Sanctuary waters are frequented by more kinds of marine mammals than any body of water comparable in size. More than 27 species of whales and porpoises are found within the sanctuary at one time of the year or another. Of the baleen whales, the migrating gray whale is the most frequently sighted as it makes its journey North to its summer feeding grounds. In addition, there have recently been increased sightings of blue, minke and humpback whales during the summer months when krill is abundant. (photo: Channel Islands NMS)