Humpback Whales have been returning to our inner waters with daily increases in sightings of different individuals, including calves. We had a report of some Transient Bigg's Orca even attempting to attack a calf in the Sooke area. When more adults came to protect the calf, the Orca thought better of tackling these larger mammals and left the scene. Lots of Northern Resident Killer Whales have been seen at the top of Johnstone Strait and even down into Nodales Channel, while Southern Resident pods have stayed around the lower Georgia Strait and San Juans. Pacific White Sided Dolphins have been seen in some larger groups, and once again only a few Dall's and Harbour Porpoise get reported.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
HB BCY0027 Maude's calf breaching between Whale Town and Rebecca Spit
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
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 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.
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 2016-025
TRANSIENT BIGG'S KILLER WHALES
Mon Aug 08 2016
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Jilann Lechner, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
12:13 • Bigg`s Orca heading East approaching Blenkinsop Bay. Travelling 3.5 knots. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jordan McLean, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
Sun Aug 07 2016
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:12 • Bigg`s Orca taking long dives, heading East just North of Naka Creek mid channel in Johnstone Strait. ◦T002Cs, Tumbo◦ Tumbo is back with his family again.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Ashley Keegan, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
11:28 • 7-10 Bigg`s Orca heading East in Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve, Johnstone Strait. Travelling at 3-4 knots.
Jordan McLean, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
--:-- • Bigg`s Orca off Sooke, Strait of Juan de Fuca. ◦T18s; T19s; T36Bs◦ Attacking a juvenile Humpback Whale. ▫ Second Hand
Ashley Keegan, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
Wed Aug 03 2016
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
13:44 • Bigg`s Orca between Oyster River and Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. Gary on scene. ▫ Leaving the Scene
12:05 • Bigg`s Orca heading South at Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy off Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait. ◦T18s◦ Traveling at 4 knots.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
07:56 • 3-4 Bigg`s Orca heading South off Painters Lodge, Campbell River, Discovery Passage. Between Painter's Lodge and the mill.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
07:54 • Bigg`s Orca heading South off Orange Point, Discovery Passage.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales
T18s by the Red Can near Wilby Shoals
Wed, 3 Aug 2016 - 8 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Bigg's Killer Whales
T18s by the Red Can near Wilby Shoals
Wed, 3 Aug 2016 - 8 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Fri Aug 07 2015
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
NORTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
Sat Aug 06 2016
13:33 • 25-30 NRKW Orca heading East around Robson Bight, Johnstone Strait. Some of the group were also heading West.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Fri Aug 05 2016
15:50 • NRKW Orca West of Malcolm Point, Queen Charlotte Strait. ◦A42s, A30s, A35s, A23s, A25s, A46s◦
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Northern Resident Killer Whales
A42s, A30s, A35s, A23s, A25s, and A46s west of Malcolm Point
Fri, 5 Aug 2016 - 4 items
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
SIGHTING MEDIA
Northern Resident Killer Whales
A42s, A30s, A35s, A23s, A25s, and A46s west of Malcolm Point
Fri, 5 Aug 2016 - 4 items
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
Thu Aug 04 2016
17:02 • 30 NRKW Orca by Cracroft Point, West Cracroft Island, Blackfish Sound.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Northern Resident Killer Whales
About 30 NRKW by Cracroft Point
Thu, 4 Aug 2016 - 10 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SIGHTING MEDIA
Northern Resident Killer Whales
About 30 NRKW by Cracroft Point
Thu, 4 Aug 2016 - 10 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:08 • NRKW Orca travelling slowly, heading East at Sophia Islands, Johnstone Strait. Other NRKWs continued West. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
11:48 • 15 NRKW Orca heading West at Sophia Islands. In two groups.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Northern Resident Killer Whales
A34s and A46s between Hanson Island and Swanson Island
Thu, 4 Aug 2016 - 10 items
Alison Martin, Victoria BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Northern Resident Killer Whales
A34s and A46s between Hanson Island and Swanson Island
Thu, 4 Aug 2016 - 10 items
Alison Martin, Victoria BC
Bradden Kiley, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
11:00 • 10-12 NRKW Orca milling, between Hanson Island and Swanson Island, Blackfish Sound. ◦A34s/A46s◦ Remained in the Sound for about an hour or two. Swimming tightly together at first and eventually spreading out. ▫ On Scene
Alison Martin, Victoria
Wed Aug 03 2016
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris
Tue Aug 02 2016
18:45 • NRKW Orca heading West off Walkem Islands, Johnstone Strait. Travelling at 5 knots. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Bradden Kiley, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
SOUTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
Fri Aug 05 2016
Aaron Nagler, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
Thu Aug 04 2016
Aaron Nagler, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
Ashley Keegan, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
Wed Aug 03 2016
Ken Gallagher, Mill Bay, BC
HUMPBACK WHALES
Mon Aug 08 2016
14:30 • 1 Humpback Whales heading South along the West Side of Texada Island from Coho / Kiddie Point, Georgia Strait. ◦BCY--- Chinook◦ Made a definite decision to head down the shore.
