The Transient Bigg's Orca pod known as the T002Cs are cruising in the Desolation Sound area they like. They have been right inside some of the inlets and smaller bays to hunt, while other Killer Whales have moved down to lower sections of Georgia Strait and up to the top end of Johnstone Strait chasing Dolphins and Porpoise.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Humpback BCZ0004 Stripe at Browns Bay, Discovery Passage, May 25
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Society News & Events
Summer 2016 Raffle: This year our draw will be on Canada Day, July 1st. Great prizes include Pacific Coastal Flight, Eagle Eye Adventure Tour, Stubbs Island Whale Watching Tour, BC Ferries Pass, Campbell River Whale Watching Tour, I'Hos Cultural Tour, Discovery Marine Safaris Tour, and Beyond the Road Desolation Sound Cruise. All prizes are for two people. Tickets are $5. each and can be ordered through our Add To Cart button or at our information tables listed below. There are fewer tickets equating to better chances of winning.
Our 2016 Raffle Tickets are also available at our information tables at:
June 15: PRISMA on the Beach Powell River Willingdon Beach 5pm till 10 pm Stop by our booth while listening to some wonderful orchestras.
Vancouver Island and other Locations are being worked on by our volunteers.
July 1st: Canada Day Celebrations have been moved to Willingdon Beach, Powell River and we will be drawing the raffle winners at closing.
Full Raffle Details available Here
Are you the type of volunteer interested in Cetacea and mapping, who would be willing to spend some time with our growing Society network?
DONATE
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Sightings Update
SIGHTINGS MAP 2016-015
TRANSIENT BIGG'S KILLER WHALES
Tue May 31 2016
19:46 • 4 Bigg`s Orca travelling slowly, heading South at Grant Reefs North of Harwood Island, Georgia Strait. Speed at about 2 knots. ▫ Leaving the Scene
15:50 • 4 Bigg`s Orca at Grant Reefs North of Harwood Island.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
14:35 • 4 Bigg`s Orca playing, North end of Savary Island, Malaspina Strait. ◦T002Cs◦
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Sun May 29 2016
16:22 • 3-4 Bigg`s Orca heading South at Junction Point just North of Squirrel Cove, Lewis Channel. ◦T002Cs◦ Heading towards Kinghorn Island. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Elvis Chikite, Eagle Eye Adventures
16:02 • 3-4 Bigg`s Orca heading South near Teakerne Arm, Lewis Channel. ◦T002Cs◦ ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:45 • 3-4 Bigg`s Orca coming out of Teakerne Arm. ◦T002Cs◦ ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:07 • 3-4 Bigg`s Orca leaving Teakerne Arm. ◦T002Cs◦ They are heading out along the West shore.
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
14:17 • 3-4 Bigg`s Orca at the end of Teakerne Arm. ◦T002Cs◦
14:01 • Bigg`s Orca all the way in Teakerne Arm. ◦T002Cs◦
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
12:40 • Bigg`s Orca in Teakerne Arm. ▫ Second Hand
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Sat May 28 2016
20:00 • 3 Bigg`s Orca travelling, heading North off Sunset Marina North of Horseshoe Bay, Queen Charlotte Channel. They were close to shore, traveling in a porpoising type of movement. ▫ Observed from Shore
Eva Handeland, West Vancouver
17:45 • 5-7 Bigg`s Orca heading North by Grief Point South of Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Laura Craigen, Powell River, BC
16:03 • 7 Bigg`s Orca in Bones Bay, Clio Channel. Breaching on a pod of porpoises.
