Whales cruising Southern California coast

The Grays are here (as well as the Humpbacks).

Every time we’ve sailed in the last week, we’ve seen at least one of the mighty beasts. The one pictured swam parallel to us with 2 sisters (maybe brothers) for several miles.
I’ve looked the Marine Mammal Protection Act and learned that I can’t “take” a marine mammal. Beyond that, it’s not clear that there is any regulation, other than the proviso that we’re not supposed to harass the animals.

And what does that mean?

Best practices say not to approach whales from head or tail, but from the side and to come no closer than 100 yards. If the whale comes to you, fine. If he’s agitated, dives repeatedly, changes breathing pattern or makes a fist at you, leave him/her alone.

And give mothers with calves a wide, wide, berth.

On at least two occasions we’ve heard whale watching vessels warn others to “go to neutral,” you’re running over a Gray.

Even though the animals are huge, the one pictured is more than 40′, they’re not that easy to spot. Their blow is very misty and dissipates in any sort of wind, and, except for the occasional dive that reveals a fluke, not much of them shows above the surface.

Around these parts, we’ve most frequently run into Grays along the line formed by platform Gina and Gilda.

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Whales cruising Southern California coast