The Wild with Chris Morgan The Humpback comeback: Vancouver's whales come home
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Jan 13, 2026 In this engaging discussion, marine researcher Chloe Robinson shares her insights on the resurgence of humpback whales in the Salish Sea after a century of near extinction due to whaling. Chloe explains groundbreaking eDNA sampling techniques that allow scientists to gather genetic information without disturbing the whales. She highlights modern threats like ship strikes and emphasizes the importance of citizen science in tracking whale populations. Tune in to discover how genetics might shape future conservation efforts and give these majestic creatures a second chance.
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Big Mama: The Whale That Reopened The Sea
- Chris Morgan joins Mark Mallison on a Zodiac whale-watch where they spot numerous humpbacks including Big Mama.
- Mark photographed Big Mama in 1997, the first Salish Sea humpback sighting in nearly a century, and she still returns annually.
Citizen Science Built A Whale Catalogue
- Researchers have catalogued about 1,100 individual humpbacks in the Salish Sea using fluke photos.
- The catalogue reveals unexpected population recovery and returning site fidelity after whaling ended.
Mothers Teach Migration And Feeding Sites
- Humpbacks show strong site fidelity, returning yearly to feeding grounds taught by mothers.
- The Fraser River fertilizes the Salish Sea, creating rich feeding habitat that attracts returning whales.