Humpback Whales are everywhere! Amazing numbers of these large cetaceans are foraging in the waterways around Quadra, Cortez and Mitlenatch Islands. The food is more plentiful there and in inlets farther above Desolation Sound. Malaspina Strait which runs between Texada and the Mainland past Powell River has seen few cetaceans. Fishing by draggers may have something to do with the lack of food for all the species in that channel. Boaters, please use caution!
Transient Biggs Killer Whales are remaining elusive. They have stayed only briefly in the upper Georgia Strait area. The word on the Northern Resident Orca is that they have finally come back in to the top of Johnstone Strait. Meanwhile the Pacific White Sided Dolphins are grouping up to form larger pods in their favourite areas closer to Nodales Channel. No Porpoise reports in this issue.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Transient Biggs Killer Whales are remaining elusive. They have stayed only briefly in the upper Georgia Strait area. The word on the Northern Resident Orca is that they have finally come back in to the top of Johnstone Strait. Meanwhile the Pacific White Sided Dolphins are grouping up to form larger pods in their favourite areas closer to Nodales Channel. No Porpoise reports in this issue.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Pacific White Sided Dolphin soaring high in Discovery Passage
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Society News & Events
Real Time Monitoring Station Update: We're LIVE!
You can connect to our first installation mounted at Beach Gardens Marina click on our YouTube Channel Live Link. Even though we are still testing various functions, we have spotted our first whale by the Texada shore, and have had some spectacular sunsets. The hydrophone (underwater listening) installation is yet to come.
Can't say Thank You enough to all the hardworking volunteers and contributors!
Annual Raffle: Winners were drawn during the closing ceremonies at the Canada Day celebrations in Powell River. Congratulations to our winners from Vancouver, Powell River and Sayward!
Our team of Volunteers continue to do a great job in making sure all your sightings reports are mapped and published regularly. Would you like to join us?
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Sightings Update
ISSUE SIGHTINGS MAP 2017-018
Jump to: Biggs Orca | Orca | Humpback Whales | PWS Dolphins
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Fri Jun 30 2017
08:45 • 6-7 Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading south moving constantly between the bottom of Troup Passage and vicinity of Bella Bella, Seaforth Channel. Moving constantly from bottom of Troup Pass, east into Seaforth Channel, then south across Seaforth and past the Dryad Pt lighthouse, then into Lama Pass and into the vicinity of Bella Bella; the group had attracted a few more boats and they did a 180 to head northwest up Lama Pass. Several Orcas spread out, at first over about 1 km but then bunching up as they crossed Seaforth Channel. Close to the surface for over an hour, moving slowly from north to south, tail slapping, some tail stands and breeches by younger ones, splashing, roll to side, riding in the prop turbulence of another boat on the scene. I watched from my boat, moving with them, but drifting with engine off at times. ▫ On Scene
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Vic Gladish, Bella Bella, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales heading south in Discovery Passage
Fri, 30 Jun 2017 - 3 items
Vic Gladish, Bella Bella, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales heading south in Discovery Passage
Fri, 30 Jun 2017 - 3 items
Vic Gladish, Bella Bella, BC
08:14 • Biggs Orca by Savary Island, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Second Hand
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
Thu Jun 29 2017
17:11 • Biggs Orca ◦T137s◦ heading south near Quadra Island Scallop Farm below Heriot Bay, Sutil Channel.
16:55 • Biggs Orca ◦T137s◦ exiting Heriot Bay on Quadra Island, Sutil Channel. T137 had a wound on her dorsal fin while T137D had a nick similar to T137.
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
14:23 • 3 Biggs Orca heading north, Sutil Channel.
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters
Tue Jun 27 2017
16:13 • Biggs Orca ◦T101s◦ at Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:50 • 1 Biggs Orca on the northwest side of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. About a half mile offshore; observed from a distance. Single fluke.
Bill Coltart, Pacific Pro Dive
Jump to: Biggs Orca | Orca | Humpback Whales | PWS Dolphins
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
Fri Jun 30 2017
21:00 • 4-5 Orca inside Okeover Inlet. From visitors.
