0 North Bound 3 South Bound 5 hrs

February 1, 2026 Sunday

Warm and Sunny, Air 73° Water 60° flat glassy seas,Wind 3-5 mph. Several swimmers, dozens of sun bathers, beach walkers and goers were out in full force enjoying the warm summer like weather.

Three South Bound Gray Whales spotted an hour before sunset migrating through quickly a mile and half offshore.The heart shaped blows lit by the late afternoon sun.

Mid February is the very beginning of the Northern Migration with overlap of South Bounders but in recent years the whales have been late getting to Mexico. This year the whales were late again heading South to the lagoons and there were no calves documented on the migration south last year. A first in the then 41 year history of the American Cetacean Society -LA chapters ACS-LA Gray Whale Census and Behavior Study, This year (2026) so far, they have documented 14 newly born calves!!

Gray Whales at Risk of Going Back on Endangered Species List!

The 2025 Gray Whale Population Abundance Estimate from NOAA(National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) is just under 13,000, which is LESS than half of the highest population estimate in 2016 of 27,000! Gray Whale Calf production has been low during the UME (Unusual Mortality Event) that was declared over in late 2023 leading into the start of the 2024 season. The next Population Estimate Survey by NOAA in 2024 used a different method of calculations based on algorithm estimation that brought the count higher and significantly out of proportion to the prior estimates. In 2025 the method for estimates was updated with the longer time frame between sightings which has changed drastically over the years allowing for a more accurate estimate of the population. Results revealed the lowest counts on record last year. In line with dropping counts over the last several years. Meaning the population is continuing to decline. The Population Estimate of 12,900 rounded up to 13,000 represents the average between 11,700 to 14,500.

Three Marine Biologists, Dr. Jim Darling, Dr. Jorge Urbán, and Dr. Steve Swartz have issued a critical letter of concern in support of a Petition written by Rick Steiner, Professor University of Alaska (ret) http://www.oasis-earth.com to consider putting the Gray Whales back on the Endangered Species List!

There is great concern that the lack of calves born (produced) over the last 5+ years is not enough to sustain the population. The lack of food and ongoing site of thin underweight or emaciated whales makes it difficult to reproduce and carry a calf to term. Last year there were over over 90 dead Gray Whales in Mexico and many traveled further south in the cooler sea temperature to find warmer waters. The earlier ice melt in the Arctic means the whales need to arrive there on time to get the abundance of prey but traveling farther south expends more energy further depleting the body conditions and over 30 Gray Whales stopped in San Francisco Bay to feed with 21 dead from ship strikes and or malnutrition. This summer Gray Whales were still seen feeding in the birthing lagoons in late May and June.

In other happier news: Apparently she said Yes!

A massive heart shaped bouquet took center stage today. The large display of dozens of long stem white de-thorned roses fenced off and framed the proposal for newly engaged couple. After several photos the couple seemingly left the majority of roses for bystanders. The abandoned flowers continued to delight, bringing joy to all as beach goers quickly gathered them up in bundles to share with other beach goers or adorn picnic set ups. Many happy smiles were seen carrying bundles up to loved ones or being passed out by happy children. Random Acts of Kindness were abundant thanks to this eco-friendly display of love shared by those on the beach.

Several beach goers enjoyed wading in the low tide with the “Golden hour” of light before sunset at Point Dume Malibu.

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