravel the secrets of the Salish Sea and safeguard its incredible biodiversity for generations to come!
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