Warming Oceans Bring Record Whale Sightings to Southern California

Govind Tekale

Whales swim closer to Southern California beaches as warming oceans alter water chemistry.

Photo Source: Mike Baird (CC BY 2.0)

Deep ocean currents push swarms of krill and shrimp toward surface waters, attracting marine giants.

Photo Source: division, CSIRO (CC BY 3.0)

Whale watching cruise founder Dan Salas reports highest marine mammal numbers in last four to five years near coast.

Photo Source: Michael Fraley (CC BY 2.0)

Ocean ecosystems face disruption despite increased whale sightings near shores.

Photo Source: Andrew Reding (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Gray whales struggle to locate food and complete migrations in warming waters.

Photo Source: Karen (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Marine experts warn disrupted ecosystems affect multiple species beyond whales.

Photo Source: WhyDolls (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Marine Mammal Protection Act from 1972 provides foundation for whale protection.

Photo Source: Frans Van Heerden (Pexels)

Tour company owner Ryan Lawler emphasizes need to address species-specific human impacts.

Photo Source: Irvin Calicut (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Researchers and whale enthusiasts seek increased government support to protect vulnerable whale species.

Photo Credit: NOAA NMFS (CC BY 2.0)