logo here

One whale has apparently decided to play tourist and visit California for a few weeks during the migration season.  The whale, a 25 foot long Gray Whale appears to be resting up from his trip in the Marina Del Rey harbor.

According to local authorities it’s not uncommon for whales to stop frequently during migration to rest and feed on the ocean bottom in shallow areas like the bay.  This is because the California gray whale has one of the longest known whale migration routes. 

However, this whale seems to be hanging out for a longer than usual amount of time.  Peter Wallerstein, founder of Marine Animal Rescue states, ‘It's abnormal for being there and then leaving, going out a couple of miles and then returning to the main channel there in the marina.’

The whale, which appears to be one to two years old, may just be recovering from an injury, but officials can only speculate at this point.  At least the whale appears to be healthy and swimming normally. 

Despite the whale’s apparent health it is in some danger.  Marine Animal Rescue has had to keep an eye on the whale and curious lookie-loos that come out to see the whales close up. 

Wallerstein goes on to state, ‘We have too many boaters, too many citizens going up close to the whale. They can injure the whale, they can get injured…We hope it leaves and continues the migration…Until then we're doing what we can." 

Until the whale leaves authorities are encouraging visitors and locals to view the whale from the rocks along the shoreline rather than attempting to go out in a small boat or kayak.  It’s possible that a kayak or boat could be capsized by the whale or just waves in its wake, and the whale could also be injured by hitting the boats accidentally.

Source: http://www.smdp.com/Articles-c-2009-06-18-60154.113116_Wandering_whale_still_hanging_out.html