Shea CRWW, Campbell River Whale Watching
Thu May 26 2016
15:04 • Bigg`s Orca heading North past Refuge Cove mid-channel, Lewis Channel. ◦T002Cs◦
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
14:45 • Bigg`s Orca heading North just North of Kinghorn Island, Lewis Channel. ◦T002Cs◦
14:07 • Bigg`s Orca off Sarah Point, Desolation Sound. ◦T002Cs◦
13:29 • Bigg`s Orca heading North North of Copeland Islands, Malaspina Strait. From coastguard zodiac. ▫ Second Hand
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
??:?? • Bigg`s Orca by Refuge Cove, Lewis Channel. ◦T002Cs◦ Observed in the area over 2 days.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Bigg' s Killer Whales
Some magical moments with the T002C's
Thu May 26 2016 - 7 Images / Media Files
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Bigg' s Killer Whales
Some magical moments with the T002C's
Thu May 26 2016 - 7 Images / Media Files
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Wed May 25 2016
17:16 • Bigg`s Orca heading toward Mitlenatch Island from Baker Passage. Very sleepy.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:36 • Bigg`s Orca heading North slowly approaching Twin Islands, Malaspina Strait. ◦T002Cs◦ ▫ Leaving the Scene
13:09 • Bigg`s Orca long dives, heading North in front of Lund, Malaspina Strait. ◦T002Cs◦
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
13:05 • Bigg`s Orca in front of Lund.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
Tue May 24 2016
20:30 • 3 Bigg`s Orca heading South by Atrevida Reef just North of Powell River, Malaspina Strait. First heard their blows then noticed the whales. There was one huge dorsal and two others. ▫ Observed from Shore
Kim Lisberg, Lund, BC
07:30 • 3 Bigg`s Orca travelling, heading North-East Dawsons Landing, Rivers Inlet. ▫ Observed from Shore
Gill Threadgold, Port McNeill, BC
Transient Bigg' s Killer Whales
Tue May 24 2016 - 1 Images / Media Files
Gill Threadgold, Port McNeill, BC
Transient Bigg' s Killer Whales
Tue May 24 2016 - 1 Images / Media Files
Gill Threadgold, Port McNeill, BC
Mon May 23 2016
14:30 • 2 Bigg`s Orca travelling, heading South-West near Polly Point, Alberni Inlet. Traveling away from the Port Alberni harbor between Canal Beach and Polly Point. ▫ On Scene
Kevin Stapleton, Port Alberni, BC
Transient Bigg' s Killer Whales
2 Bigg`s Orca heading South-West near Polly Point, Alberni Inlet
Mon May 23 2016 - 1 Images / Media Files
Kevin Stapleton, Port Alberni, BC
Transient Bigg' s Killer Whales
2 Bigg`s Orca heading South-West near Polly Point, Alberni Inlet
Mon May 23 2016 - 1 Images / Media Files
Kevin Stapleton, Port Alberni, BC
14:00 • 7-10 Bigg`s Orca travelling, heading South-West South-East of Rum Island East of Sidney, Haro Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Joan Mercier, SKABC
Sun May 01 2016
09:00 • 6 Bigg`s Orca travelling, heading South-West off northern tip of Hornby Island abeam Sandy (Tree) Island, Georgia Strait. The Orca were near the mouth of Lambert Channel. 5 Orcas w/calf; large male was 300m from pod. Spotted while boating into Lambert Channel. ▫ On Scene
Walt & Pam Levesque, Courtenay
Mon Apr 25 2016
09:15 • 4 Bigg`s Orca travelling, heading East between Myrtle Rocks and Black Point, Malaspina Strait. One male, three females, mid strait. Observed from Whalen Road. ▫ Observed from Shore
Liz Kennedy, Powell River
HUMPBACK WHALES
Tue May 31 2016
13:52 • 1 Humpback Whales near April Point, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Painters Lodge Water Taxi
12:28 • 1 Humpback Whales heading South mid-strait in front of Discovery Harbour Marina, Campbell River, Discovery Passage.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
12:20 • 1 Humpback Whales South of McMullen Point, Discovery Passage. The humpback was 200 meters from shore. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
11:09 • 1 Humpback Whales taking long dives, heading North in Browns Bay, Discovery Passage. ◦BCY0291 KC◦ Traveling slowly. Dives were at 6-minute intervals.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
09:59 • 1 Humpback Whales North of Browns Bay.
09:33 • 1 Humpback Whales, Arran Rapids.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
06:30 • 2 Humpback Whales off Cracroft Point, West Cracroft Island, Blackfish Sound.
Shea CRWW, Campbell River Whale Watching
Mon May 30 2016
15:32 • 1 Humpback Whales heading North at the North end of Browns Bay, Discovery Passage. Close to shore.
