Have You Seen Any of These?

Thursday, September 7, 2017

Humpbacks Bubble-Net Feeding




Transient Orca have been observed as far south as Salt Spring Island and as far north as Havannah Channel. On at least two different occasions, the Orca were seen hunting and capturing prey - one pod ate a dolphin and another pod ate a seal. A pod of Northern Resident Orca made a rare foray travelling into the eastern half of Johnstone Strait.

Many Humpback whales continue to remain in the area and can be viewed, even by keen observers from land. On a number of occasions, Humpbacks were seen bubble-net feeding where one whale underwater blows water out of its blowhole while swimming in a circle below its prey (e.g. fish). The air rises forming a "bubble" net around the prey, and the Humpbacks rise to the surface within the bubbles with their mouths open to eat the prey trapped within the net. An observer would see a circle of bubbles at the surface of the ocean followed by a number of Humpbacks coming up within the circle almost vertically closing their mouths in the process. It is really an amazing cooperative behaviour to see. Rounding out our report includes a few sightings of Pacific White-sided dolphins and porpoises.

Ivan Ng, Wild Ocean Whale Society



Humpback Whale fluking by Church House in Calm Channel
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures


Society News & Events

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Sightings Update


ISSUE SIGHTINGS MAP 2017-032

ISSUE SIGHTINGS MAP






TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES


Mon Sep 04 2017


14:15 • est. 6 Biggs Orca frolicking, heading west in Arbutus Bay on the south side of Bowen Island, Georgia Strait. Lucky canoer off Arbutus bay was 5 feet away from them. ▫ Observed from Shore
Jeanette Langmann, Bowen Island, BC



Sun Sep 03 2017


17:02 • 5-6 Biggs Orca heading north , north of Copper Bluffs, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.



Sat Sep 02 2017


11:11 • Biggs Orca heading south at 4 knots abeam Mitlenatch Island 2.5 miles off Vancouver Island, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures


09:27 • 3 Biggs Orca heading south mid channel, toward Shelter Point, Georgia Strait. ▫ On Scene


08:37 • Biggs Orca heading south off Cape Mudge Village on Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Observed from Shore; Second Hand


07:05 • Biggs Orca in Quathiaski Cove, Discovery Passage.



Fri Sep 01 2017


15:20 • 4 Biggs Orca heading north past Cape Mudge Village on Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures


14:01 • Biggs Orca heading north near the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy off Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.

13:44 • 4-5 Biggs Orca heading west between Mitlenatch Island and Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Elvis Chikite, Pacific Pro Dive


13:23 • 7 Biggs Orca heading east past Domville Point, Havannah Channel.

12:57 • 7 Biggs Orca heading west off Broken Islands, Johnstone Strait. They have eaten a dolphin.



Thu Aug 31 2017


18:12 • Biggs Orca ◦T002s◦ heading south abeam Quadra Island Scallop Farm below Heriot Bay, Sutil Channel. In addition to the T002s, another two Orca showed up too. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours


17:19 • Biggs Orca ◦T002s◦ hunting, near Breton Islands, Sutil Channel. Finishing off seal meal.


17:10 • 13-14 Biggs Orca ◦T109As; T090s; T124s◦ heading north through Beazley Passage, Surge Narrows, Hoskyn Channel. Travelled into Okisollo Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out


16:29 • est. 5 Biggs Orca doing circles, heading north between Hoskyn Rock and Breton Islands, Sutil Channel.


14:32 • Biggs Orca ◦T124As◦ hunting, by Conville Point, Quadra Island, Hoskyn Channel. Finishing meal. ▫ Second Hand


12:09 • Biggs Orca just North of Breton Islands, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene


11:00 • Biggs Orca heading north at South end of Quadra Island Scallop Farm below Heriot Bay, Sutil Channel. Travelling at 4 knots. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures



SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales heading north at the south end of Quadra Island Scallop Farm
Thu, 31 Aug 2017 - 8 items
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures

















SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales heading north at the south end of Quadra Island Scallop Farm
Thu, 31 Aug 2017 - 8 items
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures



10:32 • Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading north a few km south of Quadra Island Scallop Farm below Heriot Bay. Approaching disused submarine cables 300 or so meters off Quadra shore.


