Can we find humpback whales in all seas?
Humpback whales exist worldwide - the National Marine Sanctuary has identified 6 different populations. Whalesong concentrates on the population of the North Pacific. The majority of the population (approx. 60%) migrates into the warmer waters around Hawaii during winter time. Approximately 30% migrate to the coast of Mexico or Baja California, and the remaining 10% make the journey to the southern islands off Japan. They are found frequently in proximity to the coast in relatively shallow water. That gives us the possibility of being able to observe the whales well - in Hawaii you can often see the whales from the beach! They are, however, not around Hawaii throughout the entire year. The first whales come to their breeding ground in the warmer waters at the end of October, at which time some give birth to the new generation. According to many researchers, most whales may spend only a few days in the breeding grounds after their arrival, then they make their way back again to their feeding grounds around in the north. The exception would be new mothers who must wait until their little ones are strong enough for the journey, and may stay in Hawaiian waters for 1 ½ to 2 months.
