A number of pods of Transient Orca have been sighted in our inland waters during the past week, and among them, the T101s, T137s, and T002Cs were identified. Many Humpbacks whales have been observed with a majority of them located in Sutil Channel between Cortes Island and Read Island. It appears that many of the Transient Orca travelled in waterways that did not have any Humpback whales. However, one sighting came in last Friday afternoon indicating some interaction between a small group Pacific White-Sided dolphins, Transient Orca, and one Humpback whale that were all in the same area off of the Cape Mudge Village located on Quadra Island. A number of pods of Pacific White-Sided dolphins were observed with some making there way into upper Georgia Strait, but these were relatively small pods compared to the size of pods observed earlier in the summer with some numbering 100 or more per pod. Rounding out our report is a sighting of Northern Resident Orca and two Sea Otters.
On a side note, it was reported earlier in the week that another member of the Southern Resident Orca has most likely died due to malnutrition. The male Orca identified as J52 was less than three years old and its death has raised even more concerns for the health and survival of the Southern Resident Orca population numbered now at 76. It is hoped that more solutions can be found to help protect this small group of Orca that is integral to our marine ecosystems here in B.C.
Ivan Ng, Wild Ocean Whale Society
On a side note, it was reported earlier in the week that another member of the Southern Resident Orca has most likely died due to malnutrition. The male Orca identified as J52 was less than three years old and its death has raised even more concerns for the health and survival of the Southern Resident Orca population numbered now at 76. It is hoped that more solutions can be found to help protect this small group of Orca that is integral to our marine ecosystems here in B.C.
Ivan Ng, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Transient Bigg's Killer Whale, T101s, coming head on near Dogfish Bay
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Society News & Events
Real Time Monitoring Station Update: We're LIVE!
Connect to our first installation mounted at Beach Gardens Marina click on our YouTube Channel Live Link. Please bear with us as we work on the transmission problems causing the intermittent bouncy images. Even with the bouncy images, we still managed to have a couple of whale sightings. The hydrophone (underwater listening) installation will follow.
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Sightings Update
ISSUE SIGHTINGS MAP 2017-036
Jump to: Biggs Orca | NRKW Orca | Humpback Whales | PWS Dolphins | Other Species
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Sat Sep 23 2017
16:40 • est. 4 Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading north-east in Satellite Channel. South of Cowichan Bay. ▫ Observed from Shore
Brenda Fransen, Cobble Hill, BC
16:08 • Biggs Orca off Booker Point, East Redonda Island, Homfray Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Josh Grin, Eagle Eye Adventures
16:00 • Biggs Orca ◦T101s◦ almost out of Toba Inlet.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:21 • Biggs Orca off Marylebone Point, West Redonda Island at the entrance to Waddington Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
13:06 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading south passing Refuge Cove, West Redonda Island, Lewis Channel.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
12:02 • est. 5-6 Biggs Orca hunting, heading south off Patey Rock, Saanich Inlet. Heading toward Swartz Bay. ▫ Observed from Shore
Brenda Fransen, Cobble Hill, BC
Fri Sep 22 2017
18:11 • est. 10-12 Biggs Orca heading south three miles south of Halibut Bank, Georgia Strait.
Josh Grin, Eagle Eye Adventures
17:46 • Biggs Orca ◦T137s◦ heading south off Little River, Georgia Strait. Near ferry route.
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
17:20 • Biggs Orca ◦T101s◦ heading north in Dogfish Bay, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
16:49 • Biggs Orca heading south around Kitty Coleman Beach Park, Georgia Strait.
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
16:46 • est. 6 Biggs Orca heading east by Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy off Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
16:39 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ in Teakerne Arm.
Radio, overheard or call out
16:35 • Biggs Orca travelling, heading south toward Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy off Wilby Shoals, Discovery Passage. Stopped bucking tide.
Elvis Chikite, Pacific Pro Dive
15:33 • Biggs Orca foraging, heading north from the Cape Mudge Lighthouse, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
15:03 • Biggs Orca ◦T101s; T102s◦ at Cape Mudge Lighthouse, Georgia Strait.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
14:56 • Biggs Orca off Cape Mudge Lighthouse. Four heading north up Discovery Passage.