09:53 • Biggs Orca heading north north-east of Francisco Point, Georgia Strait.


08:45 • Biggs Orca heading north 4 miles west of Red Can off Cortez Reef, Georgia Strait.



Tue Aug 29 2017


16:25 • 1 Biggs Orca moving quickly, heading south off Booth Bay, Salt Spring Island, Stuart Channel. We were on a 30ft sailboat motoring our way from Maple Bay heading to Preedy Harbour. I noticed 1 medium size Orca off our starboard side. He/she seemed relaxed and fine, just swimming along. We sat and watched for approx 10min for more whales, but didn't see any. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Lori-Anne Thompson, Nanaimo, BC





NORTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES


Sun Sep 03 2017


15:15 • NRKW Orca between Walkem Islands and Chatham Point, Johnstone Strait.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures


14:30 • NRKW Orca spread out, in the channel passing Ripple Point, Johnstone Strait.

13:31 • NRKW Orca heading east at 4 knots off Bear Point, Johnstone Strait.


12:13 • NRKW Orca ◦I15s◦ off Camp Point, Johnstone Strait. More Orca present besides I15s.

11:32 • 8 NRKW Orca heading east off Kelsey Bay, Johnstone Strait.





UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES


Fri Sep 01 2017


16:30 • est. 12 Orca heading north-west, Queen Charlotte Strait. Saw several groups of 2-3 orcas, about a dozen total, swimming northwest away from the coast as our cruise ship was headed south to Vancouver.
Theo Chen, San Diego CA



Sun Aug 20 2017


10:30 • est. 5-10 Orca moving slowly, heading north-west off French Creek across from Lasqueti Island, Georgia Strait. Observed from boat. ▫ On Scene
Dwain Felberg, Qualicum Beach, BC





HUMPBACK WHALES


Mon Sep 04 2017


17:53 • 3 Humpback Whales bubble netting, in Burdwood Bay, Read Island, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours


17:50 • 2 Humpback Whales between Francisco Point and Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.



SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Two Humpback Whales bubble-net feeding off of Lake Bay
Mon, 4 Sep 2017 - 5 items











SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Two Humpback Whales bubble-net feeding off of Lake Bay
Mon, 4 Sep 2017 - 5 items



16:08 • 2 Humpback Whales in Redonda Bay, West Redonda Island, Deer Passage.


16:01 • 2 Humpback Whales 200-m off the shore near Lake Bay, Read Island, Sutil Channel.


15:37 • 2 Humpback Whales close to the shoreline off Viner Point, Read Island, Sutil Channel.

15:37 • 1 Humpback Whales off the spit at Marina Island, Sutil Channel.


15:14 • 2 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading south between Mitlenatch Island and the south end of Hernando Island, Georgia Strait.


15:07 • 5 Humpback Whales spread out, between Comox and the north end of Texada Island, Georgia Strait.
Bill Coltart, Pacific Pro Dive


15:01 • 2 Humpback Whales off Viner Point, Read Island, Sutil Channel.


14:53 • Humpback Whales off the buoy at Mystery Reef, Malaspina Strait.


14:48 • 1 Humpback Whales at the north end of Lewis Channel.

14:06 • 1 Humpback Whales off the south end of Stuart Island, Calm Channel. Near Orca Point.


13:58 • 3 Humpback Whales doing circles, south-west of Marina Island, Sutil Channel.

13:35 • 2 Humpback Whales off the SW end of Harwood Island heading towards Vivian Island, Malaspina Strait.


13:02 • 2 Humpback Whales breaching, off Dogfish Bay north of Francisco Point, Sutil Channel.

12:35 • 2 Humpback Whales bubble netting, heading south close to Viner Point, Read Island, Sutil Channel. Slow-moving.


