Endangered Whales Crowding the Coastal Waters of California to Feed on Krill

(Photo : Reuters)

The ocean seems to be stirring up all types of unusual marine life activity from one coast of our country to the other. An abundant number of rare whales have been spotted in waters near the California shoreline, and in New York reports have come in of numerous varieties of uncommon fish invading the shallows of the Atlantic near the coast of Long Island.

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A great number of endangered whales, including both blue and humpback species have been seen swimming about in the Monterey Bay area of California. 

The theory is that the whales are being drawn into the area by an increased number of krill, tiny shrimp-type animals that are one of the main food sources for these massive mammals of the sea.  This "bumper harvest," of baitfish has likely come about thanks to strong northwest winds that have been pushing up cold, nutrient-rich water from the deepest depths of the ocean. This unusual instance has been said to cause increased blooms of phytoplankton, which in turn has led to the vast amount of krill in the water, all tempting these whales into the area.

Marine-life lovers and seafaring tourists are reportedly driving up business substantially for local whale-watching tour outfits; however this natural spectacle has also posed a safety risk due to the likelihood of dangerous collisions with the many cargo ships that serve this area of California.

While cold waters are responsible for the endangered whales venturing close to the West Coast of the country, warmer waters on the East Coast are drawing in an increased number of unusual species of fish off the shore of Long Island in New York.

The New York Post has reported that unexpected and numerous species of fish, including 800-pound Marlin as well as Cobia, Wahoo, Porpoises, Sea Robins and even Great White Sharks.  According to officials, there have been multiple shark sightings in the region over the summer, from Fire Island to Montauk and everywhere in between.