I hear that there has been lots of exciting wildlife viewing in Prince Rupert Harbour this past fall and winter and some even in the previous three winters as well. Humpback whales and sea lions seem to be providing quite a show.
An increase in sightings of humpback whales in protected harbours in BC, for example in Vancouver, is thought to reflect the overall increase in humpback numbers, but there must be enough food for them to stay for a while.
It is thought that an abundance of herring in the Prince Rupert harbour area from November through February has attracted the whales. Near the harbour entrance, groups of as many as 15 to 20 humpbacks per group were witnessed bubble-net feeding in December.
Smaller groups of 2-3 whales were seen inside the harbour up Tuck Inlet. In turn, the actively feeding humpback whales have been attracting the attention of sea lions and numerous birds.
The sea lions are interested in the same prey food as the whales and could be seen harassing (mobbing) the whales. The whales were breaching, pectoral fin slapping, and trumpeting (exhaling loudly), possibly in response to the many sea lions around.
When some of this activity is taking place right inside the harbour it provides awesome land-based viewing for humans.
If there is enough food, the humpbacks typically forage in B.C. waters through the summer until the fall. An abundance of food may explain why some whales are staying around even through December to February. Several mother and calf pairs, as well as, yearlings have been documented staying late and are likely continuing to feed and rest to restore their strength.
As I write this on March 3, the sea lions seem to have left the Rupert harbour likely to go up the Skeena River pursuing the eulachon.
Killer whales also come into the harbour, usually in April and May. A well-known family of fish-eating killer whales (Northern Residents) called A42s visit each spring, led by their matriarch Sonora.
Why do whales breach? There may be lots of reasons such as looking around, dislodging barnacles and lice, communicating with each other or just having fun.
If you want more information, do not hesitate to contact the North Coast Ecology Centre in Cow Bay. The Centre has displays and other activities and is open to the public from May to September. For more information check the website at northcoastecologycentresociety.com.
My thanks to Karina Dracott at the North Coast Ecology Centre for help with information and writing this article.
