Humpback whale sightings on the rise in B.C. waters

Humpbacks have been a frequent sighting in Vancouver waters this summer. The whale species has been spotted across a number of marine outlets including in the Strait of Georgia andHowe Sound.

"It's pretty exciting to be seeing humpbacks," said Caitlin Birdsall, a member of the Vancouver Aquarium's B.C. Cetacean Sightings Network.

"Their populations have really recovered in the last 20 to 30 years and as the numbers have increased, we're starting to see them more and more."

• Rescued killer whale spotted reunited with family
• Rare B.C. humpback encounter leaves whale watchers in awe

"They're a wonderful example of how wildlife populations can recover. At the end of commercial whaling in the North Pacific, we may have had as few as 1,500 animals left in the entire north pacific ocean. Now, about 8 years ago, there was about 20,000," Birdsall said.

There are a number of human-caused threats that the whales still face, such as being hit by boats in busy waters. The B.C. Cetacean Sightings Network tries to protect the whales when it can, by visiting sites they frequent, and warning boaters to be cautious.

• Whale entanglements increasing off B.C. coast

Other threats to the humpback include entanglement, increases in ocean noise, and the impact of warmer ocean temperatures on their food sources.

Despite that, Birdsall says she's optimistic.

"It's great to see these numbers coming back, we just want to make sure the areas they're using in B.C. continue to be safe for them as well."

"I think humpback whales present a rare good-news story and I really want people to really enjoy seeing them and feel good that we protected these animals and they have come back."

To hear more, click the audio labelled: Humpbacks return to B.C. water, excite whale watchers.