Eschrichtius robustus
Gray whales undertake one of the longest migrations of any mammal, traveling over 16,000 km between their Arctic feeding grounds and breeding lagoons in Mexico. BC is a critical stopover point during their spring migration. Some individuals, known as "Pacific Coast Feeding Group" whales, spend the summer feeding in BC waters rather than continuing north.
Length
13-15 m
Weight
16,000-36,000 kg
Coastal waters, often very close to shore. Favors shallow bays and estuaries where they can feed on bottom-dwelling organisms.
Unique bottom feeders - they scoop sediment from the ocean floor and filter out tiny crustaceans called amphipods. Also eat ghost shrimp and tube worms.
Often seen close to shore, making them popular with land-based whale watchers. May spy-hop to look around above water. During migration, travel day and night with little rest.
