Many Transient Orca and an Appearance by Southern Resident Orca
Cover Image:
Bigg’s hunting a seal lion off of Mitlenatch Island
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Orca have been sighted in various waterways from Malaspina Strait and Georgia Strait up through to Calm Channel and Discovery Passage. On at least two occasions, Transient Orca were observed actively hunting their prey. The cover image shows an Orca hunting a sea lion and often, the Orca do clear the water in their pursuit of their prey. On May 4th, a group of Southern Resident Orca were in upper Georgia Strait close to Campbell River in the morning and over the day, they travelled southward and were off Comox by late afternoon. Some sightings of Orca remain as unidentified and although most are likely Transients, some potentially could be Resident Orca.
The Humpback whales are returning to the area. One Humpback was observed doing tail slaps and another Humpback was lunge feeding. More Humpbacks will be re-appearing over the next few weeks as they come for the summer to feed on schooling fish and krill which are in high abundance here in BC waters. The bulk of the Grey whales have passed through and are in waters off of Alaska. However, a small group of Grey whales may be in and around Vancouver Island on its West Coast and inland waterways. In the Lower Mainland, a Grey whale has been observed off White Rock for a couple of weeks and can seen from shore.
Pacific White-Sided dolphins have been reported in various pod sizes, with the largest one being about 50 animals. One pod of dolphins were being chased and/or followed by some Orca. Rounding our report are a few sightings of Dall’s porpoise and Harbour porpoise.
If you are a boater, use caution on the water giving these animals plenty of room. Federal laws require boats to remain at least 100-m away from Cetaceans and if you are observing any Orca, laws require boats to remain at least 200-m from the whales. Remember N.E.W.S. when you see a whale, meaning put your boat in NEUTRAL, ENJOY the view, WAIT till the whales are at a fair distance, and then SLOWLY leave the scene.
WOWs works throught the year, so please continue to keep your eyes open, and report your sightings to us.
Ivan Ng, Wild Ocean Whale Society
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Not listed in our job postings is our immediate need for IT support. Please contact Susan@…org for details.
Sightings Update
SIGHTINGS MAP – ISSUE: 2019-010
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Sun Apr 21 2019
13:30 • est. 8 Biggs Orca frolicking, heading south-east towards Lund, Malaspina Strait. First seen frolicking for about 10 minutes in one spot, then moved SE with intermittent frolicking. Behaviour included tail slapping and spy hopping, and an occasional breach. Orca were travelling close to shore and were about 1-km NW travelling towards Lund. ▫ Observed from Shore
Brian Voth, Lund, BC
Wed Apr 24 2019
11:25 • 5 Biggs Orca moving quickly, heading north passing Sonora Lodge on Sonora Island, Yuculta Rapids.
Ryan Stewart, Sonora Resort
14:30 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading south passing Sonora Lodge on Sonora Island.
Tyler Bruce, Campbell River Whale Watching
17:20 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ at the mouth of Whiterock Passage. Close to Drew Passage.
Jerry Weldon, Campbell River, BC
Thu Apr 25 2019
12:00 • 1 Biggs Orca zig zagging at the mouth of Call Inlet. Big Fin. Same Orca that was in Havannah Channel on Saturday. Apparently it’s been hanging around there for at least a week.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
16:00 • 8 Biggs Orca angling towards north east side of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. One large fin, the rest are females. ▫ Leaving the Scene
16:53 • est. 7+ Biggs Orca 2 miles southwest of Spilsbury Point on Hernando Island, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
About 7 Bigg’s, T36A’s & T49A, off of Spilsbury Point on Hernando Island
Thu, 25 Apr 2019 – 10 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
About 7 Bigg’s, T36A’s & T49A, off of Spilsbury Point on Hernando Island
Thu, 25 Apr 2019 – 10 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Fri Apr 26 2019
08:48 • Biggs Orca heading south going past Cape Mudge Lighthouse on Quadra Island, Georgia Strait. One big fin in the group. As seen on Facebook. ▫ Second Hand
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
10:24 • Biggs Orca at the mouth of Call Inlet. Spent 3hrs playing around their barge anchored at Warren Islands early this morning. Info from Stormaway. ▫ Second Hand
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
12:15 • Biggs Orca ◦T018s◦ heading south between Mitlenatch Island and Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait. 1 big fin.
13:20 • Biggs Orca ◦T018s◦ moving slowly, heading south 1.5 miles south of Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:20 • Biggs Orca ◦T018s◦ heading north-west towards Salmon Point, Georgia Strait.
15:00 • Biggs Orca ◦T018s◦ moving slowly; zigzagging, 2 nautical miles south of Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait. Heading for Vancouver Island. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
Sat Apr 27 2019
08:18 • est. 5-6 Biggs Orca heading north from Mink Island towards Homfray Channel in the middle of Desolation Sound.