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
14:54 • Biggs Orca off Cape Mudge Village on Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:15 • Biggs Orca ◦T101s◦ travelling, heading south-west toward Cape Mudge from Francisco Point, Georgia Strait.
13:59 • Biggs Orca travelling, heading south-west toward Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy from Francisco Point, Georgia Strait. Last one on scene.
Jen Furst, Campbell River Whale Watching
12:00 • Biggs Orca foraging, in Coulter Bay, Sutil Channel. Bigger group of Orca. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
11:04 • Biggs Orca travelling, heading west close to Coulter Island toward Plunger Passage, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
10:01 • 8 Biggs Orca ◦T137As◦ below Hill Island, Sutil Channel.
10:01 • Biggs Orca ◦T101s◦ west side of Hill Island.
09:52 • Biggs Orca ◦T101s◦ travelling, out of Evans Bay, Sutil Channel.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Thu Sep 21 2017
19:08 • 3 Biggs Orca close to the shore at Olebar Point, Gabirola Island, Georgia Strait.
Bill Coltart, Pacific Pro Dive
18:31 • est. 10 Biggs Orca off Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait. They keep changing directions. Might be feeding a long way out.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
12:07 • est. 10 Biggs Orca heading south passing Walter Point tight to East Redonda Island, Waddington Channel.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:06 • Biggs Orca heading north, Waddington Channel. After some time, they moved southward,. ▫ On Scene
Jen Smalley, Campbell River Whale Watching
Wed Sep 20 2017
17:51 • est. 12 Biggs Orca heading north between Grant Reefs and Savary Island, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
17:20 • est. 12 Biggs Orca foraging, at Grant Reefs, Georgia Strait.
17:00 • Biggs Orca heading south between Mystery Reef and Grant Reefs, Malaspina Strait.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
15:31 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ south of Dinner Rock, Malaspina Strait. T002C2 Tumbo behind the rest of the pod.
15:09 • 7-9 Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading south across from Savary Island heading towards DInner Rock, Malaspina Strait. Another pod with T002Cs.
Elvis Chikite, Pacific Pro Dive
10:07 • Biggs Orca close to the shore off Franna Bay just north of Bliss Landing, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
09:50 • 5 Biggs Orca heading south off Sarah Point, Malaspina Strait.
Erik Blaney, IHos Cultural Tours
09:00 • est. 8-10 Biggs Orca circling prey, off Sarah Point. Once we were at a distance from the pod, we motored off towards Hernando. As we turned to look at the pod, one of the larger whales were riding in our wake, fairly close to the boat. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
Judy Hicks, Lund, BC
Tue Sep 19 2017
18:04 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading west towards Mink Island, Desolation Sound. Maybe aiming for Okeover Inlet.
17:46 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ approaching Waddington Channel from Desolation Sound.
17:21 • Biggs Orca moving slowly, off Martin Islands, Desolation Sound. Heading into Desolation Sound.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
17:02 • Biggs Orca between Martin Islands and Mink Island, Desolation Sound.
Graham Evans, Stowaway Sailing Adventures
Jump to: Biggs Orca | NRKW Orca | Humpback Whales | PWS Dolphins | Other Species
NORTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
Fri Sep 22 2017
13:30 • NRKW Orca foraging, between Broken Islands and Eve River, Johnstone Strait.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
Jump to: Biggs Orca | NRKW Orca | Humpback Whales | PWS Dolphins | Other Species
HUMPBACK WHALES
Sat Sep 23 2017
16:30 • 3 Humpback Whales moving quickly, heading south at the north end of Penn Islands, Sutil Channel.
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:15 • 3 Humpback Whales in Drew Passage. Angled at South Rendezvous Island. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
11:59 • 3 Humpback Whales bucking the tide and milling, in front of Sonora Lodge on Sonora Island, Yuculta Rapids. Been there for about one hour already.
Kaitlin Ross, Sonora Resort
11:02 • 2 Humpback Whales between Grant Reefs and Mystery Reef, Malaspina Strait.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
11:02 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south a half-mile south of Surge Point, Hoskyn Channel.
11:01 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south one mile south of Surge Point close to the shore of Read Island, Hoskyn Channel.
10:52 • 2 Humpback Whales off King Islets, Hoskyn Channel.
