Transient Bigg's have been hunting all throughout the inner waters from Haro Strait to Johnstone Strait. Our usual T002C family pod continue to spend much of their time cruising the channels in the upper Georgia Strait. The Southern Resident Orca pods have been in and out of the inside waters by Victoria and Vancouver not venturing up Georgia Strait, while the Northern Resident population seems to be somewhere North of Vancouver Island.
The number of Humpback Whales throughout the areas is very impressive with a few joining forces to feed co-operatively. Our friend BCY0291, Kelp Creature, or KC for short is still mostly sticking around the Discovery Passage area.
Pacific White Sided Dolphins are starting to group in larger numbers again, while the Dall's Porpoise have been spending time bow riding vessels. The shy Harbour Porpoise has made a few appearances, but generally isn't visible for very long.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
The number of Humpback Whales throughout the areas is very impressive with a few joining forces to feed co-operatively. Our friend BCY0291, Kelp Creature, or KC for short is still mostly sticking around the Discovery Passage area.
Pacific White Sided Dolphins are starting to group in larger numbers again, while the Dall's Porpoise have been spending time bow riding vessels. The shy Harbour Porpoise has made a few appearances, but generally isn't visible for very long.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Transient Bigg's Killer Whale spyhopping off of Kelp Reefs
Max Venturi, Guest of Wild Whales Vancouver
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Society News & Events
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Sightings Update
SIGHTINGS MAP 2016-033
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Mon Sep 26 2016
19:25 • 3 Biggs Orca heading North off Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
14:30 • 7 Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading West off Camp Point, Johnstone Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
13:42 • Biggs Orca heading West off Tyee Point, Johnstone Strait. Travelling at 3 knots. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Geoff Dunstan, Discovery Marine Safaris
13:12 • 2-3 Biggs Orca heading South in front of Powell River, Malaspina Strait. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
Eric Green, Powell River CCG
12:46 • Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading West off Vansittart Point, Johnstone Strait.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Geoff Dunstan, Discovery Marine Safaris
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales off of Vansittart Point
Mon, 26 Sep 2016 - 4 items
Discovery Marine Safaris Guest
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales off of Vansittart Point
Mon, 26 Sep 2016 - 4 items
Discovery Marine Safaris Guest
08:59 • 4 Biggs Orca heading West off Chatham Point travelling into Johnstone Strait.
Jordan McLean, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
Sun Sep 25 2016
16:46 • Biggs Orca all the way in Toba Inlet. From Garry. ▫ Second Hand
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
08:46 • 1-2 Biggs Orca heading South by quarry on the East side of Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. By Texada quarry.
Candi Little, Texada Island, BC
Sat Sep 24 2016
13:30 • 6 Biggs Orca heading North at Kelp Reefs, Haro Strait.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Aaron Nagler, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales heading North at Kelp Reefs
Sat, 24 Sep 2016 - 3 items
Max Venturi, Guest of Wild Whales Vancouver
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales heading North at Kelp Reefs
Sat, 24 Sep 2016 - 3 items
Max Venturi, Guest of Wild Whales Vancouver
Fri Sep 23 2016
16:00 • 5 Biggs Orca ◦T19B,T124E◦ moving slowly, heading South at the head of Toba Inlet.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
10:01 • 4 Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ coming out of Bute Inlet, angling towards Orca Point on Stuart Island, Calm Channel.
09:56 • 1 Biggs Orca heading towards Sonora Island from Bute Inlet, Calm Channel.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:53 • est. 6-7 Biggs Orca at Elizabeth Island in Pryce Channel.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
Thu Sep 22 2016
17:54 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ moving quickly, heading South from the marker at Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Bigg's Killer Whale T002Cs, Rocky and Tumbo, off of Savary Island
Thu, 22 Sep 2016 - 1 items
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Bigg's Killer Whale T002Cs, Rocky and Tumbo, off of Savary Island
Thu, 22 Sep 2016 - 1 items
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
16:22 • Biggs Orca heading into the inlet, past the waterfall near Lawrence Point, Bute Inlet. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:07 • 7 Biggs Orca headed into Bute Inlet. 3 large males in the group. Oak Bay on scene.