Jerry Weldon, Campbell River, BC
16:15 • est. 5-6 Biggs Orca heading south in Whale Passage, Sutil Channel.
Ryan Stewart, Sonora Resort
Sun Apr 28 2019
10:13 • est. 10 Biggs Orca heading south at Sarah Point heading for Copeland Islands, Malaspina Strait. Active. 2 Orca way ahead. At least 2 big fins and 2 calves.
10:28 • est. 10 Biggs Orca at Bliss Landing outside of Copeland Islands, Malaspina Strait.
11:33 • Biggs Orca heading south between Hurtado Point and Mace Point, Malaspina Strait. 7 knots.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
12:20 • Biggs Orca off Sliammon, Malaspina Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
12:40 • Biggs Orca at Viner Point, Read Island, Sutil Channel. 2 big fins.
Tyler Bruce, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:04 • Biggs Orca in front of Powell River closer to Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
Iwan Van Veen, Footprint Kayak and Hike Explorations
13:17 • Biggs Orca off Quadra Island Scallop Farm south of Heriot Bay, Sutil Channel.
Tyler Bruce, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:54 • est. 20 Biggs Orca heading south past Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
14:00 • est. 8+ Biggs Orca spread out, heading south at Francisco Point on Quadra Island, Georgia Strait.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:37 • Biggs Orca ◦T101s◦ heading south past Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:58 • est. 8+ Biggs Orca heading south out of spoil grounds by Wilby Shoals. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:06 • Biggs Orca heading south by Brew Bay, Malaspina Strait. Large group. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
About 20 Bigg’s heading south by Brew Bay
Sun, 28 Apr 2019 – 10 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
About 20 Bigg’s heading south by Brew Bay
Sun, 28 Apr 2019 – 10 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Mon Apr 29 2019
14:30 • Biggs Orca, Baker Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
16:47 • 1 Biggs Orca ◦T077A◦ heading north, Baker Passage. Sutil side of Baker. ▫ Second Hand
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
Tue Apr 30 2019
08:32 • Biggs Orca off Grief Point, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s off of Grief Point
Tue, 30 Apr 2019 – 8 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s off of Grief Point
Tue, 30 Apr 2019 – 8 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
08:36 • Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading south passing Beach Gardens Marina below Grief Point, Malaspina Strait. Observed through the Web Cam.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
09:20 • est. 10 Biggs Orca heading south, Black (Albion) Point, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Robyn Doucette, Powell River, BC
10:13 • Biggs Orca heading south just past Hidden Harbour, Campbell River, Discovery Passage. Mid channel.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
11:26 • est. 10 Biggs Orca hunting, Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait. Chasing a sea lion.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
About 10 – 12 Bigg’s hunting a seal lion near the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy
Tue, 30 Apr 2019 – 9 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
About 10 – 12 Bigg’s hunting a seal lion near the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy
Tue, 30 Apr 2019 – 9 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
13:17 • Biggs Orca ◦T087,T124C◦ heading south off Cape Cockburn, Nelson Island, Malaspina Strait.
Michael Campbell, Vancouver Island Whale Watch
14:08 • est. 10-12 Biggs Orca ◦T049As,T065Bs,T075Bs,T075C◦ heading south off Mitlenatch Island towards Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:55 • Biggs Orca heading south-east 2 miles south of Montgomery Bank towards Texada Island, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Kianna Thistlethwaite, Campbell River Whale Watching
17:04 • Biggs Orca between Little River and Vivian Island, Georgia Strait. A sea otter out there too. ▫ Second Hand
Radio, overheard or call out
Wed May 01 2019
11:36 • est. 12 Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading north at Elk Bay, Discovery Passage. From Reuben. ▫ Second Hand
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
12:15 • est. 20 Biggs Orca ◦T090s,T101s◦ moving slowly, heading north just north of Elk Point, Discovery Passage. Moving along Vancouver Island. The group of whales included T102B and a couple more gangs as well. ▫ Leaving the Scene
13:00 • 1 Biggs Orca heading north through Surge Narrows , then headed up Okisollo Channel. From a friend. ▫ Second Hand
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
13:40 • est. 20 Biggs Orca ◦T090s,T101s◦ heading south at Eagles Cove, Discovery Passage. Same group of Orca. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
16:35 • est. 20 Biggs Orca heading south, Duncan Bay, Discovery Passage. Same group of Orca.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
17:12 • est. 20 Biggs Orca heading south passing Tyee Spit mid-channel of Discovery Passage. Same group of Orca.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
19:30 • est. 20 Biggs Orca just out from Willow Point, Georgia Strait. Same group of Orca. ▫ Observed from Shore
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
20:39 • Biggs Orca heading north approaching Campbell River Fishing Pier, Discovery Passage. Reports of a large group. ▫ Second Hand
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Fri May 03 2019
07:45 • 2 Biggs Orca heading north, Elk Bay, Discovery Passage. One big fin and one small fin.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Sat May 04 2019
13:12 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ by Hill Island, Sutil Channel.