10:47 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north off Read Point, Read Island, Sutil Channel.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
09:59 • 1 Humpback Whales one mile north of Dogfish Bay, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
09:59 • 2 Humpback Whales heading west in the center of Evans Bay, Read Island, Sutil Channel.
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris
08:39 • 2-3 Humpback Whales by Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
Fri Sep 22 2017
16:43 • 1 Humpback Whales nose pointed towards Savary Island, Baker Passage.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
16:29 • 3 Humpback Whales travelling, heading south by Coulter Island, Sutil Channel.
16:29 • 3 Humpback Whales travelling, heading south in Coulter Bay, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
16:04 • 3 Humpback Whales travelling, heading south just north of Plunger Passage, Sutil Channel.
16:04 • 1 Humpback Whales along the shore at Carrington Bay.
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:54 • Humpback Whales off Cape Mudge Village on Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:40 • 2 Humpback Whales travelling, heading east at Breton Islands toward Viner Point, Sutil Channel.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
13:18 • 2 Humpback Whales travelling, heading south close to the shore of Evans Bay, Read Island, Sutil Channel.
13:18 • 2 Humpback Whales travelling, by Hill Island, Sutil Channel.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
12:51 • 5 Humpback Whales 3 miles off Kitty Coleman Beach Park, Georgia Strait.
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
12:28 • 4 Humpback Whales doing circles, off the Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Ed Sharkey, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
11:04 • 2 Humpback Whales close to Coulter Island, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
10:59 • 2 Humpback Whales taking long dives, heading south-east out of Evans Bay toward Hill Island, Sutil Channel.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
09:56 • 1 Humpback Whales at South Rendezvous Island, Calm Channel.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:52 • 3 Humpback Whales between Mitlenatch Island and Baker Passage, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
09:11 • 2 Humpback Whales at Centre Islet, Sutil Channel.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
08:57 • 2 Humpback Whales travelling, heading south toward Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
08:52 • 1 Humpback Whales by Von Donop Inlet, Sutil Channel.
08:52 • Humpback Whales just below Baker Passage.
08:52 • 2 Humpback Whales by Viner Point, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Thu Sep 21 2017
16:25 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCZ Apollo◦ heading north in Carrington Bay.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
16:23 • 2 Humpback Whales at Center Islet North-West of Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel.
16:23 • 2 Humpback Whales just north of Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel.
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:37 • 2 Humpback Whales resting, mid-channel between Vivian Island and Kitty Coleman Beach Park, Georgia Strait.
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
15:06 • 2 Humpback Whales by Coulter Bay, Sutil Channel.
15:06 • 1 Humpback Whales between Coulter Bay and Carrington Bay, Sutil Channel.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:06 • 5 Humpback Whales resting, above Carrington Bay, Sutil Channel.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
12:35 • 4 Humpback Whales heading north southeast of Hill Island, Sutil Channel.
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris
11:52 • 2 Humpback Whales doing circles, on the west side of Henry Point, Malaspina Strait.
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
11:26 • 1 Humpback Whales half mile west of Halibut Bank, Georgia Strait.
Josh Grin, Eagle Eye Adventures
11:14 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north at Chatham Point, Discovery Passage. ▫ Radio Report
10:55 • 2 Humpback Whales heading east east side of Hill Island heading for Cortes Island, Sutil Channel.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
10:51 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north passing Sonora Lodge on Sonora Island, Yuculta Rapids. From "Codfather". ▫ Second Hand
Jen Smalley, Campbell River Whale Watching
10:44 • 2 Humpback Whales west side of Hill Island, Sutil Channel. Very close to shore. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
10:34 • 2 Humpback Whales heading east north side of Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
10:16 • Humpback Whales south-west corner of Twin Islands, Baker Passage.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
10:08 • 2 Humpback Whales west side of Hill Island, Sutil Channel.
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
09:34 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north towards Lund from Mace Point, Malaspina Strait.
Erik Blaney, IHos Cultural Tours
08:59 • 2 Humpback Whales by Whale Passage, Sutil Channel. Mom and calf inside the scallop farm.