14:04 • 1 Humpback Whales doing circles, off West side of Coho / Kiddie Point, Georgia Strait. ◦BCY--- Chinook◦ Taking lazy loops around. ▫ On Scene
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
HB BCY--- Chinook along the West side of Texada Island
Mon, 8 Aug 2016 - 7 items
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
HB BCY--- Chinook along the West side of Texada Island
Mon, 8 Aug 2016 - 7 items
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
Micheline Macauley, Texada Island, BC
11:20 • 2 Humpback Whales very active, 1 mile off of Whaletown, Sutil Channel. Mother with her calf.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
HB BCY0027 Maude nursing her calf between Whaletown and Rebecca Spit
Mon, 8 Aug 2016 - 7 items
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
HB BCY0027 Maude nursing her calf between Whaletown and Rebecca Spit
Mon, 8 Aug 2016 - 7 items
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
11:20 • 2 Humpback Whales between Whaletown and Rebecca Spit, Sutil Channel. This is another two bringing the total to 4 Humpback Whales in the same vicinity.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
Bradden Kiley, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching
08:09 • Humpback Whales heading North by Marshall Point towards Coho / Kiddie Point, Georgia Strait.
Rick Steen, Powell River Fishing Guide
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Sun Aug 07 2016
15:05 • 1 Humpback Whales heading South at Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy off Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:29 • 1 Humpback Whales heading South off of Cape Mudge Lighthouse, Georgia Strait. traveling at 8 knots. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
13:33 • 1 Humpback Whales heading South approaching Cape Mudge Village on Quadra Island in the middle of Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jen Furst, Campbell River Whale Watching
Jordan McLean, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
Bradden Kiley, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
10:38 • 1 Humpback Whales foraging, between Kinghorn Island and Cortes Island, Lewis Channel. ▫ Second Hand
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
10:30 • 1 Humpback Whales heading South at Steep Island, Discovery Passage. ◦BCY0291 KC◦ ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
10:30 • 1 Humpback Whales at Copper Bluffs, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. ◦BCY0409 Yogi◦
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
HB BCY0409 Yogi off of Cooper Bluffs
Sun, 7 Aug 2016 - 1 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
HB BCY0409 Yogi off of Cooper Bluffs
Sun, 7 Aug 2016 - 1 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Gordon Prezioso, Eagle Eye Adventures
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
--:-- • 4 Humpback Whales off Sooke, Strait of Juan de Fuca. A juvenile Humpback Whale was being attacked by some Orca and three adult Humpback Whales came to protect the young Humpback. ▫ Second Hand
Bill Coltart, Pacific Pro Dive
Sat Aug 06 2016
19:50 • 1 Humpback Whales taking long dives, heading West opposite of Pocahontas Bay on Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. 6 - 5 minute dives and then, there must have been 1 long deep dive, then out of sight. ▫ Observed from Shore
Colin Palmer, Powell River, BC
17:25 • 1 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading South 200 meters off of the Vancouver Island shoreline, just South of Chatham Point, Discovery Passage. ◦BCY0291 KC◦
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Jen Furst, Campbell River Whale Watching
Jordan McLean, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Jen Furst, Campbell River Whale Watching
Fri Aug 05 2016
19:08 • 1 Humpback Whales heading North between the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy and Cape Mudge Lighthouse, Georgia Strait. ◦BCY0291 KC◦ 2 knots.