Geoff Dunstan, Discovery Marine Safaris
15:30 • 2 Humpback Whales heading North near Seymour Narrows approaching Maude Island, Discovery Passage. With the current.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
A family day with playful Humpback Whales
Mon May 30 2016 - 4 Images / Media Files
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
A family day with playful Humpback Whales
Mon May 30 2016 - 4 Images / Media Files
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:35 • 2 Humpback Whales heading North past Walcan Seafood Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:20 • 1 Humpback Whales breaching, heading South 1/2 mile off Race Point, Discovery Passage. ◦BCY0291 KC◦
Gordon Prezioso, Eagle Eye Adventures
Humpback Whales
Humpback BCZ0004 KC short for Kelp Creature Breaching, Discovery Passage
Mon May 30 2016 - 2 Images / Media Files
Gordon Prezioso, Eagle Eye Adventures
Humpback Whales
Humpback BCZ0004 KC short for Kelp Creature Breaching, Discovery Passage
Mon May 30 2016 - 2 Images / Media Files
Gordon Prezioso, Eagle Eye Adventures
13:29 • 1 Humpback Whales heading South Race Point.
12:25 • 1 Humpback Whales heading South in front of Discovery Harbour Marina, Campbell River, Discovery Passage.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
11:15 • 1 Humpback Whales in front of Big Bay, Yuculta Rapids.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
Humpback Whales
Zed by Duncan Bay
Mon May 30 2016 - 1 Images / Media Files
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
Humpback Whales
Zed by Duncan Bay
Mon May 30 2016 - 1 Images / Media Files
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
10:31 • 1 Humpback Whales heading South at Race Point, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
10:12 • 1 Humpback Whales heading South at Menzies Bay Pulp Mill just above Campbell River, Discovery Passage.
10:12 • 1 Humpback Whales heading South in Duncan Bay, Discovery Passage.
09:37 • 2 Humpback Whales at Race Point, Discovery Passage. ◦BCX0380 - Zed◦ one is missing left side of tail.
09:37 • 1 Humpback Whales heading South at Race Point.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
Sun May 29 2016
17:23 • 1 Humpback Whales heading South in Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage.
12:11 • 2 Humpback Whales circling, just North of Browns Bay, Discovery Passage. Both adults.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
10:21 • Humpback Whales in Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage.
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
Sat May 28 2016
15:16 • 1 Humpback Whales heading West in Browns Bay, Discovery Passage. Westing tight to the beach, abeam green light.
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris
10:45 • 1 Humpback Whales heading North by the mouth of the Campbell River, Discovery Passage. From a friend. ▫ Second Hand
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Fri May 27 2016
16:00 • 1 Humpback Whales heading South at Wilfred Point, Discovery Passage.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
12:27 • 1 Humpback Whales heading West Browns Bay, Discovery Passage. Westing slowly tight to the beach, at the light. ▫ Leaving the Scene
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris
11:08 • 1 Humpback Whales heading North approaching Plumper Bay, Discovery Passage.
10:40 • 1 Humpback Whales heading North at Race Point, Discovery Passage.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Thu May 26 2016
11:01 • 1 Humpback Whales heading North from Browns Bay, Discovery Passage. ◦BCZ004◦
11:01 • 2 Humpback Whales heading North between Browns Bay and Plumper Bay, Discovery Passage. ◦BCZ004◦ Mid channel - near Separation Head. ▫ Leaving the Scene
10:39 • 1 Humpback Whales foraging, Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage. ◦BCZ004◦
10:39 • 2 Humpback Whales heading North off Browns Bay in the middle of Discovery Passage.
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
10:14 • 1 Humpback Whales North of Race Point, Discovery Passage.
09:45 • 2 Humpback Whales heading North approaching Yellow Island, Discovery Passage.
09:04 • 2 Humpback Whales heading North at Steep Island, Discovery Passage.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
07:33 • 1 Humpback Whales back and forth, heading North off Cape Mudge Lighthouse, Quadra island, Discovery Passage.
Geord Dunstan, Discovery Marine Safaris
Wed May 25 2016
18:29 • 1 Humpback Whales heading South at Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Humpback Whales
Wed May 25 2016 - 3 Images / Media Files
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Humpback Whales
Wed May 25 2016 - 3 Images / Media Files
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
GREY WHALES
Tue May 31 2016
12:50 • 1 Grey Whale foraging, in Oyster Bay, Georgia Strait. Just had a couple ladies in my office. They showed me pictures they took from shore this morning. ▫ Second Hand
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
Wed May 25 2016
19:34 • 2 Grey Whale heading North off Salmon Point, Georgia Strait. Mother and calf 300 metres off shore.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Tue May 31 2016
10:00 • 10+ PWS Dolphins in Shelter Bay North Side of Queen Charlotte Strait.