15:03 • Biggs Orca on the shoreline of Stuart Island heading towards Arran Rapids, Bute Inlet.
Jordan McLean, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
14:52 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ moving slowly, heading East cutting across South reefs of Savary Island, Georgia Strait.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
14:28 • 6 Biggs Orca heading towards Henrietta Point at the entrance to Bute Inlet. In 2 groups.
14:28 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading towards Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
13:50 • Biggs Orca at the entrance to Bute Inlet Calm Channel. ▫ On Scene
Geoff Dunstan, Discovery Marine Safaris
13:30 • 3 Biggs Orca South-West of Grant Reefs, Georgia Strait. The Humpbacks picked up the pace to get more distance away from the Transient Biggs Orca.
Wed Sep 21 2016
17:45 • 1 Biggs Orca heading North off Prevost Island, Trincomali Channel. ▫ From Ferry
Alison Martin, Victoria, BC
16:08 • 1 Biggs Orca ◦T124E◦ heading North in the North side of Plunger Passage, Sutil Channel.
Geoff Dunstan, Discovery Marine Safaris
16:08 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading South approaching Cape Mudge, Discovery Passage.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
15:19 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading South off Painters Lodge, Campbell River, Discovery Passage.
13:53 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ bucking tide, off April Point, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. Stationary. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
13:53 • 1 Biggs Orca ◦T124E◦ heading North off Marina Island, Sutil Channel.
12:40 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading South between April Point and Quathiaski Cove, Discovery Passage. Drifting backward in tide. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Geoff Dunstan, Discovery Marine Safaris
11:05 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading South off Whiskey Point, Discovery Passage. Close to Quadra shore.
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
08:00 • Biggs Orca heading North by Plumper Bay, Discovery Passage.
Tue Sep 20 2016
16:00 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading West in Mayne Passage. Going towards Johnstone Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Geoff Dunstan, Discovery Marine Safaris
15:13 • Biggs Orca heading West past Blind Channel Resort leaving Mayne Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
13:53 • Biggs Orca heading West in front of Cordero Lodge, Cordero Channel.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
SOUTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
Mon Sep 26 2016
12:56 • SRKW Orca ◦L12s, J17s, J28◦ heading North off Sand Heads off Steveston, Georgia Strait. Large pod.
Aaron Nagler, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
Sun Sep 25 2016
--:-- • SRKW Orca ◦Js, Ks and Ls◦ travelling, heading North across Georgia Strait through Active Pass. Up the bank this morning and afternoon.
Aaron Nagler, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
Wed Sep 21 2016
15:19 • SRKW Orca ◦Kpod◦ heading North off Stuart Island, Haro Strait. Elements of K-pod.
Tue Sep 20 2016
16:22 • SRKW Orca heading South just South of Race Rocks, Strait of Juan de Fuca. Others are Westing and West of Trailers.
Aaron Nagler, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
HUMPBACK WHALES
Mon Sep 26 2016
19:09 • 1 Humpback Whales at the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy heading towards the Cape Mudge Lighthouse, Georgia Strait.
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris
14:59 • Humpback Whales heading East at Rock Point, Johnstone Strait.
Geoff Dunstan, Discovery Marine Safaris
12:40 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦possibly BCX0565 Nick and BCZ0004 Stripe◦ heading South abeam Hoskyn Rock and Moulds Bay in the middle of Hoskyn Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
12:31 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦possibly BCX0565 Nick and BCZ0004 Stripe◦ heading South off Bold Point, Hoskyn Channel.
09:53 • Humpback Whales heading East at Wilby Shoals 500-m from Quadra Island, Georgia Strait. In 40 feet of water.