09:25 • 3 Humpback Whales doing circles, in Redonda Bay, West Redonda Island, Deer Passage.


09:14 • 2 Humpback Whales between Twin Islands and Major Rock Islet, Malaspina Strait.


08:46 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south between Hill Island and Center Islet, Sutil Channel. Travelling about 2 knots.


07:30 • 4 Humpback Whales heading north off Myrtle Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Wendy Heathcote, Powell River, BC



Sun Sep 03 2017


16:09 • 2 Humpback Whales off the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy off Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.

16:09 • 2 Humpback Whales north-west of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Erik Blaney, IHos Cultural Tours


16:03 • 2 Humpback Whales in Redonda Bay, West Redonda Island, Deer Passage.


15:49 • 2 Humpback Whales off Hill Island, Sutil Channel.

15:06 • 2 Humpback Whales off Kellsey Point, Stuart Island, Yuculta Rapids.


14:57 • 2 Humpback Whales by Quartz Bay heading to Plunger Passage, Sutil Channel.

14:57 • 1 Humpback Whales by Carrington Bay heading to Plunger Passage, Sutil Channel.


11:20 • 1 Humpback Whales fluking, at Spilsbury Point, Hernando Island, Baker Passage.
Erik Blaney, IHos Cultural Tours


10:59 • 2-3 Humpback Whales bubble netting, through Penn Islands now in Whale Passage, Sutil Channel.

10:59 • 1-2 Humpback Whales breaching, off Von Donop Inlet, Sutil Channel.


10:57 • Humpback Whales breaching, by entrance to Hole in the Wall, Calm Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene

10:57 • 1 Humpback Whales at Kellsey Point, Stuart Island, Yuculta Rapids.


09:54 • 1 Humpback Whales on the north side of Marina Island, Sutil Channel.



SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale breaching on the north side of Marina Island
Sun, 3 Sep 2017 - 2 items
Michell Malcolmson, Discovery Marine Safari Naturalist





SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale breaching on the north side of Marina Island
Sun, 3 Sep 2017 - 2 items
Michell Malcolmson, Discovery Marine Safari Naturalist



09:47 • 3 Humpback Whales bubble netting, in the Penn Islands, Sutil Channel.


09:37 • 2 Humpback Whales heading east 1 km east of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene


09:23 • 1 Humpback Whales off Penn Islands, Sutil Channel.


09:03 • 2 Humpback Whales between Mitlenatch Island and Cortez Reef, Georgia Strait.


08:46 • 1 Humpback Whales heading west off the shack at Marina Island, Sutil Channel. A small one.


08:45 • 4 Humpback Whales doing circles, between Mitlenatch Island and the west side of Hernando Island, Georgia Strait. Two groups of two.



Sat Sep 02 2017


17:33 • 2 Humpback Whales breaching, off Francisco Point, Georgia Strait.


17:29 • 3 Humpback Whales heading west through Penn Islands and then turned to head south towards Carrington Bay, Sutil Channel.


16:42 • 2 Humpback Whales in Redonda Bay, West Redonda Island, Deer Passage.


15:16 • 3 Humpback Whales in Burdwood Bay, Read Island, Sutil Channel.


14:26 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south mid channel at Separation Head, Discovery Passage.
Bill Coltart, Pacific Pro Dive


14:02 • 1 Humpback Whales bucking tide, at Kellsey Point, Stuart Island, Yuculta Rapids. ▫ Leaving the Scene


14:02 • 2 Humpback Whales resting, just south of Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait.
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce


13:00 • 2 Humpback Whales off Cape Mudge, Quadra Island, Georgia Strait. ▫ On Scene
Tatia MacGregor, Campbell River, BC


12:44 • Humpback Whales doing circles, heading north at Kellsey Point just south of Sonora Lodge, Yuculta Rapids.


12:36 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north heading straight for Viner Point, Read Island, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures


11:24 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north mid Strait abeam the north end of Marina Island, Sutil Channel.