Michael Fouquette, Port Hardy, BC
Fri May 27 2016
09:01 • 4 PWS Dolphins heading East 1.75 miles South-East of Forward Bay, Johnstone Strait. It is windy and choppy.
Randy Hodge, Vancouver, BC
Wed May 25 2016
13:06 • 25 PWS Dolphins at Chatham Point, Discovery Passage.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
HARBOUR PORPOISE
Tue May 24 2016
??:?? • 2 Harbour Porpoise swimming, heading North off Roberts Creek towards Davis Bay, Georgia Strait. Almost didn't see the porpoise as they passed by Roberts Creek pier. Just caught a few second glimpse as they appeared, disappeared then appeared, disappeared and then moved further out. There were two but they didn't surface at the same time.
Karen Holland, Gibsons, BC
Harbour Porpoise
Tue May 24 2016 - 1 Images / Media Files
Karen Holland, Gibsons, BC
Harbour Porpoise
Tue May 24 2016 - 1 Images / Media Files
Karen Holland, Gibsons, BC
SIGHTINGS HEAT MAP 2016-015
The Magazine
REGIONAL & WEST COAST
CHEK News
WATCH: Controversial Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline will mean a seven-fold increase in tanker traffic along Vancouver Island and critics say that could devastate endangered Southern Resident killer whales. Tess van Straaten reports.There are growing fears conditional approval for the controversial expansion of Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain pipeline could put the USD $144 million trans-border whale watching industry at risk....
CBS SF News, CA
FARALLONES MARINE SANCTUARY (KPIX 5) — A group of scientists returned Sunday from their 13th annual research trip in the Farallones Marine Sanctuary, where they say they saw more whales than ever before.
“All the rock stars were out. We had an orca and fin whales and humpback whales,” Marine Mammal Observer Dru Devlin said.
Researchers even spotted a mother humpback whale and her calf.
“The whales are here and they are feeding ...
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife sent a letter out to crab fisherman this week asking them to pull their pots early from Monterey Bay.
The request comes in response to an increase in whale entanglements this spring.
According to the center for biological diversity there have been ten confirmed whale entanglements off California since March but the reported numbers are higher.
Representatives with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association said most of the entanglement cases have involved Humpback Whales, a species which spends time in the Monterey Bay in the spring and a species with a growing population.
CANADA
CBC News
More and more residents of Newfoundland have been capturing video and photos of whales along the coastlines.
'It's pretty rare', says DFO scientist of humpback whale in St. John's harbour
The latest, from Joelle Denise Carey, was taken Thursday night off Quidi Vidi.
INTERNATIONAL
People's Daily Online
In recent years, the number of Chinese white dolphins has seen steady increase in the Beibu Gulf of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region thanks to the better marine ecological protection in the region. April to September is the mating period of Chinese white dolphins and they become relatively active during this period.
National Geographic, USA
Sampal's calf, seen in the waters off Jeju, South Korea, suggests reintroduced dolphins can go on to lead healthy lives, experts say.
UNDARK, USA
Lindy Weilgart, a researcher at Dalhousie University, writes about the effects of sound on marine life, joining a group of researchers who are increasingly concerned about the growing noise pollution in our oceans.
Increased activity and traffic from boats, commercial shipping traffic, military sonar systems, and seismic air guns — used by oil companies to detect natural gas deposits — have all contributed to what scientists call a “cocktail party effect,” an accumulation of sounds that threaten underwater life.
“Twenty years ago, the issue was virtually nonexistent, but since then there’s been a great infusion of science and regulatory concern,” says Michael Jasny, director of the Marine Mammal Protection Project at the Natural Resources Defense Council....
WAIKOLOA — Things you can’t learn from a book — how the skin of a healthy dolphin feels, how the animal feels resting on your hands, and how powerfully a thriving cetacean heart beats under the palm.
This past week, more than a dozen volunteers for the Hawaii Marine Mammal Response Network took the measure of healthy dolphins in Waikoloa so they’ll know the difference when they encounter a sick animal in the wild.
Volunteers from across the island ...
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