Gray Whale Migration

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Migration is the movement from one fixed location to another. There are several different whale species that migrate. There are, of course, many whale species that do not migrate at all, but remain in the waters in which they are safest and most comfortable. Specific species that are known for their regular migrations include Killer Whales, Humpback Whales and Gray Whales.
Whales are large intelligent, mammals. They breathe air through their blowhole into their lungs. Whales have a sleek, streamlined body that allows them to move easily through the water, whales like humans have a 4-chambered heart, they also have hair, however by the time they are adults they have lost their hair, losing their hair allows them the ability to move swiftly through …show more content…
Current population trend is stable. 3 (R. Harbo, Whelks to Whales 2011) They will swim over 10,000 miles round trip between Mexico through the Puget Sound on their way to the feeding grounds in the Artic. The female may start its journey in February staying close to the coast line where food is easier to get to and keeping their distant from predators like the Orca. Gray whale mothers and babies pass very close to shore at many places along the migration trail. You may not even need binoculars to see them! The babies will stay close to their mothers as they know they are protected. A calf will often ride on Mom's back to rest. Gray whale moms will fight fiercely to protect their calves. Gray whales have many obstacles as they migrate through the waters. They travel the same waters as large ships, oil barges, speedboaters, fishing nets and many others. The more we are aware that whales are present, the better chance the whales have for safe travel throughout their migration path. 4(Journey North Gray Whale …show more content…
There are many factors that will effect whales, climate change, chemical pollution and marine debris. Marine debris comes in many different forms, glass, plastic, wood and abandoned fishing gear. Abandoned fishing gear is the biggest threat to whales and marine life. If a whale gets caught up in a fishing net it will likely die. Like humans it cannot breath underwater, and if the net incases the whale as to disable it, it cannot come up for air. 9(International Whaling Commission)
Marine Debris from below picture:
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