The patterns of foraging intensity of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) over a 17-year period (1997–2013) in Clayoquot Sound, Vancouver Islandare examined. In this area, epibenthic mysid species are gray whales’ primary prey. The analysis indicates a top-down modification on habitatquality by this apex predator. Intense foraging in one or two summer season contributes to reduced prey resources available in the following summer.Years of heavy predation pressure were followed by at least one year of reduced foraging, probably allowing a reprieve in which the mysids couldrepopulate. Over the time span several patterns were noted including: boom-bust cycles; extended periods of reduced foraging; an overall decliningtrend of foraging whales using Clayoquot Sound, followed by a significant prey recovery in 2010. Life history patterns of mysids are discussed inthe context of their ability to recover from predation, and how this recovery during a reprieve may buffer the intensity of foraging from the previousyear. The continuing ability of mysids to recover from repeated and persistent removal will determine the use of Clayoquot Sound as a gray whaleforaging area in the future.