We have at least two sets of Mom and calf Humpback Whales being observed daily for the past while. The little ones practice their breaching, usually after being fed, which has been a topic of discussion as to why Humpbacks breach. They actually do look as if breaching is just a fun thing to do. Our daily number of unique Humpback individuals has brought our regular count up to seven whales, other than our usual KC and Arial. Transient Bigg's Orca have certainly been moving around, but one pod, the T002Cs have joined up with T061s and remain in the upper Georgia Strait. The T137s came as far as the top of Texada Island and have headed back down Georgia Strait. The Northern Resident pods are staying above Kelsey Bay while the Southern Residents have made appearances in the lower Georgia Strait. Pacific White Sided Dolphins are, once again spending time above or near the top of Nodales, which seems to be a fovourite for them. Once again we have limited Porpoise sightings reports with all the larger mammal activity, but for the Bigg's, that is food, as are seals which is most likely what happened to our rescued seal pup's Mom. Reported below regular sightings.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Transient Bigg's Orca hunting in Okisollo Channel
Kurt Staple, Eagle Eye Adventures
Society News & Events
Boaters, please pay attention! Whales do NOT always manage to get out of your way and not only can they be injured, but so can you and your vessel. If you see a blow - go slow! Better yet, if you find yourself in the vicinity of these wonderful animals, put the boat into neutral or shut down entirely and enjoy watching them as you drift. They are a wonder of our world.
Are you the type of volunteer interested in Cetacea and mapping, who would be willing to spend some time with our growing Society network?
Our team of Volunteers continue to do a great job in making sure all your reports are mapped and published each week.
We are preparing for our first Real Time Monitoring Station. A few logistics are still being worked out prior to posting additional callouts for Volunteers to assist with the installation.
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Sightings Update
SIGHTINGS MAP 2016-026
TRANSIENT BIGG'S KILLER WHALES
Sat Aug 13 2016
Bill Coltart, Pacific Pro Dive
17:15 • Bigg`s Orca hunting, heading North in the shallows between Marina Island and Cortes Island, Sutil Channel.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
14:05 • Bigg`s Orca moving slowly, heading South on the West side of Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel. ◦T2s◦
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
13:49 • 3 Bigg`s Orca on the South side of Hill Island heading towards Center Island, Sutil Channel.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
Fri Aug 12 2016
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
Ashley Keegan, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
13:00 • Bigg`s Orca hunting, heading West by Nutcracker Bay, Okisollo Channel. ◦T002Cs, T061s◦ ▫ On Scene
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales
Transient Bigg's Orca T002Cs and T061s hunting by Nutcracker Bay
Fri, 12 Aug 2016 - 8 items
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales
Transient Bigg's Orca T002Cs and T061s hunting by Nutcracker Bay
Fri, 12 Aug 2016 - 8 items
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
Radio, overheard or call out
10:04 • 5-6 Bigg`s Orca heading North close to Maurelle Island approaching the east side of Hole in the Wall. One big male.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
Thu Aug 11 2016
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
16:59 • Bigg`s Orca heading toward Harwood Island Spit from Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper), Malaspina Strait. Possibly as many as 10. ▫ Second Hand
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Jay Feaver, Powell River, CCG
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Neil Park, Lang Bay
--:-- • Bigg`s Orca at Mace Point, Malaspina Strait. Were first seen on the North shore, then they travelled to the South Bank.
Norma Berg, Savary Island
Wed Aug 10 2016
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
15:24 • 6 Bigg`s Orca Couple of hundred yards off the East side of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. ◦T002Cs◦ Possible ID. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Elvis Chikite, Eagle Eye Adventures
14:10 • Bigg`s Orca travelling,, Baker Passage. speed about 3.5 knots, lots of diving. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Aaron Nagler, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
12:47 • Bigg`s Orca moving slowly, heading South-East at Cape Mudge Fishing Hump off Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
Jordan McLean, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
11:31 • Bigg`s Orca moving slowly, heading South at Quathiaski Cove, Discovery Passage. ◦T002Cs◦ Maybe feeding again. ▫ Leaving the Scene
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales
Transient Bigg's Orca T002s feeding at Quathiaski Cove
Wed, 10 Aug 2016 - 4 items
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales
Transient Bigg's Orca T002s feeding at Quathiaski Cove
Wed, 10 Aug 2016 - 4 items
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
11:10 • Bigg`s Orca hunting and breaching, in Gowlland Harbour. ◦T002Cs◦ Great start so far.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales
Transient Bigg's Orca T002s hunting and breaching in Gowlland Harbour
Wed, 10 Aug 2016 - 10 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales
Transient Bigg's Orca T002s hunting and breaching in Gowlland Harbour
Wed, 10 Aug 2016 - 10 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
08:36 • Bigg`s Orca heading North-West at Walcan Seafood Quadra Island heading towards Copper Bluffs, Discovery Passage.
