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HUMPBACK WHALE

Megaptera novaeangliae

HUMPBACK WHALES IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

Humpback Whales occur in Monterey Bay from late March to early December. During this period Humpbacks are here to feed on anchovies, sardines, and krill. From December to March, adults migrate down to Mexico to mate and raise their calves. Humpbacks can also be found in Monterey during Winter, these individuals are often too young to mate or uninterested, we often call these Humpbacks OverWintering Humpbacks.


Diet

Krill, Sardine, Anchovy

Population Status | Monterey

Federally Threatened

Legal Protection

Marine Mammal Protection Act, National Marine Protected Area Act, Endangered Species Act

Threats

Human Related Loss (Habitat Loss, Ocean Noise, Hunting, Food Source Loss, Climate Change, Disturbance, Entanglement, Harassment, Oil Spills, Pollution, Boat Strikes, Collisions)

Size

50 ft (Female)
48 ft (Male)

Weight

90,000 lb (Female)
85,000 lb (Male)



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