Oregon State Parks is ushering in the spring season with an extended Spring Whale Watch Week that's bound to be more than just a fluke. From March 23 to March 31, visitors can flock to the Oregon Coast to spot the majestic gray whales on their way back from Mexico, accompanied by their newborn calves.
With volunteers perched at 15 coastal sites from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day, they're all set to guide your gaze toward these gentle giants as they undertake their migration to Alaskan waters. The event not only swells with a three-day increase over last year but also rides the wave of good news from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Following a significant die-off that started in 2019, NOAA has officially declared the end of the gray whale Unusual Mortality Event, signaling hope for the species rebound.
Michael Milstein, a public affairs officer with NOAA Fisheries, shared some buoyant news with visitors, "The latest counts indicate that the gray whale population has likely turned the corner and is beginning to recover. It’s a perfect time for people to see them as they swim north with new calves to feed." This promising outlook is based on a notable upsurge in calf sightings, with about 412 recorded last year, nearly doubling the prior year's figures, as per the Oregon State Parks.
An estimated 14,500 gray whales are projected to make their presence known off the Oregon shoreline this migration season. "Spring is a great time for whale watching because the gray whales are usually closer to shore on their return trip, typically around a mile or so out, and the weather can be better for viewing," advised Park Ranger Peter McBride in a statement that emphasizes the prime conditions for spouting sights. However, he adds a practical note for prospective watchers, "But don’t forget your rain gear just in case", per the Oregon State Parks.
As the coast prepares for this marine spectacle, local businesses along the iconic Highway 101 are also bracing for a surge in visitors eager for a glimpse of the ocean's leviathans. It's a convergence of natural wonder and tourism that promises to breathe life into the otherwise quiet seaside communities.