Bradden Kiley, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Tue Aug 09 2016
Elvis Chikite, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:44 • Bigg`s Orca heading North-West towards Vivian Island, Malaspina Strait. ◦T137s◦ One big male. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Elvis Chikite, Eagle Eye Adventures
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
12:15 • 4 Bigg`s Orca foraging, heading North 1 mile out from Black (Albion) Point, Malaspina Strait. 1 adult male, 2 adult females and 1 juvenile.
Robert Johnson, Powell River
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching
NORTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
Thu Aug 11 2016
13:53 • NRKW Orca heading West in Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve, Johnstone Strait. Lots of vocals and echo location. They are heading to the rubbing beach. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
13:03 • NRKW Orca heading West into Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve. ◦A30s, A42s◦ Lots of activity. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching
Tenacious3 (Boat), Discovery Marine Safaris
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching
SOUTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
Sat Aug 13 2016
Ashley Keegan, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
Thu Aug 11 2016
13:23 • SRKW Orca foraging, heading North at the mouth of the Fraser River heading towards Point Grey, Georgia Strait. ◦K25◦
Aaron Nagler, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
HUMPBACK WHALES
Sat Aug 13 2016
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
19:25 • Humpback Whales heading South half way down Harwood Island Bluffs from Sandbanks, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
17:17 • 1 Humpback Whales heading North towards Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Elvis Chikite, Eagle Eye Adventures
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:06 • 1 Humpback Whales moving quickly, heading North mid-channel just North of Yaculta, Discovery Passage.
Mireille Morissette, On A Dime Outdoor Adventures
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
12:44 • 2 Humpback Whales doing circles, at Hill Island, Sutil Channel. Short dives were also observed. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
11:15 • 1 Humpback Whales milling, between Race Point and Maud Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
11:08 • 1 Humpback Whales heading South mid-channel at Chatham Point, Discovery Passage. Small humpback. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
10:05 • 1 Humpback Whales bucking tide, heading North between Race Point and Maud Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
Gordon Prezioso, Eagle Eye Adventures
Fri Aug 12 2016
Rick Steen, Powell River Fishing Guide
17:41 • 2 Humpback Whales at Hill Island, Sutil Channel. ◦BCY0027 Maude and her calf◦ ▫ Leaving the Scene
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
17:04 • Humpback Whales doing circles, between Walcan Seafood Quadra Island and Race Point, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
16:40 • Humpback Whales heading North between Walcan Seafood Quadra Island and Race Point. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
14:46 • Humpback Whales heading North of Walcan Seafood Quadra Island toward Yellow Island, Discovery Passage. Working back eddy.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback off of Walcan Seafood on Quadra Island
Fri, 12 Aug 2016 - 2 items
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback off of Walcan Seafood on Quadra Island
Fri, 12 Aug 2016 - 2 items
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
Rolf Kloss, Changing Tides Ocean Tours
11:01 • 1 Humpback Whales at the green light Seymour Narrows heading into Menzies Bay, Discovery Passage.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Radio, overheard or call out
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
--:-- • 1 Humpback Whales South side of Mace Point, Malaspina Strait. Was observed for several hours.
Norma Berg, Savary Island
Thu Aug 11 2016
21:00 • Humpback Whales heading North near Mace Point, Savary Island, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Second Hand
John and Joan Treen, Powell River and Savary Island, BC
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
17:01 • Humpback Whales at Bullock Bluff heading to Penn Islands, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
16:00 • 1 Humpback Whales West of Vivian Island, Georgia Strait.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback showing evidence of previous entanglement near Vivian Island
Thu, 11 Aug 2016 - 3 items
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback showing evidence of previous entanglement near Vivian Island
Thu, 11 Aug 2016 - 3 items
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
Bradden Kiley, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
Wed Aug 10 2016
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
16:09 • 2 Humpback Whales doing circles, between Hill Island and Penn Islands, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback breaching between Hill Island and the Penn Islands
Wed, 10 Aug 2016 - 1 items
Kevin Allen, Guest of Campbell River Whale Watching
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback breaching between Hill Island and the Penn Islands
Wed, 10 Aug 2016 - 1 items
Kevin Allen, Guest of Campbell River Whale Watching
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
14:42 • 1 Humpback Whales heading North end of Calm Channel. Calf size really small.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Small Humpback in Calm Channel
Wed, 10 Aug 2016 - 3 items
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Small Humpback in Calm Channel
Wed, 10 Aug 2016 - 3 items
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
Jen Smalley, Sonora Resort
13:45 • Humpback Whales South of Hill Island. After an amazing show!. ▫ Leaving the Scene
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpbacks putting on a show South of Hill Island
Wed, 10 Aug 2016 - 7 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpbacks putting on a show South of Hill Island
Wed, 10 Aug 2016 - 7 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Jen Smalley, Sonora Resort
08:56 • 3 Humpback Whales milling, heading South-West between Penn Islands and Hill Island, Sutil Channel.