No Name Provided,
Thu Jun 29 2017
13:45 • Orca off Scuttle Bay near Powell River, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Second Hand
Radio, overheard or call out
Wed Jun 28 2017
17:12 • 2 Orca heading east just north of Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver, Howe Sound. Observed from the ferry 15 minutes out of Horseshoe Bay heading to Langdale. I saw 2, master said 2 pods. They looked like young Orca. ▫ From Ferry
Sherri Wretham, Powell River, BC
Jump to: Biggs Orca | Orca | Humpback Whales | PWS Dolphins
HUMPBACK WHALES
Sun Jul 02 2017
18:08 • 1 Humpback Whales doing circles, between Francisco Point and Marina Reef, Sutil Channel. A young one.
17:51 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south tight to Marina Island just north of Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.
17:46 • 1 Humpback Whales off Whaletown headed towards Francisco Point, Sutil Channel.
17:36 • 1 Humpback Whales off Whaletown headed towards Uganda Passage, Sutil Channel.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
16:31 • 1 Humpback Whales off Block Island in Thurston Bay, Nodales Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:33 • 1 Humpback Whales heading west 1 mile south east of Grant Reefs, Georgia Strait.
Bill Coltart, Pacific Pro Dive
13:22 • 2 Humpback Whales, Lewis Channel.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
08:30 • 2 Humpback Whales heading east just north of Francisco Point 400 metres off Quadra Island, Sutil Channel. Dogfish Bay.
08:20 • 1 Humpback Whales milling, off Francisco Point, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Sat Jul 01 2017
21:03 • 1 Humpback Whales just south of Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
20:56 • 5 Humpback Whales spread out between Mitlenatch Island and Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
17:20 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south 3 miles south from Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
16:43 • 1 Humpback Whales off Cortez Reef heading towards Baker Passage, Georgia Strait.
16:43 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south between Marina Reef and Cortez Reef, Sutil Channel. Aiming at Mitlenatch Island.
16:24 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south between Marina Island and Rebecca Spit, Sutil Channel. A mile south of the ferry. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:30 • 1-2 Humpback Whales breaching, a mile south of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
14:10 • 2 Humpback Whales between north Marina Island and Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
13:23 • est. 5 Humpback Whales ◦BCY Slits; BCY0767 Arial◦ off Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Geord Dunstan, Discovery Marine Safaris
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales, BCY Slits and BCY0767 Arial, off of Mitlenatch Island
Sat, 1 Jul 2017 - 4 items
Kaitlin Paquette, Discovery Marine Safari Naturalist
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales, BCY Slits and BCY0767 Arial, off of Mitlenatch Island
Sat, 1 Jul 2017 - 4 items
Kaitlin Paquette, Discovery Marine Safari Naturalist
12:07 • 1 Humpback Whales between Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy and Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Geord Dunstan, Discovery Marine Safaris
11:00 • 2 Humpback Whales towards Savary Island from Grant Reefs, Malaspina Strait.
George Belyea, Powell River, BC
09:51 • 1 Humpback Whales between Marina Island and Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Jen Furst, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:51 • 1 Humpback Whales off Owen Point, Nodales Channel. Whale was by the log boom.
Ryan Eisen, Sonora Resort
08:30 • 1 Humpback Whales off the sandbanks of Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
George Belyea, Powell River, BC
Fri Jun 30 2017
15:50 • 4 Humpback Whales heading south, Sutil Channel.
15:50 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north, Sutil Channel.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
15:34 • 8 Humpback Whales within a few miles of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
13:44 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0291 KC◦ heading south, Teakerne Arm, Lewis Channel.
13:42 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north one mile north of Teakerne Arm, Lewis Channel.
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris
13:22 • Humpback Whales between Hill Island and Quartz Bay, Sutil Channel. Just a little guy.
12:21 • 2 Humpback Whales inside the Sea Lion Rock, Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
12:21 • 1 Humpback Whales between Spilsbury Point and the reef off Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
12:15 • 2 Humpback Whales breaching, heading south out from Rebecca Rocks, Georgia Strait.
Karen McMurray, Ontario
11:34 • Humpback Whales at Viner Point, Sutil Channel.
