Lecture – "Return of the Giants of the Salish Sea: The Status of Gray and Humpback Whales"

***To keep this series accessible to all, regardless of the ability to pay, there is no set charge for the event; however, donations are always welcomed and appreciated.
Join us for the Future of Oceans Lecture
“Return of the Giants of the Salish Sea: The Status of Gray and Humpback Whales”
Presented by
John Calambokidis

The Salish Sea is home to many species of cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) including year-round residents and seasonal visitors. The “giants,” or larger baleen whales, that frequent the Salish Sea not only inspire wonder, they can also tell us a lot about the health of our local marine ecosystem. Join us for a lecture on these giants with John Calambokidis, founder of the Cascadia Research Collective. Hear updates on large whale populations as well as the latest results from photo-ID and tag deployments.

John Calambokidis is a founder of Cascadia Research and has studied marine mammals for over 50 years with a focus on gray, humpback, and blue whales. His local work includes documenting the Sounders and Pacific Coast gray whales and the return of humpback whales to the Salish Sea.

Our lecture series, The Future of Oceans, draws on the commitment of professional researchers and educators across all academic spectrums to help define and inspire the health of our oceans.

To see upcoming lectures for 2026-2027 and catch up on any past lectures that you missed, visit our Lectures page.

Thanks to the Darrow Family for their ongoing support.

image courtesy NOAA Fisheries