Humpback subsurface feeding and some kelping.
- Bob Perry
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
2025 11–09 SB Channel
Captain Dave and deckhand Isabel reported high overcast and cool conditions with a light breeze in the channel. Seas were calm. Total sightings: 300 common dolphins, 200 California sea lions, and 15 humpback whales (we closely watched 9). In addition, Isabel retrieved a near record total of 9 deflated, floating, Mylar, balloons from the ocean surface, including a cluster of four. (Come on folks! When the total balloons is equal to the total number of whales watched, something must be done. Read more about it at www.balloonsblow.com )
Once again, all the action was SE, right on the edge of the lanes. There has been a large swell up the coast and it dislodged quite a bit of giant kelp from the ocean floor. Clumps, or paddies, of this algae drifted into the Channel. Late in the trip we watched a single whale rolling around and having a “spa treatment” within a kelp paddy. (See today’s photo for an example). Giant kelp is one of the few plant-like organisms that produces its own mucus, which may serve as a “skin lotion“ for humpbacks. BTW, other whale species, dolphins and sea lions also love kelp spas.
Going back chronologically, at first we watched 2 adult whales. Most of the whales we saw appeared to be sub-surface feeding, and we did not observe any lunges today. To the E, multiple spouts led us to 7 more whales, spread out over 1 or 2 miles. There was an initial group of 5 followed by an area with 2 more. Lots of action was observed in large, single birdnado. In addition to whales and birds, there were a couple of hundred sea lions. In the same area, a small pod of common dolphins came by and visited the boat for a while. Many more spouts were seen all around. Good looks were had by all.
You never know what mother nature has in store.
Bob Perry