11:15 • 1 Humpback Whales at Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel.
11:11 • 1 Humpback Whales at Whaletown, Sutil Channel. ▫ Sleeping.
10:21 • 1 Humpback Whales at Spilsbury Point, Baker Passage.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
10:14 • 2 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading east half mile off Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
09:20 • 2 Humpback Whales south side of Mitlenatch Island.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
08:58 • 4 Humpback Whales, Lewis Channel.
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters
08:47 • 2 Humpback Whales reef off Mitlenatch Island aimed at Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
08:39 • 2 Humpback Whales breaching,, Lewis Channel. These are two additional Humpbacks.
08:12 • Humpback Whales heading south between Bullock Bluff and Teakerne Arm, Lewis Channel. ▫ On Scene
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters
07:46 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south off Willow Point, Georgia Strait.
Elvis Chikite, Eagle Eye Adventures
07:00 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south by Quathiaski Cove, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. From a ferry worker. ▫ Second Hand
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Thu Jun 29 2017
14:46 • 3 Humpback Whales heading north at Viner Point across from Quadra Island Scallop Farm, Sutil Channel. near scallop farm.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:24 • 2 Humpback Whales taking long dives, heading north 45 Point, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ On Scene
Jim Rogers, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:41 • 3 Humpback Whales Rebecca Spit on Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters
13:32 • 2 Humpback Whales Browns Bay north of Campbell River, Discovery Passage. with 100 Pacific White Sided Dolphins.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
13:30 • Humpback Whales Browns Bay north of Campbell River. ▫ Second Hand
Radio, overheard or call out
12:49 • Humpback Whales Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy near Campbell River, Georgia Strait. ▫ Second Hand
Geord Dunstan, Discovery Marine Safaris
12:10 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north April Point on Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. mid-Strait northbound. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
11:25 • 2 Humpback Whales Viner Point on Read Island, Sutil Channel.
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters
10:27 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north Cape Mudge Lighthouse near Campbell River, Georgia Strait. even with lighthouse pointing north mid-channel.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale heading north off of Cape Mudge Lighthouse
Thu, 29 Jun 2017 - 4 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale heading north off of Cape Mudge Lighthouse
Thu, 29 Jun 2017 - 4 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
08:31 • Humpback Whales Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy near Campbell River, Georgia Strait. ▫ Second Hand
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Wed Jun 28 2017
20:37 • 2 Humpback Whales at the red can off Cortes Island, Georgia Strait.
20:05 • 2 Humpback Whales milling, off the Quadra Island Scallop Farm below Rebecca Spit, Sutil Channel.
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters
16:31 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north off Whiskey Point, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
16:27 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south off Cape Mudge, Quadra Island, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:18 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0291 KC◦ at Tugboat Passage, Dent Rapids.
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:11 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0291 KC◦ off Kellsey Point, Stuart Island, Yuculta Rapids.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:11 • 1 Humpback Whales at Dent Island, Dent Rapids.
13:55 • 1 Humpback Whales in Horn Bay, Dent Rapids.
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
13:26 • 2 Humpback Whales travelling, heading south at Steep Island, Discovery Passage. Against the tide.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
11:59 • 1 Humpback Whales travelling, heading north 350m south end off Cape Mudge Village on Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris
11:58 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north between April Point and Painters Lodge, Discovery Passage. Mid strait and large animals. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:37 • 2 Humpback Whales travelling, heading south off Row and Be Damned below Quathiaski Cove, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris
11:37 • Humpback Whales travelling, heading north-east towards Mace Point, Savary Island, Malaspina Strait.
Joan Treen, Powell River and Savary Island, BC
11:37 • 2 Humpback Whales just north of Quathiaski Cove, Quadras Island, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
10:19 • 1 Humpback Whales travelling, heading south halfway between Cape Mudge Lighthouse and Cape Mudge Village, Discovery Passage.
