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Petersburg, Alaska ~ We’ve Got Whales - by Bob Doyle
As a deck hand on a commercial fishing boat from Petersburg, Alaska, I spend many hours on “wheel watch” in the pilothouse while going to and from the fishing grounds within Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage. The pilothouse of a seine boat provides an excellent viewing platform for observing marine life including humpback whales, which we usually encounter soon after leaving Petersburg. When the water is calm and the air still, it is common to observe humpback whales in all directions as we ply through the waters of the Inside Passage. While recreationally fishing for halibut with my family and friends in Frederick Sound, we are frequently entertained by the songs of whales as they communicate amongst themselves.
A viewing guide produced by the U.S. Forest Service, Petersburg Ranger District, is the source of the following information and will assist you in better understanding whales and marine mammals in the surrounding waters of Petersburg, Alaska. PetersburgAlaska.com has added links within the viewing guide.
Frederick Sound Humpback Whales
Central Southeast Alaska
Description: Of the estimated 6,000 humpback whales in the North Pacific, approximately 1,000 feed in Southeast Alaska during the summer. Nearly half of the Southeast Alaska feeding population, or approximately 500 whales, will enter the Frederick Sound area during the summer. They are after the very abundant herring and krill (shrimp-like crustaceans), which thrive in these waters. This makes Frederick Sound one of the best places in the world for observing the feeding behavior of humpback whales.
Steller sea lions, harbor seals, Dall’s porpoise, and Orcas (killer whales) are also frequently seen. The area contains two major and several minor sea lion haul outs. Sea lions and humpback whales are often seen in the same feeding locations and interaction between these species is common. Harbor seals are seen both in the water and on the many rocky islets throughout the viewing area. A variety of sea birds is also present.
Location: Frederick Sound west of Portage Bay, lower Stephens Passage, and the confluence of Frederick Sound with Chatham Strait (See map). The center of this area is approximately 45 miles, by water, northwest of Petersburg, Alaska.
Access: The area is accessible by boat or air. Viewing from the water is the preferred method as that allows more time near the animals. There are a number of day charter operators in Petersburg who specialize in marine mammal viewing in this area. Overnight and multi-day charters are also available. There are several privately owned lodges and camps located in the viewing area, which include whale watching as part of their operations.
Viewing Opportunities: Humpback whales are the main attraction, but the other marine mammals and sea birds add to the enchantment of the area. Humpback whales are present in the area year-round, with the best viewing opportunities during July and August. The whales move into the area from the open ocean and are more frequently observed in the westernmost portions of the viewing area earlier in the summer. By mid to late summer, the distribution is determined more by food abundance than by the time of the season. In general, humpback whales are present along the north Kupreanof Island shore during periods of large tidal range, and in lower Stephens Passage when the tides are smaller.
Most Orcas observed in this area are part of a resident Southeast Alaska population and are present year-round. Dall’s porpoise are present in large numbers only during the summer months. Orcas and Dall’s porpoise range freely throughout the area pursuing food and do not follow a predictable pattern.
Caution: All marine mammals are protected by Federal law and are covered under the Alaska Marine Mammal Viewing Guidelines published by the National Marine Fisheries Service. The Marine Mammal Viewing “Code of Conduct” includes the following provision:
Remain at least 100 yards from marine mammals. Time spent observing individuals should be limited to ½ hour. Whales should not be encircled or trapped between boats, or between boats and shore. If approached by a whale, put the engine in neutral and allow the whale to pass. Any boat movement should be from the rear of the animal.
Pursuit of marine mammals and any activity that causes a marine animal to modify its behavior (harassment) are prohibited by law. It is also illegal to feed any marine mammal. Keep in mind that whales and other marine mammals are large, wild animals and are potentially dangerous, particularly to small vessels. Following the above guidelines will make your viewing a safe and valuable experience while showing respect for the animals.
PetersburgAlaska.com and staff can help you plan a whale of a trip to Petersburg, Alaska. Just browse our web site for information about Bed and Breakfasts, Charters, Expedition Whale Cruises and Outfitting resources or e-mail your questions so you too can enjoy viewing the Humpback whales of Southeast Alaska’s Frederick Sound.
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