The caplin run is drawing in whales on their annual migration north.
In recent days some amazing video has been posted to social media showing humpbacks feeding close to shore.
In one case in Job’s Cove, Conception Bay a whale was captured on video coming right up to the wharf where two men were standing and remarking on the amazing spectacle.
Parks Canada’s Dave Taylor says this time of year the whales are hungry and they’re making the most of the natural abundance.
DFO whale researcher Dr. Jack Lawson says humpback populations are growing, while recovery has been a bit tougher for other species.
The humpback population off Newfoundland and Labrador is estimated at about 5,000 while other species like blue whales and right whales are not recovering like they should. He says there are only about 300 North Atlantic right whales left in the world.
An amazing day at the Whale Festival at Cape Spear, NL! Little wind, 23C, and humpback and minke whales galore – with some feeding right below the lookout. Lots of tourists and townies enjoying the day pic.twitter.com/AXhT0Fjf3a
— Dr. Jack Lawson (@drjwlawson) June 26, 2022