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Humpback whales are beloved for their playful personality. They’re known for putting on a show, breaching often and slapping their pectoral fins and tails. But a century ago their future looked grim. They were hunted relentlessly and were on the brink of extinction, but global conservation efforts changed that. Today the number of Humpback whales along the West Coast has grown from 500 to more than 5,000. Many of the whales are showing up in local waters, including Elliott Bay. And though their return is positive, some whales have fallen victim to vessel strikes, so educating boaters is essential. Producer Annabel Cassam and photographer Pete Cassam explain.