Jordan McLean, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
16:50 • 1 Humpback Whales heading South at Shelter Point, Georgia Strait. ◦BCY0291 KC◦ ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
16:09 • 1 Humpback Whales heading South off Willow Point, Georgia Strait. ◦BCY0291 KC◦ 6 knots. ▫ Leaving the Scene
15:38 • 1 Humpback Whales heading South just past Whiskey Point, Discovery Passage. ◦BCY0291 KC◦ 10 knots.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
14:36 • 1 Humpback Whales heading South approaching mill South of Race Point, Discovery Passage. ◦BCY0291 KC◦
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
BCY0291 KC heading South off of Race Point
Fri, 5 Aug 2016 - 3 items
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
BCY0291 KC heading South off of Race Point
Fri, 5 Aug 2016 - 3 items
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
13:59 • 1 Humpback Whales heading South mid-strait at Walcan Seafood Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Radio, overheard or call out
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
08:21 • 1 Humpback Whales heading North in front of Cape Mudge Village on Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Radio, overheard or call out
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Thu Aug 04 2016
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching
Rolf Kloss, Changing Tides Ocean Tours
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
07:43 • 2 Humpback Whales breaching, heading South right off the Campbell River Fishing Pier, Discovery Passage. ◦BCY0291 KC; BCY0767 Arial◦ Travelling slowly.
Geord Dunstan, Discovery Marine Safaris
Wed Aug 03 2016
16:14 • 1 Humpback Whales breaching, heading North at Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy off Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait. ◦BCY0291 KC◦
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Radio, overheard or call out
15:01 • 2 Humpback Whales approaching Bear Point, Johnstone Strait. ◦BCY0027 Maude◦ Maude with her calf. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
14:14 • 2 Humpback Whales heading East approaching Palmer Bay, Johnstone Strait. ◦BCY0027 Maude◦ Maude with her calf.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
HB BCY0027 Maude and calf close to shore by Palmer Bay
Wed, 3 Aug 2016 - 10 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
HB BCY0027 Maude and calf close to shore by Palmer Bay
Wed, 3 Aug 2016 - 10 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
13:26 • 2 Humpback Whales breaching, heading East just East of Camp Point, Johnstone Strait. Multiple full breaching. Close to shore.
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris
12:17 • 1 Humpback Whales doing circles, at Yellow Island, Discovery Passage. ◦BCY0291 KC◦ ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris
Ed Sharkey, Campbell River, BC
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Elvis Chikite, Eagle Eye Adventures
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
07:50 • 1 Humpback Whales between Orange Point and Steep Island, Discovery Passage.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
HB betwen Orange Point and Steep Island
Wed, 3 Aug 2016 - 3 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
HB betwen Orange Point and Steep Island
Wed, 3 Aug 2016 - 3 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Tue Aug 02 2016
Jeanne Ralston, Campbell River, BC
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Mon Aug 08 2016
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
Greg Mitchell, visitor on Hornby Island
11:49 • 50 PWS Dolphins heading East off Helmcken Island, Johnstone Strait. This is a second group we just passed.
11:45 • 80 PWS Dolphins heading East off the South-West end of Helmcken Island. Travelling at 10 knots.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Sat Aug 06 2016
17:34 • PWS Dolphins between Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy and Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. ▫ Radio Report
Radio, overheard or call out
11:28 • 25 PWS Dolphins moving quickly, heading South along the West side of Marina Island, Sutil Channel.
Bill Coltart, Pacific Pro Dive
Jordan McLean, Painter's Lodge, Campbell River
10:37 • 25 PWS Dolphins foraging, Plunger Passage, Sutil Channel.
