Distribution, Size, and Some Behavioral Characteristics of the Gray Whales Eschrichtius robustusof the Korean Herd in the Coastal Waters of Northeastern Sakhalin

In August 1997, 56 specimens of Eschrichtius robustuswere recorded in the coastal waters of northeastern Sakhalin (in the area between Odoptu and Chaivo bays). Gray whales are observed there from May till November; they stay within 4–5 km of the coast at a depth of no more than 25 m. The whales keep moving and spend most of their time feeding intensively. The whales occur more often in the area adjacent to Pil'tun Bay than in the rest of the area. A preliminary estimation indicates that the Korean gray whale population includes no more than 100 specimens. In view of this, from now on, the eastern Sakhalin shelf should only be commercially exploited with special care.