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
09:14 • Humpback Whales heading South off Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
08:45 • Humpback Whales off Van Anda, Malaspina Strait.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Candi Little, Texada Island, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale off of Van Anda in Malaspina Strait
Mon, 26 Sep 2016 - 2 items
Candi Little, Texada Island, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale off of Van Anda in Malaspina Strait
Mon, 26 Sep 2016 - 2 items
Candi Little, Texada Island, BC
Sun Sep 25 2016
19:02 • 2 Humpback Whales taking long dives, heading North by the South-West side of Hernando Island, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Mireille Morissette, On A Dime Outdoor Adventures
17:05 • 2 Humpback Whales heading South at Cape Mudge Lighthouse, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
15:50 • Humpback Whales between Francisco Point and Marina Island, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Elvis Chikite, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:43 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0291 KC◦ heading North past green light at Browns Bay, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
14:30 • Humpback Whales ◦BCX0380 Zed◦ heading South by Manson Passage angling from Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Elvis Chikite, Eagle Eye Adventures
13:13 • 2 Humpback Whales heading South in front of Discovery Harbour Marina, Campbell River, Discovery Passage.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:13 • Humpback Whales foraging, off Van Anda on Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
Micheline Macauley, Texada Island, BC
13:13 • 2 Humpback Whales between Cape Mudge Village and Cape Mudge Lighthouse, Discovery Passage.
13:13 • Humpback Whales heading South mid-strait at Cape Mudge Lighthouse, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
10:11 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCZ0004 Stripe, BCX0565 Nick◦ heading South off Quathiaski Cove in the middle of Discovery Passage. Off the mill.
10:11 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0291 KC◦ heading North off Yellow Island, Discovery Passage.
09:44 • 3 Humpback Whales heading South in front of Walcan Seafood Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
09:43 • Humpback Whales heading North in front of Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge by Cape Mudge Lighthouse, Georgia Strait. Close to shore.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
09:27 • 1-2 Humpback Whales doing circles, off Race Point, Discovery Passage.
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris
09:16 • 1 Humpback Whales off the green can at Francisco Point, Georgia Strait.
08:52 • 1 Humpback Whales heading North in front of Whiskey Point, Discovery Passage.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching
08:04 • 2 Humpback Whales heading North off Cape Mudge Village on Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Sat Sep 24 2016
18:36 • 2 Humpback Whales heading South in front of Painters Lodge heading towards Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
18:16 • 2 Humpback Whales in front of Painters Lodge heading towards Quadra Island. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
17:45 • 1 Humpback Whales heading South off of Copper Bluffs, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:59 • 2 Humpback Whales off of Tyee Spit in the middle of Discovery Passage.
14:58 • 1 Humpback Whales off of Steep Island, Discovery Passage.
14:55 • 2 Humpback Whales between April Point and Duncan Bay in the middle of Discovery Passage.
12:55 • 2 Humpback Whales heading North at the Cape Mudge Lighthouse, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
12:16 • 2 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading North off of Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait. From the Kuluta. ▫ Second Hand
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Tenacious3 (Boat), Discovery Marine Safaris
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Two Humpback Whales off of Cape Mudge
Sat, 24 Sep 2016 - 3 items
Taken from the Kuluta of Discovery Marine Safaris
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Two Humpback Whales off of Cape Mudge
Sat, 24 Sep 2016 - 3 items
Taken from the Kuluta of Discovery Marine Safaris
12:15 • 2 Humpback Whales near Cape Mudge Fishing Hump off Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
09:26 • 1 Humpback Whales bucking tide, abeam Cape Mudge Lighthouse mid-channel in Discovery Passage.
09:16 • 1 Humpback Whales about 2 miles off of Subtle Islands midchannel in Sutil Channel. Near ferry route.
Radio, overheard or call out
08:25 • 2 Humpback Whales off of Cape Mudge Village on Quadra Island midchannel in Discovery Passage.
Dave McDonald, Campbell River Whale Watching
Fri Sep 23 2016
18:51 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0291 KC◦ doing circles, in front of Copper Cliffs, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
17:00 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0291 KC◦ doing circles, at Race Point, Discovery Passage.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
16:54 • 1 Humpback Whales at Walcan Seafood Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
15:19 • 1 Humpback Whales taking long dives, heading North at April Point, Discovery Passage. Dives lasting approximately 7 mins and travelling at 3 knots.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
Thu Sep 22 2016
17:43 • 1 Humpback Whales heading North mid-channel off of Copper Bluffs, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
16:45 • est. 3 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading South-East 1-2 Kms North of Tralee Point near Hornby Island, Georgia Strait. Short dives approximately 3 to 5 mins long. Blows visible and small dorsal fins. Huge swarm of seagulls feeding in the area but likely 1-2 km from whales. ▫ Observed from Shore
Norm Webster
13:50 • 2 Humpback Whales moving quickly, heading towards Vancouver Island from Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait. The Humpbacks picked up the pace to get more distance away from the Transient Biggs Orca and were making a be line towards Vancouver Island.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Two Humpback Whales heading towards Vancouver Island from Sentry Shoal
Thu, 22 Sep 2016 - 5 items
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Two Humpback Whales heading towards Vancouver Island from Sentry Shoal
Thu, 22 Sep 2016 - 5 items
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
13:15 • 2 Humpback Whales doing circles, South end of Sentry Shoal.