13:45 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ foraging, in Evans Bay, Read Island, Sutil Channel.
14:05 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ resting, south of Hill Island, Sutil Channel. 300 m from shore. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:10 • Biggs Orca moving slowly, half way between Hill Island and Carrington Bay, Sutil Channel. Heading toward Carrington Bay. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
16:30 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ near Carrington Bay, Cortes Island, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Stan Novotny, Eagle Eye Adventures
Mon May 06 2019
07:40 • est. 6+ Biggs Orca south of the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait. Seen from up on the cape at Cape Mudge.
08:25 • est. 8 Biggs Orca hunting, at the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy. Orca are killing a sea lion.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
09:23 • Biggs Orca heading north towards the Campbell River Fishing Pier, Discovery Passage. They were observed by a person from their house. ▫ Second Hand
Stuart Clark, Eagle Eye Adventures
09:54 • est. 4-5 Biggs Orca heading north approaching Steep Island in the middle of Discovery Passage. All small fins.
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:55 • Biggs Orca heading north off Separation Head, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. Travelling about 6-knots in the middle of the channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s heading north off of Separation Head
Mon, 6 May 2019 – 10 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s heading north off of Separation Head
Mon, 6 May 2019 – 10 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SOUTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
Sat May 04 2019
09:50 • SRKW Orca heading south at Cape Mudge Fishing Hump off Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait. ▫ Second Hand
10:30 • est. 15 SRKW Orca heading south 1.5 miles off Oyster Bay, Georgia Strait.
11:20 • SRKW Orca heading south almost abeam at Salmon Point, Georgia Strait. Large group travelling at 2 knots along the 350 to 400 ft depth contour. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
12:30 • SRKW Orca ◦J Pod◦ moving slowly, spread out, heading south 2 miles (3.2 km) off Miracle Beach Park, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Southern Resident Killer Whales
Southern Resident Killer Whales, J Pod, heading south off of Miracle Beach Park
Sat, 4 May 2019 – 8 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Southern Resident Killer Whales
Southern Resident Killer Whales, J Pod, heading south off of Miracle Beach Park
Sat, 4 May 2019 – 8 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
13:40 • SRKW Orca ◦J Pod◦ moving slowly, heading south 1- 2 miles (2 to 3 km) off Williams Beach, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
Mon Apr 22 2019
18:30 • 4 Orca moving slowly, heading north-east near Sturdies Bay, Galiano Island, Active Pass. Seen in Active Pass, then drove to Bellhouse park, and then drove to a third spot up the Island north of ferry terminal to watch them from shore. ▫ Observed from Shore
Scott Martens, Galiano Island, BC
Tue Apr 23 2019
09:00 • Orca heading north by Mink Island, Desolation Sound.
Jerry Weldon, Campbell River, BC
Wed Apr 24 2019
14:28 • Orca in Nodales Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Thu Apr 25 2019
12:40 • est. 5+ Orca tail slaps; breaching, north of Mitlenatch Island about a mile towards Baker Passage, Georgia Strait. Very Active.
Jerry Weldon, Campbell River, BC
Sun Apr 28 2019
10:30 • Orca at Hill Island, Sutil Channel. ▫ Second Hand
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching
Tue Apr 30 2019
09:49 • Orca blowing, heading south by Whiskey Point, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Second Hand
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
18:45 • Orca heading south out past Coho (Kiddie) Point at the NW tip of Texada Island, Georgia Strait. Blows seen to the west of Coho Point. Looks like they are heading down the Vancouver Island side of Texada. ▫ Observed from Shore
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Wed May 01 2019
08:15 • Orca south end of Whale Passage, Sutil Channel. The whales were not traveling in a real direction and I am not sure of numbers either.
Jerry Weldon, Campbell River, BC
09:00 • est. 5-6 Orca heading west near Lower Rapids, Okisollo Channel. Sighting reported by a friend. ▫ Second Hand
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Thu May 02 2019
07:40 • Orca near Big Rock, Campbell River, Georgia Strait.
07:56 • est. 3-4 Orca heading south, Willow Point, Georgia Strait.
08:22 • Orca spread out, below Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait. Lots of blows.
Elvis Chikite, Big Animal Encounters
Sat May 04 2019
17:26 • Orca heading south now off of Little River, Comox, Georgia Strait.
