115 humpback, fin and blue whales spotted in one hour near Farallon Islands
Recreational boaters told to stay 300ft away from feeding giants
Associated Press in San Francisco
Saturday 11 July 2015 22.52 BST
Dozens of whales are frolicking off Northern California’s coast in a feast for the eyes that has also prompted federal officials to issue a boating warning.
Officials documented 115 humpback, blue and fin whales during a one-hour survey last weekend near the Farallon Islands, the Marin Independent Journal reported on Saturday.
“We are alerting small boaters and large vessel operators to be on the alert for endangered whales, and to maintain minimum distances,” said Maria Brown, superintendent of the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary.
To ease the threat of vessels striking whales, federal officials say recreational boaters, including fishermen, should remain at least 300ft away – the federal minimum distance guideline.
Roger Thomas, the 80-year-old dean of the Bay Area salmon fleet who serves as skipper of Sausalito’s Salty Lady, said there seemed to be more whales near shore this year than ever before.
“It’s unbelievable,” he said. “Whales are all over the place.”
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