12:43 • 2 Humpback Whales about 1 mile off of Vivian Island, Georgia Strait.
Elvis Chikite, Eagle Eye Adventures
12:41 • 1 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading South outside of Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.
Tenacious3 (Boat), Discovery Marine Safaris
12:10 • 1 Humpback Whales taking long dives, off of the Red can at Sutil Point, Cortes Island, Georgia Strait. 15 mins long dives.
12:10 • 1 Humpback Whales heading South between Eagles Cove and No Name Creek, Discovery Passage.
11:03 • 2 Humpback Whales doing circles, about 1 mile South of Montgomery Bank, Georgia Strait.
08:45 • 1 Humpback Whales heading South at Chatham Point, Discovery Passage.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
Wed Sep 21 2016
17:06 • Humpback Whales heading toward North end of Marina Island, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
17:05 • Humpback Whales doing circles, off Rebecca Spit, Sutil Channel.
Geoff Dunstan, Discovery Marine Safaris
12:52 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0409 Yogi◦ heading East along the North shore of Spieden Island, Boundary Pass.
Aaron Nagler, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
11:04 • Humpback Whales in front of Powell River, Malaspina Strait. Rolling around.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
09:25 • 1 Humpback Whales bubble netting, off Whaletown, Sutil Channel.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:00 • Humpback Whales passed Turn Island heading into Nodales Channel.
Tue Sep 20 2016
17:30 • 2 Humpback Whales in Menzies Bay, Discovery Passage.
Dave McDonald, Campbell River Whale Watching
17:27 • 2 Humpback Whales between Harwood Island and Powell River, Malaspina Strait. A couple blows were seen.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
17:11 • 2 Humpback Whales just South of Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage.
16:22 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0291 KC◦ just South of Kellsey Point, Yuculta Rapids.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
16:20 • Humpback Whales breaching, at Harbott Point, Calm Channel.
14:56 • est. 2 Humpback Whales off of Kellsey Point, Yuculta Rapids.
Radio, overheard or call out
13:42 • 1 Humpback Whales 1/2 mile South-East of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
13:27 • 1 Humpback Whales in Baker Passage. ▫ Second Hand
13:15 • 2 Humpback Whales at Montgomery Bank on the South-East side of Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait. A mother and her calf.
12:30 • 1 Humpback Whales 1 mile off of the East side of Hill Island, Sutil Channel.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
12:30 • 2 Humpback Whales doing circles, mid-channel, just North of Separation Head, Discovery Passage.
Tenacious3 (Boat), Discovery Marine Safaris
11:04 • 2 Humpback Whales in Horn Bay heading towards Horn Point, Dent Rapids.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
10:39 • 2 Humpback Whales heading South about 100 meters off the beach, just South of 45 Point, Discovery Passage.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
09:16 • 2 Humpback Whales heading North on the shoreline by Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:10 • 1 Humpback Whales by Browns Bay.
08:15 • 2 Humpback Whales at Separation Head, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
Mon Sep 19 2016
14:42 • Humpback Whales off Denham Islet, Dent Rapids.
Radio, overheard or call out
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales bubble feeding
Mon, 26 Sep 2016 - 1 items
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Experience
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales bubble feeding
Mon, 26 Sep 2016 - 1 items
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Experience
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Wed Sep 21 2016
16:07 • PWS Dolphins feeding, out from Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
11:04 • 10 PWS Dolphins in Lower Rapids, Okisollo Channel. Sleepy.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
Tue Sep 20 2016
09:27 • est. 20-30 PWS Dolphins at Howe Island, Nodales Channel. From the Chatham Point lightkeepers. ▫ Second Hand
DALLS PORPOISE
Sat Sep 24 2016
13:38 • 12 Dalls Porpoise playing, off of Burnt Bluff North of Dent Island, Dent Rapids.