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
09:46 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north at Cape Mudge Village on Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:46 • 1 Humpback Whales between Mitlenatch Island and south end of Hernando Island, Georgia Strait. Mid channel.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:46 • 1 Humpback Whales at Cape Mudge Lighthouse, Georgia Strait.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:40 • Humpback Whales taking long dives, heading north between Campbell River and Cape Mudge Lighthouse, Discovery Passage. Mid channel. ▫ Observed from Shore
Jeanne Ralston, Campbell River, BC
08:52 • 2 Humpback Whales travelling, heading south 1 mile northeast of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
08:52 • 2 Humpback Whales travelling, heading north north of Francisco Point, Sutil Channel. 3 knots, no flukes. ▫ Leaving the Scene
08:19 • 1 Humpback Whales between Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy and Cortes Island, Georgia Strait.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
07:50 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north by Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
07:48 • 7 Humpback Whales at Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait. From fishing guide.
Geord Dunstan, Discovery Marine Safaris
07:47 • Humpback Whales breaching, between Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy and Hernando Island, Georgia Strait.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Tue Jun 27 2017
15:40 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0291 KC◦ in front of Shoal Bay, Cordero Channel.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:09 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north off Spilsbury Point, Baker Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:49 • 2 Humpback Whales on the north side of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Bill Coltart, Pacific Pro Dive
12:25 • 2 Humpback Whales between Mitlenatch Island and Spilsbury Point, Georgia Strait. Observed by Chris. ▫ On Scene
Tenacious3 (Boat), Discovery Marine Safaris
11:10 • 2 Humpback Whales off Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
11:03 • 2 Humpback Whales northeast off Mitlenatch Island.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:03 • 2 Humpback Whales moving slowly, about mid channel, moving away from Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy toward Baker Passage, Georgia Strait.
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
10:41 • Humpback Whales between Mitlenatch Island and Savary Island, Georgia Strait. Many more.
Radio, overheard or call out
09:58 • 2 Humpback Whales about 1 mile east of Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
Jump to: Biggs Orca | Orca | Humpback Whales | PWS Dolphins
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Sun Jul 02 2017
17:20 • PWS Dolphins heading south approaching Steep Island, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
16:01 • PWS Dolphins heading south now between Steep Island and Painters Lodge, Discovery Passage.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolpins between Steep Island and Painters Lodge
Sun, 2 Jul 2017 - 7 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolpins between Steep Island and Painters Lodge
Sun, 2 Jul 2017 - 7 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
14:36 • PWS Dolphins in Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:30 • PWS Dolphins between Seymour Narrows and Race Point, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
10:42 • est. 75 PWS Dolphins bucking tide, in Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
09:45 • PWS Dolphins spread out, heading south mid-strait from Browns Bay to Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage. Very large group.
09:24 • est. 5 PWS Dolphins in front of Walcan Seafood Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
Sat Jul 01 2017
15:30 • est. 75 PWS Dolphins foraging, between Browns Bay and Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:10 • PWS Dolphins heading south in Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage.
Bill Coltart, Pacific Pro Dive
12:27 • PWS Dolphins off 45 Point at Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. Lags launching off cruise ship.
11:55 • PWS Dolphins moving quickly, approaching Eagles Cove, Discovery Passage.
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
11:37 • PWS Dolphins spread out, heading south in the south end of Greensea Bay, Discovery Passage.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
11:08 • PWS Dolphins off Chatham Point, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:50 • PWS Dolphins heading south off Chatham Point at Rock Bay Marine Park, Discovery Passage. ▫ Second Hand
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Fri Jun 30 2017
18:00 • PWS Dolphins near Browns Bay, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
16:55 • PWS Dolphins grouped in Nymphe Cove, Discovery Passage.
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:05 • 50 PWS Dolphins heading south mid channel half mile south of Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris
13:43 • PWS Dolphins at Browns Bay.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
11:06 • PWS Dolphins heading for Barnes Bay, Okisollo Channel.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
Thu Jun 29 2017
13:32 • 100 PWS Dolphins Browns Bay north of Campbell River, Discovery Passage. with two Humpback Whales.
