Where Open Water Swimmers Meet Blue Whales
It is not often when open water swimmers can meet the largest creatures on Earth. But swimmers crossing the Catalina Channel in California may have that opportunity over the next several weeks as the annual migration of blue whales continues from the warm southern waters to the more northern climes.Just south of the primary route between Catalina Island and the California mainland, herds of blue whales have been reported swimming north from Mexico.
The large whales that can grow up to 30 meters have been seen every day this week in the area.
And their population may be increasing. This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration began to re-route the traditional shipping traffic lanes in and out of the Pacific coast harbors in order to minimize the risk of collisions between blue whales and ships.
Photo by Michael L. Baird.
Copyright © 2013 by Open Water Swimming
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff. Note: WOWSA only recommends products or services used or recommended by the community. WOWSA does not receive compensation for links or products mentioned on this site or in blog posts. If it does, it will be indicated clearly on that specific post. See WOWSA's privacy policy for more information.
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