This month, gray whales are beginning their 12,000-mile spring migration from calving grounds in Baja, Mexico, back up north to feeding grounds off Alaska. Just a generation ago, these waters were hunting grounds for commercial whalers. In fact, Richmond, California was home to America’s last commercial station. It closed in 1972.
You can also listen to the “America's Last Whaling Station” radio report online.
To see & discuss photos from this story go to the America's Last Whaling Station - KQED QUEST Set on Flickr.