12:10 • est. 50 PWS Dolphins spread out, heading north Seymour Narrows north of Campbell River, Discovery Passage. fishing.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
Wed Jun 28 2017
16:08 • PWS Dolphins heading south off Separation Head, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:09 • PWS Dolphins at Separation Head, Discovery Passage. Small group.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
NEW! WOWs Sightings Archive Explorer
Recommended for desktop browsers and newer mobile devices
Dive into over 5,000 Cetacean Sightings, images, videos and audio recordings reported in our Sightings Updates with the WOWS Sightings Archive Explorer
Archive Explorer takes readers into the Cetacean world of the BC Coast. Easily view all Cetacean sighting reports together with all sighting photos and videos:
• View species such as Humpback, Grey Whale or Dalls Porpoise
• Follow the endangered Southern Residents Orca in the Salish Sea
• Search for encounters with T002C2 Tumbo
• Goto Port Alberni to watch a close-up video of Orca in the harbour
• Track the T010s Transients as they hunt and travel the inside passage
• Check-Out "KC", the ever popular Humphack and track his whereabouts this past August
• Goto one of 12,000 named locations on the BC and WA State coast
• Print custom sighting reports and maps (Coming Soon)
Explore this powerfull new research tool with the Archive Explorer Help page
Note: The Cetacean Sightings Archive is also available in database format together with sighting photo and video links for viewing, query and download here
Send your Comments and Questions to: Archive Explorer Feedback
Dive into over 5,000 Cetacean Sightings, images, videos and audio recordings reported in our Sightings Updates with the WOWS Sightings Archive Explorer
Archive Explorer takes readers into the Cetacean world of the BC Coast. Easily view all Cetacean sighting reports together with all sighting photos and videos:
• View species such as Humpback, Grey Whale or Dalls Porpoise
• Follow the endangered Southern Residents Orca in the Salish Sea
• Search for encounters with T002C2 Tumbo
• Goto Port Alberni to watch a close-up video of Orca in the harbour
• Track the T010s Transients as they hunt and travel the inside passage
• Check-Out "KC", the ever popular Humphack and track his whereabouts this past August
• Goto one of 12,000 named locations on the BC and WA State coast
• Print custom sighting reports and maps (Coming Soon)
Explore this powerfull new research tool with the Archive Explorer Help page
Note: The Cetacean Sightings Archive is also available in database format together with sighting photo and video links for viewing, query and download here
Send your Comments and Questions to: Archive Explorer Feedback
The Magazine
REGIONAL
Tims Colonist, BC
A sea otter pup found swimming alone in open waters off northern Vancouver Island is now receiving round-the-clock care at the Vancouver Aquarium’s rescue facility.
The pup is estimated to be between two to four weeks old and was spotted by passersby on Sunday. It appears to be healthy but requires a high level of care due to its young age.
According to Lindsaye Akhurst, manager of the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre, sea otter pups typically spend the first six months of their life close to their mother, learning basic skills while being nursed and groomed...
CBC News BC
Endangered killer whales that frequent the inland waters of Washington state and British Columbia are having pregnancy problems because they cannot find enough fish to eat, according to a new study.
Researchers analyzed hormones in excrement collected at sea and found that more than two-thirds of orca pregnancies failed over a seven-year period. They linked those problems to nutritional stress brought on by a low supply of Chinook salmon, the whales' preferred diet.
"A large number of whales are conceiving, but when nutrition is poor, they don't sustain those pregnancies," said Sam Wasser, lead author of the paper and a biology professor at the University of Washington....
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
Environmentalists drill through federal plan for oil and gas exploration in Laurentian Channel
National Observer
A Trudeau government plan based on "scientific opinion" will allow oil and gas exploration in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, in the middle of a proposed protected area.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada has proposed regulations that would allow oil and gas exploration in a marine protected area (MPA) it plans to establish in the Laurentian Channel, a deep submarine valley more than 1,200 kilometres long that runs through the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the edge of the continental shelf off of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The department is currently seeking public feedback on the proposal, but environmental and social advocacy groups, including The Council of Canadians, WWF-Canada, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, and Sierra Club Canada Foundation believe oil and gas exploration permits could do permanent damage.
