Photos & Videos
CHANNEL OF GIANTS : CELEBRATING 2 YEARS AS A WHALE HERITAGE AREA
In 2023, the Santa Barbara Channel became one of only 11 Whale Heritage Areas in the world—a global recognition of its vibrant wildlife, cultural importance, and community commitment to protecting whales. Now celebrating two years since our designation, this film explores what makes this stretch of the Pacific Ocean so special through the four pillars of a Whale Heritage Area.
BATTLE OF THE BLUES
This short documentary film explores the majestic blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) that grace the waters off the Southern California coast, a population of the largest creatures ever living on Earth. Through stunning visuals and engaging storytelling, the film delves into the awe-inspiring beauty and immense size of these whales, captivating viewers with their graceful presence. It also reflects on their troubled history, from near-extinction due to whaling to the ongoing challenges they face today, including ship strikes, noise pollution, and climate change. The film highlights their resilience as we follow these gentle giants through their seasonal migrations and enjoy never-before-seen footage of dozens of blue whales feeding in the Santa Barbara Channel in 2024. It raises critical questions about their uncertain future in an increasingly fragile marine ecosystem.
Produced by Adam Ernster Wildlife in partnership with Blue Whales Blue Skies and the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area.
The Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area
We are excited to announce the Santa Barbara Channel has become the 9th Whale Heritage Area in the world. This designation highlights the region’s commitment to promoting responsible ecotourism, providing more ocean educational opportunities, supporting ongoing research and conservation efforts, and honoring the timeless cultural connection we have to whales, dolphins, and porpoises. We are a group of whale enthusiasts: whale-watching tour operators; naturalists; biologists; fishers; educators; museum directors; resource managers; ocean-friendly restaurants; and artists; and NGO’s all working together to heighten the awareness of the abundance and diversity of whales in the Santa Barbara Channel.
The Introduction of Bill AB2298 (PASSED AS AB14) | Assemblymember Gregg Hart
Bill AB 2298 (later passed as Bill AB14) is a revolutionary piece of local legislation pioneering the way we view and respect our local whales. The goal is to have voluntary compliance by large tanker operators to slow their vessels down to ten knots along the coast and out 50 miles. That will prevent fatal ship strikes on endangered whale populations but it will also reduce air emissions caused by these tankers and impacting onshore levels. The bill is also authored by Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura), and Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael). “The Santa Barbara voluntary vessel speed reduction program is a prime example of what happens when we prioritize public health, protect the marine ecosystem, and showcase the beneficial partnership between shipping companies, public health agencies, marine sanctuaries, and environmental organizations,” said Hart. "The Santa Barbara Channel is now a globally recognized Whale Heritage Area. The entire world is watching what we do to save whales. ”
TALES FROM WHALE LOVERS : GREG GORGA
TALES from WHALE LOVERS aims to highlight different whale enthusiasts, naturalists, photographers, operators, and researchers who work in and around the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area. From compelling stories of connection with our finned friends to advocacy and conservation efforts to help ensure their safety, we are so excited to bring you the stories of the channel. Greg Gorga is the Executive Director of Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, one of the top 10 maritime museums in the nation. In this month's highlight video, Gregg shares his knowledge and connection to the channel as well as his whale experiences here at home and abroad. We are so thankful to have Gregg as a part of our team here at the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area.
PHOTO GALLERY
