The Sei whale's mating season occurs from December to April, during which time they eat very little and live off their fat reserves. Sei whales reach maturity in about 10 years, and may live for up to 70 years. Every 2-3 years, the female gives birth to one 14-15 ft calf after a 10-12 month gestation period. The Sei whale population crashed after 106,886 were killed between 1959 and 1971. Current population estimates are 54,000 or one-fifth of its original numbers. The Sei whale is a federally endangered species, and is protected under the international treaty CITES.

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