The Laurentian Channel is home to a variety of species at risk, including the leatherback sea turtle, Northern Wolffish and North Atlantic right whale, along with migratory whales including minkes and humpbacks. Six dead North Atlantic right whales were found in the Gulf of St. Lawrence earlier this month, and while their cause of death remains a mystery, scientists are discouraging any human activity that poses further risk to their dwindling numbers.
A necropsy on a second right whale, one of six found dead in the Gulf of St. Lawrence this month, is expected to get underway Friday in the far west of P.E.I.
North Atlantic right whales are an endangered species, with only about 525 believed to be in existence. This is believed to be the largest-ever die off of North Atlantic right whales
The first necropsy was completed Thursday, on the shore near Norway, P.E.I. Pierre-Yves Daoust of Charlottetown's Atlantic Veterinary College described it as hard physical labour, and messy work with a decomposing whale. ...
The Atlantic
Humpback whales are mysterious and graceful creatures. They’re most famous for their unusual yet beautiful dance-like breaching, where they launch themselves out of the sea and into the air. Scientists aren’t exactly sure why humpbacks breach, but they think it could be for hygiene, communication, and play. Another oddly beautiful behavior that humpbacks are well known for is even less understood: blowing bubbles.
It’s been established that humpbacks...
Pirate FM
A photographer has filmed a pod of dolphins diving off the coast of Cornwall, by drone! Mike Lacey managed to capture the playful creatures making a splash at Porthleven. The video has been watched more than 84 thousand times after he posted it on Facebook. He was able to show the footage in 4K on the big screen at a local gallery too.
Timmmins Today
Officials involved with the rescue of a wayward beluga whale earlier this month in northern New Brunswick are cautiously optimistic for its future.
The beluga, which is about two metres long, was captured in the Nepisiquit River on June 15 — where it was alone — and transported to Quebec where it was released near Cacouna in the St. Lawrence Estuary.
The whale was outfitted with a satellite tracking device so officials could monitor its movements....
Vancouver Sun, BC
Whale-watching is a growing tourist business in many parts of the world, and delegates to an international whale conference in South Africa say guidelines to protect the animals are increasingly needed.
The calls for more boat-licensing and monitoring came as delegates said some heavily depleted whale species have been recovering well since an international ban on commercial whaling was imposed in 1986. Other threats such as fishing nets and contaminants remain, while the long-term impact of climate change is a concern.
About 13 million people annually board boats to see whales or dolphins, and commercial operators offer the activity in some 120 countries and overseas territories, said Dylan Walker, CEO of the World Cetacean Alliance. Cetaceans include whales, dolphins and porpoises.
The flourishing industry requires more safeguards to reduce stress on marine species and minimize disruptions when they are resting, socializing, feeding or travelling, Walker said.
"A large vessel that parks right next to the animals can potentially disturb those animals from doing those activities," he said, citing cases of mothers separated from their young by an approaching vessel.
J Stor Daily
It’s not a joke: whales have become almost common in New York City. Once rare, humpback whales are now frequent visitors to New York City. Multiple companies offer whale-watching tours, leaving straight from the city. What brought whales to the city? It’s a tale of water quality, plankton, and an unassuming but vital fish called the menhaden.
The story begins in the 1970s with the passage of the Clean Water Act. In prior years, New York Harbor and surrounding waters were a dumping ground for all manner of filth. (There’s a place in Queens called Dead Horse Bay, named for the many horse parts that were dumped there in the late nineteenth century). Improvements in both the volume and type of sewage treatment from New York City rapidly improved water quality. In under two decades, dissolved oxygen in New York City waters almost doubled, levels of fecal coliform bacteria declined, and summer periods of extremely low oxygen (hypoxia) decreased in strength and duration. Other types of pollution were reduced as well....
Telesur, Venezuela
Up to 15 humpbacks can be seen twice a day with each sighting lasting anywhere between two to three hours.
Travelling more than 15,000 miles around the world, thousands of humpback whales are making their way from the South American coast to the ice caps of Antarctica for their bi-annual migration.
As the season turns from spring to summer, the gentle giants of the deep begin their journey which stretches from June to September as they surface to dance over the waves beginning along coast of Puerto Lopez in Manabí, Ecuador....
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