Ryan Eisen, Sonora Resort
Wed Sep 20 2017
17:06 • Humpback Whales at Grant Reefs, Georgia Strait.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
16:34 • 1 Humpback Whales north of Plunger Passage about 50-m off Cortes Island, Sutil Channel.
Josh Grin, Eagle Eye Adventures
16:08 • 2 Humpback Whales south of Hill Island angling towards Burdwood Bay, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
15:48 • 1 Humpback Whales bucking tide, off Stuart Island, Bute Inlet.
Radio, overheard or call out
15:41 • 6-7 Humpback Whales spread out, between Hill Island and Von Donop Inlet, Sutil Channel. In groups of twos or threes.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
15:11 • Humpback Whales heading north past Kellsey Point, Stuart Island, Yuculta Rapids.
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:04 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south west of Hill Island, Sutil Channel.
David Gauci, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:04 • 3 Humpback Whales in Quartz Bay, Sutil Channel.
13:04 • 3 Humpback Whales off Penn Islands, Sutil Channel.
13:04 • 2 Humpback Whales south of Hill Island, Sutil Channel.
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:05 • 3 Humpback Whales heading south-west off Quartz Bay heading towards Carrington Bay, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
09:51 • 3 Humpback Whales playing, between Quartz Bay and Penn Islands, Sutil Channel.
09:25 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north between Whaletown and Heriot Bay, Sutil Channel.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:21 • 1 Humpback Whales north of Whale Passage, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
08:58 • 3 Humpback Whales in Quartz Bay, Sutil Channel.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
Tue Sep 19 2017
18:30 • 2 Humpback Whales at the north end of Penn Islands, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
18:30 • 4 Humpback Whales off Center Islet NW of Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel. Two north of the Island and two east of the island.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
17:18 • 5 Humpback Whales ◦BCZ Apollo; BCX0565 Nick; BCZ0338 Geometry◦ at the north end of Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Tenacious3 (Boat), Discovery Marine Safaris
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale breaching between the Quadra Island ferry route and the Centre Islet
Sat, 16 Sep 2017 - 1 items
Cody Ben, Eagle Eye Adventures guest
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale breaching between the Quadra Island ferry route and the Centre Islet
Sat, 16 Sep 2017 - 1 items
Cody Ben, Eagle Eye Adventures guest
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales along the coast through the last couple of weeks of the Summer
Thu, 21 Sep 2017 - 7 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales along the coast through the last couple of weeks of the Summer
Thu, 21 Sep 2017 - 7 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Jump to: Biggs Orca | NRKW Orca | Humpback Whales | PWS Dolphins | Other Species
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Fri Sep 22 2017
15:47 • 2 PWS Dolphins between Hernando Island and Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. Woke Sea Otter up.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
15:30 • 15 PWS Dolphins foraging, at Chatham Point, Discovery Passage. Mid channel.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:10 • est. 6 PWS Dolphins travelling, heading west in Hole in the Wall.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
SIGHTING MEDIA
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins heading west in Hole in the Wall
Fri, 22 Sep 2017 - 3 items
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
SIGHTING MEDIA
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins heading west in Hole in the Wall
Fri, 22 Sep 2017 - 3 items
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:03 • est. 5 PWS Dolphins off Cape Mudge Village on Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. Mixed around with Orca and Humpback whales.
Radio, overheard or call out
15:03 • 5 PWS Dolphins at the Cape Mudge Lighthouse, Georgia Strait.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
Thu Sep 21 2017
11:14 • PWS Dolphins off Chatham Point, Discovery Passage. ▫ Radio Report
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
Wed Sep 20 2017
12:00 • 8 PWS Dolphins in back-eddy behind the wave at Cooper Point, Quadra Island, Okisollo Channel. A Sea Otter was observed with dolphins.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins heading south near Davis Point
Sat, 16 Sep 2017 - 1 items
Cody Ben, Eagle Eye Adventures guest
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins heading south near Davis Point
Sat, 16 Sep 2017 - 1 items
Cody Ben, Eagle Eye Adventures guest
Jump to: Biggs Orca | NRKW Orca | Humpback Whales | PWS Dolphins | Other Species
OF SPECIAL NOTE
Fri Sep 22 2017
15:44 • 1 Other Species between Hernando Island and Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. Sea Otter sleeping on its back.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Wed Sep 20 2017
12:00 • 1 Other Species in back-eddy behind the wave at Cooper Point, Quadra Island, Okisollo Channel. A Sea Otter was observed with dolphins.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
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
The Weather Network
A group of residents in Haida Gwaii helped a beached newborn whale return safely to the water.
