Both grey and humpback whales have recently been delighting local observers with appearances in the waters off West Vancouver and Stanley Park.
At the end of last week, a huge grey whale was spotted in a number of areas around Burrard Inlet, including the waters off Ambleside and Dundarave.
This summer, humpback whales have also been spotted a number of times in Howe Sound. It’s a good news story, and it’s worth taking a moment to acknowledge and appreciate.
Whales used to be a regular sight in local waters. Word is the Cates family used to take folks out on steamships to Bowen Island to view the humpbacks.
But the animals’ populations crashed under commercial whaling to near extinction.
Back in 1970, a recording of humpback whale songs, which sounded both beautiful and melancholy, took off in the public consciousness. It was the beginning of the “Save the Whales” movement and moratoriums on whaling got an unexpected boost.
Fast forward 45 years. International bans on whaling have combined with environmental clean-up efforts that have helped restore the whales’ habitat.
Locally, Howe Sound is a good example of this.
When the environment supports good numbers of herring, seals and salmon, it’s also good for whales. Call it “trickling up.” The whales’ tale is a story of how wildlife populations can recover, if we are prepared to take actions to save them. It’s also a reminder that many species, including whales, still face threats, and we must remain engaged and vigilant on their behalf as well.
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