Whale of a tale for local marine biologist

It’s a whale of a tale for one Moss Landing marine biologist. Giancarlo Thomae’s chance encounter, is leading to an experience of a lifetime.

Last Tuesday, Thomae saw 3-4 humpback whales offshore and decided to kayak out a safe distance away from them. Little did he know, he’d be the main attraction.

“After about an hour,” Thomae explained, “With no warning, a whale swam under my kayak. Popped up in front of me, trumpeted pretty loudly. Then about two minutes later, there were about 15 whales that popped up around my kayak then circling me and trumpeting.”

That’s when he got spectacular video and pictures. But it comes with a warning.

“The waters outside of Moss Landing can be some of the most dangerous waters on the planet,” Thomae said. “The Monterey Bay Submarine Canyon, which is wider and deeper than the Grand Canyon starts within 100 feet of shore here in Moss Landing. So I only encourage expert paddlers to paddle out.”

If you don’t know what you’re doing, you could face fines. Thomae says kayakers and boats cannot approach the whales within 100′ but it’s ok if the whales come up to them. They are also not allowed to cut of the whales or get into their way while swimming. It’s not only their safety at risk, but your also.

Thomae believes the whales are here feeding on the massive anchovy bloom happening in the waters of Moss Landing.

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