Humpback whales in the Salish Sea have a complicated history. They were hunted to near extinction a century ago, with whalers turning some of the largest creatures on Earth into buckets of oil, slabs of meat, tubs of cheap margarine and fertilizer. These coastal waters were emptied of these magnificent creatures who once called them home.

But now, in an amazing turn of events, Humpback whales have started to come back. And what they’ve found is a whole new world of dangers.

On today’s episode, I’m out at sea off the coast of Vancouver with scientists on a high speed chase for answers. Why are they coming back? And are they here to stay? Some groundbreaking research techniques might tell us.

Check out our eDNA episode about the groundbreaking things scientists are using it for
Whale Report app for reporting Humpback whales in the Salish Sea
Marine Education and Research Society's Whale-Safe Boating course
Listen to more whales around the Salish Sea

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THE WILD is a production of KUOW in Seattle in partnership with Chris Morgan Wildlife and Wildlife Media. It is produced by Matt Martin and Lucy Soucek and edited by Jim Gates. Writing by Christopher Preston. It is hosted, produced and written by Chris Morgan. Fact checking by Apryle Craig. Our theme music is by Michael Parker.

Photo Credit: Ocean Wise. Photo Taken Under DFO Permit MML-18, BCZ0180 "Monarch"

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The Humpback comeback: Vancouver's whales come home