A caretaker at Samson Lodge located in Naden Harbour spotted the young minke whale on the beach around 10:30 a.m. on Thursday.
The caretaker went to Queen Charlotte Lodge to find others who could help.
They waited for high tide to come in at around 2:30 p.m., eased the whale into the water and watched it swim off.
According to a staffer at Queen Charlotte Lodge, the whale was so young its umbilical cord was still attached.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada was called but didn’t arrive until after the whale was back in the water.
Storyful News and Oliver Taylor
The Islands Sounder, Submitted by the Center for Whale Research
As of Sept. 19, another Southern resident killer whale, J-52, — a 2 and a half-year-old male born during the so-called “baby boom” of 2015-16 — is deceased, presumably from malnutrition.
His nursing ended more than a year ago, and his life was dependent upon salmon that have become in short supply this summer.
He was last seen alive near the west entrance of the Strait of Juan de Fuca on Sept. 15, and photographs taken at the time reveal severe “peanut-head” syndrome associated with impending death.
Young J-52 was accompanied by his mother (17 and a half-year-old, J-36) and an adult male (26-year-old L-85, potentially his father) at least five miles away from the other members of J and L pods that were foraging within a mile or two of the coastline from Camper Creek to Bonilla Point, west of Port Renfrew, British Columbia.
The observation of this event was at sunset, and the young whale appeared very lethargic while barely surfacing as the two adults were swimming around in circles and not feeding while attentive to the young whale. The center’s staff estimated J-52 was within hours, if not minutes, of death at the time, and he was not present during the J pod foray into Puget Sound on Sept. 19, though his mother and L-85 were. The mother did not appear overly emaciated on either occasion, but she is lean and seems distressed. These animals exhibit emotion and death of an offspring brings it on.
All of the Southern resident killer whales, observed this summer, appeared skinny and small compared to the transient killer whales in the Salish Sea that have abundant prey resources (seals and other marine mammals). Timing of food availability is everything, especially in critical phases of growth or gestation.
With the passing of J-52, three of the six whales born in J pod during the baby boom, which began in December 2014 with the birth of J-50, have now died; and, two mothers (J-14, J-28) and a great-grandmother (J-2) in the pod have also died....
Hakai Magazine
The southern resident killer whales of the northeast Pacific are in trouble. Despite having special protections from both the Canadian and American governments, there are only 78 of these salmon-eating whales left. And as recent research shows, the southern resident population is set to slowly atrophy and ultimately disappear. On top of habitat degradation, climate change, and other challenges, the whales have another problem: they’re not having enough babies.
In a recently published paper, University of Washington biologist Samuel Wasser and his colleagues report that from 2008 to 2014, nearly 70 percent of southern resident killer whale pregnancies failed, either in miscarriage or with the calves dying immediately postpartum.
Normally, killer whales give birth roughly every five years. With 30 reproductive females in the group, that should mean six births a year on average. But in the six years studied, there were only two or three a year, or none at all.
In general, it’s difficult to say how common miscarriages are. For humans, many ...
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
Euractiv
Cetacean bycatch has been a major conservation and animal welfare concern in the EU for decades, but moves are afoot to potentially water down protections for such sensitive marine species. Sarah Dolman, Sarah Baulch and Jo Swabe argue that better monitoring and mitigation measures in new legislation could help to eliminate this problem.
Mongabay
Animals in the world’s oceans have faced an ever-increasing cacophony in recent decades. They’re inundated with sonar intended to keep countries safe, air gun charges that help energy companies find new sources of oil and gas, and the sounds of the 60,000 commercial ships that ply the seas at any given time.
A new film called “Sonic Sea” by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Imaginary Forces catalogs the growing risks that noise poses to whales, dolphins, and porpoises and what scientists and conservationists are doing about it. It’s up for the Best Science in Nature prize at the 2017 Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival beginning Sept. 24 in Jackson, Wyoming. ....
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