11:10 • 1 Humpback Whales doing circles, between red can at Cortez Reef and red can at Marina Reef, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene


10:42 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north abeam Marina Island, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene

10:42 • 3 Humpback Whales heading north approaching Bullock Bluff, Cortes Island, Sutil Channel. ▫ Radio Report
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours


10:32 • 1 Humpback Whales between Breton Islands and Hoskyn Rock, Sutil Channel.


09:50 • 2 Humpback Whales off Marina Reef heading for Francisco Point, Sutil Channel.


08:54 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north off Eagles Cove, Discovery Passage. A small one.


08:52 • 2 Humpback Whales at Iron Mines below Lund, Malaspina Strait.
Erik Blaney, IHos Cultural Tours



Fri Sep 01 2017


17:31 • 2 Humpback Whales heading west from Marina Reef towards Francisco Point, Sutil Channel.


16:30 • 2 Humpback Whales in Totem Bay, Hill Island, Sutil Channel.


11:25 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north in Yuculta Rapids.


11:03 • 2 Humpback Whales along the shoreline of Hill Island pointed towards Cortes Island, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours


10:29 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south near Atrevida Reef just North of Powell River, Malaspina Strait. Only 100-feet out coming out of the water often and blowing.
Pauline Decloedp, Powell River, BC


10:12 • 3 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading south between Francisco Point and the can at Cortez Reef, Georgia Strait.
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures



SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Three Humpback Whales moving slowly south between Francisco Point and Cortez Reef
Fri, 1 Sep 2017 - 3 items
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures







SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Three Humpback Whales moving slowly south between Francisco Point and Cortez Reef
Fri, 1 Sep 2017 - 3 items
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures



10:09 • 2 Humpback Whales at the north end of Hole in the Wall.


09:56 • 2 Humpback Whales coming out of the east side of Hole in the Wall.


09:55 • 3 Humpback Whales taking shore dives, between Francisco Point and the can at Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.


09:19 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south between South Rendezvous Island and Cortes Island, Sutil Channel.

09:06 • 2 Humpback Whales heading east between Hill Island and Penn Islands, Sutil Channel.


09:02 • 2 Humpback Whales milling, between Mitlenatch Island and Cortez Reef, Georgia Strait.


09:00 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north near Atrevida Reef just North of Powell River, Malaspina Strait. Small whale.
Pauline Decloedp, Powell River, BC


--:-- • 1-2 Humpback Whales heading west from Savary Island toward Kitty Coleman Beach Park, Georgia Strait. We were out on the water off Kitty Coleman boat launch on September 1st (north Courtenay) and observed frequent sightings of Humpback whales, one for sure and possibly 2. First spotted the water spouts close to Savary Island and then the whales swam towards the Vancouver Island shore and circled. We were in a small 12ft boat, and moved a couple of times to avoid getting too close. Quite a wonderful experience.
Maureen Shipton, Courtenay, BC


--:-- • 2 Humpback Whales off Klahanie in Powell River, Malaspina Strait. Last night, two Humpbacks were around Klahaine - they seem to be following a pattern. Lovely to hear the blows out there so quiet. One made a sound like an elephant.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC



Thu Aug 31 2017


16:07 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north along west side of Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.

13:27 • 2 Humpback Whales near Texada Island, Georgia Strait. By mine on West side.
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce


12:51 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south-east from Bartlett Islet into Raza Passage, Calm Channel.


12:23 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCX0565 Nick◦ by Church House, Calm Channel. Nick plus a friend.
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures



SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Two Humpback Whales by Church House in Calm Channel
Thu, 31 Aug 2017 - 4 items
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures









SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Two Humpback Whales by Church House in Calm Channel
Thu, 31 Aug 2017 - 4 items
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures



11:15 • 2 Humpback Whales off Church House.
Radio, overheard or call out


11:04 • 1 Humpback Whales breaching, heading west 1-mile South of Hill Island towards Read Island, Sutil Channel.

