Humpback whales are one of the most iconic animals in the park, and something most visitors have at the top of their wish lists. However, from 2014-2018 whale numbers (and consequently whale sightings) abruptly declined by almost 60%. While many factors may be at play, most marine biologists point to a dramatic rise in surface ocean temperatures in 2014-16 that disrupted the entire Northeast Pacific marine ecosystem. You may have heard this warm water event called the “Blob”; another name for it is a marine heatwave. Whale numbers have started to rebound for now, but climate change will continue to threaten these popular animals. Photographer: Sean Neilson