More Than 100 Whales Spotted in California Coast; Boat Warning Issued

An immense number of whales were spotted off Marin's coast in California where federal officials have already issued a boating warning. 

According to Maria Brown who is the superintendent of the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, this is an official alert to small boaters and large vessel operators as well to watch out for endangered whales and to keep a minimum distance from these marine animals.

Some 115 endangered whales were spotted and documented after a survey that lasted for an hour near Farallon islands during the holiday weekend.

This boating warning means to prevent further threats of vessels of hitting or striking the whales where officials urge large ships to slow down to 10 knots along boat traffic lanes that are leading up to San Francisco. Recreational and private owned boats which include fishermen are advised to stay away at least 300 feet of distance which is a federal minimum distance guideline.

To date, all whale species are legally under protection against harassment by the Marine Mammal Protection Act where blue whales, fin whales and humpback whales are also listed under the Endangered Species Act.

According to Roger Thomas who is the dean of the Bay Area salmon fleet, there seems to be more whales near the shore this year than ever before. He says, it's unbelievable, the whales seem to be all over the place.

The 80 year old Thomas says that whales are usually drawn by waves of krill and anchovies where they usually feed upon them however, these kinds of numbers are rarely seen near the coast. He also runs trips for whale watching events for the Oceanic Society.

During one particular trip to the Farallones, tourists spotted several blue whales and even 25 to 30 humpback whales, claims Thomas. The whales apparently approach close to the boat where they come in as a flurry where the boat drifts along with them. Thomas says that this feed abundance is also crucial for good results in salmon fishing as well.