10:42 • 1 Humpback Whales on ferry line between Viner Point and Marina Island, Sutil Channel. Active whale.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours


10:24 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south-east 1 mile east of Marina Island, Sutil Channel.


10:19 • 2 Humpback Whales mid-Strait between Cape Lazo and north Texada Island, Georgia Strait.
Bill Coltart, Pacific Pro Dive


10:00 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south from Sliammon towards Harwood Island Spit, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC


10:00 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south off Rendezvous Islands, Calm Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out


09:42 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south between Red Can off Marina Reef and Dogfish Bay, Sutil Channel.

09:40 • 2 Humpback Whales near Red Can by Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.


08:00 • 3 Humpback Whales off Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out


00:05 • Humpback Whales tail slaps; breaching, near Atrevida Reef just north of Powell River, Malaspina Strait. Putting on a show in the dark for about one hour. Probably Humpbacks but could not tell nor how many.
Pauline Decloedp, Powell River, BC



Wed Aug 30 2017


15:41 • 2 Humpback Whales in Raza Passage. ▫ Second Hand

15:41 • 1 Humpback Whales in Redonda Bay, West Redonda Island, Deer Passage. ▫ Second Hand

15:41 • 1-2 Humpback Whales close to Deer Passage in Calm Channel. ▫ Second Hand

15:41 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0409 Yogi◦ resting, in front of Von Donop Inlet, Cortes Island, Sutil Channel. ▫ Second Hand



Sat Aug 19 2017


15:00 • est. 2 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading south-east off French Creek across from Lasqueti Island, Georgia Strait. Seen from boat in distance. ▫ On Scene
Dwain Felberg, Qualicum Beach, BC




SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales off of Powell River
Sun, 3 Sep 2017 - 4 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC









SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales off of Powell River
Sun, 3 Sep 2017 - 4 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC






PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS


Mon Sep 04 2017


14:33 • 8 PWS Dolphins heading west in Hole in the Wall. Heading towards Okisollo Channel.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures


14:05 • est. 100 PWS Dolphins off Yorke Island, Johnstone Strait.


13:55 • 20 PWS Dolphins north of Dent Rapids.

11:30 • 15 PWS Dolphins heading north at Greene Point Rapids, Cordero Channel.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures



Sun Sep 03 2017


16:30 • 10 PWS Dolphins across from fishing boats at Deepwater Bay 200 metres from the shore of Vancouver Island, Discovery Passage.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures



Fri Sep 01 2017


17:31 • 3 PWS Dolphins milling, off 45 Point, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours


14:25 • est. 80 PWS Dolphins heading north approaching Hall Point, Nodales Channel.


13:55 • PWS Dolphins heading south off Chatham Point, Discovery Passage. Large group. ▫ Radio Report
Bill Coltart, Pacific Pro Dive


08:35 • PWS Dolphins in Browns Bay, Discovery Passage. Small group.



Thu Aug 31 2017


11:15 • est. 100 PWS Dolphins off Kanish Bay, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out


09:00 • est. 100-130 PWS Dolphins heading south off No Name Creek, Discovery Passage.





DALLS PORPOISE


Fri Sep 01 2017


16:30 • est. 10 Dalls Porpoise heading north-west in Queen Charlotte Strait.
Theo Chen, San Diego CA





HARBOUR PORPOISE


Fri Sep 01 2017


07:10 • 1 Harbour Porpoise travelling towards Texada Island in the middle of Malaspina Strait. ▫ From Ferry
Micheline Macauley, Texada Island, BC


--:-- • 2 Harbour Porpoise off Kitty Coleman Beach Park, Georgia Strait. Observed in the morning.
Maureen Shipton, Courtenay, BC


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The Magazine



REGIONAL




Comox Valley Record,BC







The Washington Post, DC





Ships moving through a busy channel off Washington state’s San Juan Island are slowing down this summer as part of a study to determine whether that can reduce noise and benefit a small, endangered population of killer whales.

The Puget Sound orcas spend summer months in a major shipping channel in the Salish Sea that is critical habitat for the whales.

