Posts by Holly Lohuis

February 2026 When a whale surfaces in the Santa Barbara Channel, it’s not just an awe-inspiring moment forpassengers—it’s also a valuable data point for science. Thanks to the collaboration betweenWhale watching operators and researchers, every splash, breach, and fluke photo helpsscientists better understand the incredible marine life that makes this region one of the mostbiodiverse…

The Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area exists to protect, celebrate, and educate thepublic about one of the most biologically rich marine ecosystems on our planet. This channel isnot just water between the mainland and the Channel Islands—it is a living corridor for whales,dolphins, seabirds, fisheries, and coastal communities that have depended on a healthy…

The Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area (SBCWHA) is proud to announce a heartfelt contribution to marine science and conservation: the naming of three individually recognized whales—a blue whale, a gray whale, and a humpback whale—each honoring remarkable community leaders whose lives have been intertwined with our ocean. These gifts support the research and cataloging…

IF YOU SEE AN ENTANGLED WHALE OR MARINE MAMMAL, PLEASE CALL THE NOAA DISENTANGLEMENT HOTLINE AT 877-SOS-WHALE (877-767-9425) The public should report all sightings of entangled marine mammals so trained and authorized responders can safely respond. Equal parts heart-wrenching and hopeful, Island Packers’ first summer whale watching excursion aboard Island Explorer on June 19, 2025 turned…

The Santa Barbara Channel is one of the most biologically rich and ecologically significant marine environments in the world. Designated as a Whale Heritage Area in 2023, this vibrant stretch of ocean is home to diverse marine wildlife, including many species of whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions, and seabirds. While books, documentaries, and classroom…

Understanding Their Decline and the Role of Science in Their Survival Each January, Eastern Pacific gray whales are welcomed seasonal visitors, migrating down the coast of North America from their summer feeding grounds in the Arctic to their winter breeding/birthing grounds along the coast of Baja Mexico. After a month or two in the warmer…

January 2025 We are thrilled to celebrate an incredible milestone: the designation of the Santa Barbara Channel as the 9th Whale Heritage Area in the world! This prestigious recognition, awarded by the World Cetacean Alliance and World Animal Protection, underscores our region’s commitment to sustainable tourism, marine conservation, and the deep cultural connection we share…

Killer Whale Sightings Featuring California’s Famous Orca, Frosty January 2025 Every so often whale watching in the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area (SBCWHA) presents a moment so extraordinary that it stays with you forever. Such has been the case over the past month for four different whale watching companies and hundreds of enthusiastic whale…

December 2024 This past month, we gathered to celebrate a monumental milestone: the One-Year Anniversary of the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area. The sold-out event, “A Whale of a Celebration,” was an overwhelming success, and it’s all thanks to you—our passionate supporters: donors, sponsors, in-kind donors, dedicated volunteers, and enthusiastic community members…..Thank You! The…

Thank you for all of your support in 2023, as we became the 9th whale heritage area in the world! People like yourselves inspire us to continue our mission to raise awareness about the whales of the channel, their vital significance, incredible abundance, and unique hardships. Advocating for our channel’s greatest inhabitants is no small task and…