Wed Sep 21 2016
14:03 • Dalls Porpoise playing, between Little Dent Island and Horn Point, Dent Rapids.
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
Tue Sep 20 2016
15:30 • 10 Dalls Porpoise at Hall Point, Nodales Channel.
10:20 • est. 15-20 Dalls Porpoise playing, in front of Walcan Seafood Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
HARBOUR PORPOISE
Sun Sep 25 2016
15:31 • 2 Harbour Porpoise milling, South end of Duncan Bay, Discovery Passage.
Mireille Morissette, On A Dime Outdoor Adventures
Wed Sep 21 2016
Tue Sep 20 2016
SIGHTINGS HEAT MAP 2016-033
The Magazine
REGIONAL & WEST COAST
PBS TV, USA
This 40 mins. PBS Special (2000) looks at the Killer Whales of Johnstone Strait and and marine biology of this rich area. Featured is the work of John Ford, many of the whales we know well, and dive footage with the whales and animals of the strait, including beautiful underwater views of the birds and mamals feeding on the fish balls of this rich marine environment.
Metro Vancouver, BC
Perhaps most famous for their webcam starring fish-snatching bears, Explore’s latest operation gets up close and personal with an earlier stop on the annual salmon run obstacle course.
A series of cameras set up off the coast of British Columbia is capturing some remarkable images of orcas drawn to the area by the late summer morsels served by the salmon migration.
However, in a frustrating twist for viewers, the Pacific Ocean is huge so a significant slice of luck is needed to spot the enormous predators swimming by. But those with the patience (or a second screen at work) can be treated to some pretty spectacular sights.
Dana Point Whale Watching
California whale-watching boat captain captured video of a rare spectacle -- two gray whales in the process of mating.
The video, filmed earlier this year and posted to YouTube by Dana Point Whale Watching, shows Capt. Todd Mansur's camera drone take off from the tour boat off the Orange County coast and approach some nearby whales.
The drone films a trio of whales swimming close together and it soon becomes apparent that two of the whales are in the throes of passion.
Humpback whales leap out of sea as kayaker takes on 22 Push-Up Challenge in middle of feeding frenzy
Daily Mirror, UK
This is the astonishing moment giant humpback whales surprised a man as he did push-ups on a kayak in the middle of a feeding frenzy.
The whales gatecrashed Mike Pelayo as friends recorded video of him taking part in the 22 Push-Up Challenge off the coast of California.
While most people complete the social media challenge - which calls on them to complete 22 push-ups every day for 22 days - at home, Mike decided to find a more exciting venue.
CANADA
... belugas are in some respects mature before they wean. That is unique among cetaceans, whose muscles mature after weaning, typically between 2 and 3 years of age.
This, in theory, would allow young belugas to double the amount of time spent under water within a year of their birth, the researchers say. They calculate that both the dive length and depth increased dramatically over the first year of life, from 3.6 minutes and 216 metres at birth to 8.5 minutes and 512 metres. ...
The recent case of a Melon Headed whale calf being euthenized by officials a week after being separated from its mother, again raises the question of how whale and dolphin calfs should be treated? An international Dolphin and Whale Stranding Network survey asks for readers input.
ZME Science
In Norway, a research project regularly uses drones to investigate dietary habits and predation behaviours of killer whale groups. So far, and based on studies from the last three decades, Norwegian killer whales have been thought to be relying on the Atlantic herring as a main prey. However, a subset of groups also appears to regularly prey upon pinnipeds, as first documented by Vongraven & Bisther (2014). Part of an ongoing study that aims at monitoring the extent of killer whale predation on pinnipeds in ....
Huffington Post
... The blue whale is the world´s largest animal on the planet and moves around Northern Chilean Patagonia during their feeding season in Austral waters, every summer. This area is also heavily used for salmon aquaculture, and this sharing of habitat is the crux of the problem. In order to contribute to the long-term protection of this important marine species, WWF Chile’s Marine Program launched a campaign to create a positive change in the salmon industry, to work with producers and aid the industry in improving their approach to environmental and social issues.
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