1 North Bound 0 South Bound 2.5 hrs

February 20th 2025

Early morning fog and low visibility made locating and tracking whales impossible. Skies cleared by mid day and finally a solo Gray Whale was seen migrating north in late afternoon light. The whale was traveling at top speeds and only blowing once at each surfacing with the fluke skimming the top before another deep dive, moving out deeper with each breathing cycle. This is the 8th north bound Gray Whale sighted in 2025 migrating past Point Dume Malibu.

At sunset at Leo Carrillo State Beach, the California Wildlife Center’s van was observed and a Marine Mammal Rescue was in progress with the team on site and sea lion in net. The Sea Lion was observed by onlookers to have odd head movements appearing disoriented and fell off the rocks. Last night the same onlookers were present when another Sea Lion displayed similar behaviors and the MMR team suspected Domoic Acid poisening which is a neurotoxin and without immediate care at risk of death. The Domoic Acid comes from red algae blooms that small fish and shell fish consume. The sea lions in turn eat the fish and become sick. As the MMR team was leaving another call came in about another Sea Lion found with similar issues.

If you see a marine mammal sick or injured please call the number below to report with your location and pictures if possible. Remain with the animal until help arrives. call 1-310-458-WILD

Thank you for reading the post and caring about the Gray Whales. If you would like to be notified of updates or new posts, please add your email address in the box below to receive notifications.

Please feel free to leave questions or comments below the post or photo galleries.