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Twice as many gray whales spotted

A gray whale appears off the coast of Long Beach on Monday. The number of gray whales spotted migrating south along the Southern California coast in December jumped to 364 from 182 during the same time period in 2012, causing observers to wonder if the once endangered species is experiencing a boom in population or if its migration patterns are shifting.

A gray whale appears off the coast of Long Beach on Monday. The number of gray whales spotted migrating south along the Southern California coast in December jumped to 364 from 182 during the same time period in 2012, causing observers to wonder if the once endangered species is experiencing a boom in population or if its migration patterns are shifting.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

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The jump in numbers has researchers wondering if the once endangered species is growing or if its migration patterns are changing.
Read more: Number of gray whales seen migrating south doubles from a year ago

Whale watchers

From aboard the Christopher, operated by Capt. Dan Salas of Harbor Breeze Cruises, observers watch gray whales breaching off the coast of Long Beach. Salas says the rise in the number of gray whales has attracted so many whale watchers that he’s had to add more boats to the tour schedule.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Splash

As observers watch from aboard a tour boat, a gray whale splashes into the water.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Whale's tail

A gray whale reveals its tail, much to the delight of whale watchers aboard Capt. Dan Salas’ boat, the Christopher.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Watching dolphins

Whale watchers are surprised by a pod of bottlenose dolphins near the boat. Dan Salas of Harbor Breeze Cruises said the “ocean has just absolutely come alive” this season.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Playful performer

As observers wait to see gray whales making their annual migration south along the Southern California coast, a bottlenose dolphin leaps from the water.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

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