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
PWS feeding around Plunger Passage
Sat, 6 Aug 2016 - 2 items
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
SIGHTING MEDIA
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
PWS feeding around Plunger Passage
Sat, 6 Aug 2016 - 2 items
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris
Fri Aug 05 2016
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris
Thu Aug 04 2016
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
Jen Smalley, Sonora Resort
Jen Smalley, Sonora Resort
Wed Aug 03 2016
15:10 • PWS Dolphins playing, in front of Cordero Lodge NE of Greene Point Rapids, Cordero Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
SIGHTING MEDIA
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
PWS playing in fron to Cordero Lodge
Wed, 3 Aug 2016 - 7 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
PWS playing in fron to Cordero Lodge
Wed, 3 Aug 2016 - 7 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
Radio, overheard or call out
Gordon Prezioso, Eagle Eye Adventures
Tue Aug 02 2016
16:00 • 50+ PWS Dolphins playing, heading North in Denham Bay above Nodales Channel, Dent Rapids. They were playing in Denham Bay for an hour, then headed North. ▫ On Scene
Jeanne Ralston, Campbell River, BC
DALL'S PORPOISE
Sat Aug 06 2016
Jen Smalley, Sonora Resort
HARBOUR PORPOISE
Sat Aug 06 2016
18:52 • 2 Harbour Porpoise heading South off the West side of the park at Whytecliff in West Vancouver, Queen Charlotte Channel. The porpoises were travelling together initially. Then, they were travelling in the same direction but further apart (about 30 meters). They surfaced three times in a row, then dove for 2-3 minutes. This sequence occurred three times in total, except after the third sequence, I could not see them again. ▫ Observed from Shore
Ivan Ng, North Vancouver, BC
SPECIES UNSURE
Sun Aug 07 2016
08:18 • Species Unsure heading North off of Bates Beach, Georgia Strait. Multiple large blows. ▫ Second Hand
Bill Coltart, Pacific Pro Dive
SIGHTINGS HEAT MAP 2016-025
The Magazine
CANADA
CBC Newfloundland
It has been a big few weeks for whale watchers around Newfoundland and Labrador, as a number of humpbacks and orcas were spotted and ...
CBC, Montreal
“We were really lucky,” Mouellic told CBC. “Within 15 minutes of our departure, we saw porpoises, seals, belugas and several finback whales. It was already marvelous. Then there were these two finbacks, one of which passed under the Zodiac without touching the boat.”
The “magical” encounter occurred at the confluence of the Saguenay and St. Lawrence rivers.
The Star, ON
The playful, white whale has been spotted huddling next to a small speedboat, following fishing vessels, tugging on mooring lines with its mouth and appearing in YouTube videos.
Local resident Sharon McEvoy says the whale has grown since it arrived in March, and she says locals are regularly reaching out to touch the animal.
Some are calling him Billy.
“We’re getting a lot of people from a lot of places...
CBC, Montreal
The director of the marine research group at GREMM, Robert Michaud, said there has been a recent increase in traffic around Cacouna, about 200 kilometres north of Quebec City, which could be having a negative impact on mothers and their offspring.
GREMM is using drones and underwater microphones to investigate their hypothesis.
"This strategy will ...
INTERNATIONAL
New York Times, NY
Whales, it seems, are making a big splash in New York City.
A rarity in years past, these magnificent creatures are popping up more frequently near our city’s shores, said Paul Sieswerda, of Gotham Whale, an educational nonprofit group.
In 2011, his group recorded five whales in New York. In 2015, the number was 69.
Most were humpbacks, he said, but blue, fin and sperm whales, as well as other species, have been spotted in our waters as well....
For more details:
Center for Coastal Studies, MA
For the past three days, CCS researchers have been monitoring the carcass of a small minke whale in Cape Cod Bay off North Truro. Data collected during these 72 hours shows that there is as much to be learned from the whales in death as in life.
Radio Times Travel
Every day at low tide, a crowd gathers at Chanonry Point, on the northern side of the Moray Firth. They come to see the resident pod of bottlenose dolphins doing what it does best: hunting salmon. As the tide goes out, so the salmon returning to the river start to gather offshore. To hunt them, the dolphins work as a team, concentrating their quarry into a tight shoal before chasing it down and ...
South Korean Dolphin Population Slowly Recovering
Korea Bizwire
The number of indo-pacific bottlenose dolphins in the seas off Jeju Island is slowly recovering after years of steady decline, thanks to cooperation from the local fishing industry and a drop in poaching.
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