Jordan McLean, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
Tue Aug 09 2016
Elvis Chikite, Eagle Eye Adventures
17:03 • 2 Humpback Whales heading North are on a line between Hill Island and Centre Islet, Sutil Channel.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
16:56 • 2 Humpback Whales doing circles, off of Grant Reefs, Georgia Strait. Breaching was also observed.
Elvis Chikite, Eagle Eye Adventures
16:51 • 2 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading North-West North of Plunger Passage moving towards Read Island, Sutil Channel. Now lots of breaching and tail slaps.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:43 • 1 Humpback Whales between Coho / Kiddie Point and Rebecca Rocks Powell River Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
12:22 • 3 Humpback Whales resting, half way between Hill Island and Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel. 2 adults and 1 calf.
Jordan McLean, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
10:50 • 2 Humpback Whales breaching, heading South leaving Hill Island heading towards Plunger Passage, Sutil Channel. Mom and calf also seen tail slapping. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
09:21 • 3 Humpback Whales on the South side of Hill Island, Sutil Channel. Includes a mother and calf pair.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Sat Aug 13 2016
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching
Fri Aug 12 2016
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
Jen Smalley, Sonora Resort
Thu Aug 11 2016
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching
Tue Aug 09 2016
09:58 • PWS Dolphins heading South at Raza Island heading towards Lewis Channel, Calm Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
DALL'S PORPOISE
Thu Aug 11 2016
17:48 • Dall`s Porpoise off Harwood Island toward Vancouver Island, Malaspina Strait. Seeing a few small blows.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
HARBOUR PORPOISE
Tue Aug 09 2016
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
OF SPECIAL NOTE
Fri Aug 12 2016
--:-- • 1 Other Species in Powell River Westview Harbour, Malaspina Strait. As part of our work in the protection of Coastal wildlife, we rescued this tiny, malnourished seal pup. The pup was crated and sent down to the Vancouver Aquarium's seal rehab. Once it reaches optimum weight it will be released back to the wild. Thanks to the extra hands from our RCMP and Pacific Coastal Airlines.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
SIGHTINGS HEAT MAP 2016-026
The Magazine
REGIONAL & WEST COAST
CTV News
Whale watchers are sharing images of a rare and 'epic' tussle between a group of orcas and humpback whales off the coast of Jordan River, B.C. Aug. 7, 2016. (Courtesy Pacific Whale Watching Association)
The orcas then turned their attention to a nearby humpback whale calf, as stunned whale watchers looked on. Capt. Mark Malleson of Prince of Whales Whale Watching observed the rare encounter, calling it a “great interaction.”
BBC News, UK
J2 Granny of the SRKW is the focus of a study looking at menopause. Why would the female of a species cease to reproduce half way through her life, when natural selection favours characteristics that help an individual's genes survive? A study of killer whales - one of only two mammals apart from humans to undergo the menopause - is providing clues.
The Inquisitor
Officials with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (or NOAA) say the juvenile whale were stranded for a time, and there were hopes of a rescue. However, efforts to free help the whale back into open waters failed.
Sources investigating the whale’s death say the young humpback was found trapped in the shallows at a location near Seattle’s Fauntleroy Ferry dock in the early morning hours. People gathered near
CANADA
CBC News Newfoundland & Labrador
John King had a kayaking trip of a lifetime just off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador this week, after a pod of dolphins began swimming around and under his boat.
Grind TV
The most enjoyable wildlife videos aren’t always produced by professionals, and don’t always require top-line equipment – or even a steady hand.
The accompanying footage, for example, was shot by a 10-year-old Swedish girl while on a whale-watching excursion with Dana Wharf Whale Watching out of Dana Point, Calif.
INTERNATIONAL
Science World Report, USA
A study reveals that dolphins perform a signature whistle or 'sing' to their unborn calves just like some parents, who talk or play music to their unborn children. The mother dolphins do this while the unborn calves are still in their wombs running up to the birth and up to two weeks after.
The study was .....
Natural Resources Defence Council
After 40 years, the U.S. is finally moving to ban imports of fish and fish products from countries that do not meet U.S. standards for protecting whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals. It's about time! Each year, more than 650,000 of these magnificent animals are caught or seriously injured in fishing gear around the world....
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