Gray whale mothers and newborn calves in calving lagoons are highly sensitive to vessel disturbance, with boat noise and proximity causing stress responses that interfere with nursing and bonding.
Calving and early nursing represent the most vulnerable period in a gray whale calf life. Disruption of nursing bonds through boat disturbance can lead to separation, reduced calf growth rates, and increased susceptibility to predation. The welfare of calves depends heavily on uninterrupted contact with mothers during the first critical weeks.