The trial, led by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, is trying to understand whether reducing commercial vessel speeds can reduce underwater noise. Orcas use clicks, calls and other sounds to navigate, communicate and forage mainly for salmon.

Noise and other impacts from vessels is one of three major threats facing the whales. Lack of prey and pollution are the others. They currently number 78.

The two-month trial asks cruise ships, ferries, bulk containers and other commercial vessels to voluntarily slow to 11 knots through Haro Strait. Average vessel speeds typically range from 13 knots for bulk carriers to 18 knots for container ships. The project began in early August and ends Oct. 6.

Nearly five dozen industry participants, including Washington State Ferries and Holland America Line, have formally agreed to slow down when it’s feasible and safe, port officials said. Recreational and whale-watching boats are encouraged to slow down as well.

In the first week, about 59 percent of commercial vessels reduced their speed. Participation increased to about 68 percent in the second week. It dropped to about 55 percent in the third week with stronger tidal currents contributing to concerns about costs and not meeting schedules. On average, 95 commercial vessels transit Haro Strait each week.

“We’re certainly very encouraged for that level of participation,” said Orla Robinson, program manager for the Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Conservation program led by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority....



NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL




CBC, NB





The latest right whale discovered entangled off Quebec's Gaspé Peninsula is a male, known by the number 3245.

Staff with the New England Aquarium say they last saw him in April, when he was still swimming free swim in Cape Cod Bay. But on Monday, the 15-year-old whale was discovered entangled by a Fisheries and Oceans Canada plane surveying an area of the Gulf of St. Lawrence off Percé.

The plane has since returned to relocate him and is "assessing the situation and monitoring extremely closely," Vance Chow, a Fisheries department spokesperson, said in an email to CBC News Tuesday.

"The entanglement of a right whale is an extremely difficult and distressing situation."

Chow said the government is also upholding its pause on disentanglements, which went into effect in July after the death of New Brunswick whale rescuer Joe Howlett.

'Unprecedented:' Another right whale carcass washes up on Newfoundland shore
U.S. launches investigation into spate of right whale deaths
Howlett was killed in an accident just as he freed a right whale tangled up in fishing rope in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.




Tampa Bay Times





For the past six months, a battle has raged over a proposal to allow oil and gas companies to perform seismic testing to search for deposits of petroleum off the nation's Atlantic coast.

What many may not realize is that the controversial testing technique involving underwater blasts from airguns has been used for decades in the Gulf of Mexico. It's still going on, too. The government issued 22 permits for seismic tests in the gulf last year. So far this year it has issued 11.

This month, a federal agency finally produced an environmental impact statement on the practice: It says the blasts of sound used to detect the presence of oil and gas have likely been harming whales and dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico all this time — causing loss of hearing, disrupting mating and feeding habits and forcing the mammals to abandon their natural habitats.

Seismic testing can even be fatal.

The study comes as no surprise to the environmental groups opposing it.

"These dynamite-like blasts are likely to have significant, long-lasting and widespread impacts on the behavior and survival of fish, sea turtles, dolphins and other marine mammal populations in the region," said Erin Handy of the environmental group Oceana.




Hakai Magazine





Baleen is the apparatus toothless whales rely on to filter food from the sea. Hundreds of these flexible plates, made of the structural protein keratin, grow downward from a whale’s upper jaw, lined up like the slats of venetian blinds. Fitting the plates into the mouth requires a large upper jaw, giving baleen whales a sort of upside-down grin.

The feeding structure evolved stepwise some 30 million years ago when the oceans were full of toothed whales competing for limited food. Having developed a tool and taste for other kinds of prey, baleen whales—known collectively as mysticetes—eventually split off and diverged into 12 or more species including the blue whale, the largest animal ever to ...




National Geographic





One of the questions I often get from students and lay people interested in dolphins, whales, and the oceans in general, is: “How do you come up with ideas for your research at sea?” Here is an excerpt from my latest book that can help answer this question…

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