17:34 • Orca heading north between Hornby Island and Denman Island, Lambert Channel. ▫ Second Hand
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching
19:38 • est. 8 Orca just off Blubber Bay, Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
Sherri Wretham, Powell River, BC
19:44 • est. 8 Orca spread out; zig-zagging, between Blubber Bay and Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Sun May 05 2019
09:06 • Orca heading south approaching Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
Tue May 07 2019
15:10 • 6 Orca milling, off Hornby Island, Georgia Strait. ▫ Second Hand
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching
20:03 • 3 Orca moving slowly, heading south, just north of the Powell River Ferry Terminal, Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
HUMPBACK WHALES
Tue Apr 23 2019
12:00 • 1 Humpback Whales by Howe Island, Nodales Channel.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
Thu Apr 25 2019
11:15 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south at Cracroft Point, West Cracroft Island, Blackfish Sound.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Thu May 02 2019
16:15 • 3 Humpback Whales doing circles, at Vansittart Point, West Thurlow Island, Johnstone Strait. Mom, calf and another.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Fri May 03 2019
13:21 • 1 Humpback Whales heading towards Church House, Calm Channel.
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
Humpback Whales
Humpbacks heading towards Church House
Fri, 3 May 2019 – 5 items
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
Humpback Whales
Humpbacks heading towards Church House
Fri, 3 May 2019 – 5 items
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:51 • Humpback Whales heading north below Van Anda, Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. Saw a blow.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
18:01 • 2 Humpback Whales at Cyril Rock heading towards Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Graham Evans, Stowaway Sailing Adventures
Sun May 05 2019
06:15 • Humpback Whales between Marina Reef and Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
09:40 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south, north of Browns Bay, Discovery Passage. Northbound about 10 minutes later.
14:08 • Humpback Whales lunge feeding, north of Stuart Island, Bute Inlet.
Peter Murray, Campbell River Whale Watching
Mon May 06 2019
14:20 • 1 Humpback Whales taking long dives, across from Fawn Bluff, Bute Inlet.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:42 • 1 Humpback Whales tail slaps, across from Fawn Bluff. Small whale.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Wed Apr 24 2019
09:30 • est. 50+ PWS Dolphins spread out, between Channe Island and Phillips Arm, Cordero Channel.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Thu Apr 25 2019
15:30 • est. 15-20 PWS Dolphins travelling, heading north-west off the resort at Bates Beach, Georgia Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Derek Kyostia, Merville, BC
Sun Apr 28 2019
12:46 • est. 30-40 PWS Dolphins being hunted, by Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper), Malaspina Strait. Up ahead of Orca.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
12:50 • PWS Dolphins being hunted, off Gibsons Beach just north of Powell River, Malaspina Strait. Chased by Orca.
Iwan Van Veen, Footprint Kayak and Hike Explorations
13:08 • PWS Dolphins by Powell River Ferry Terminal, Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Wed May 01 2019
17:00 • est. 40 PWS Dolphins angling towards Shell Point, Blind Channel.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Thu May 02 2019
13:57 • 12 PWS Dolphins doing circles, off the wharf in Westview, Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Sun May 05 2019
07:30 • est. 20-30 PWS Dolphins foraging, at Fawn Bluff, Bute Inlet.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
Mon May 06 2019
08:45 • est. 40 PWS Dolphins foraging, off Leask Creek, Bute Inlet.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
DALLS PORPOISE
Thu May 02 2019
15:50 • est. 20 Dalls Porpoise foraging, just off the dock at Rock Bay, Johnstone Strait.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Fri May 03 2019
17:00 • est. 6 Dalls Porpoise between Clipper Point and Orford Bay, Bute Inlet.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Tue May 07 2019
14:01 • 4 Dalls Porpoise off Bartlett Islet, Calm Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
HARBOUR PORPOISE
Sun Apr 21 2019
13:00 • est. 5 Harbour Porpoise about 300-m from the shore near Porteau Cove, Howe Sound. Nor sure what the movement is called but they were swimming and their backs came out of the water. ▫ From Kayak or Paddleboard
Meribeth Tikkanen, Lions Bay, BC
Tue Apr 30 2019
18:45 • est. 4-6 Harbour Porpoise heading north off Whytecliff Park, West Vancouver, Queen Charlotte Channel. Saw this pod surface only once. ▫ Observed from Shore
19:14 • est. 12 Harbour Porpoise milling, off Whytecliff Park, West Vancouver. Looks like two pods each with 6 animals merged into larger pod. Some porpoises observed to surface side-by-side. They were milling in the area for at least 35 minutes. ▫ Observed from Shore
Ivan Ng, North Vancouver, BC
SPECIES UNSURE
Tue May 07 2019
19:50 • est. 3 Species Unsure between Willingdon Beach and Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait. Blows were seen – possibly Humpbacks whales. ▫ Observed from Shore
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
20:03 • 1 Species Unsure heading north, just north of the Powell River Ferry Terminal, Malaspina Strait. May have been a Humpback whale.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
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The Magazine
REGIONAL
Powell River PEAK
Powell River marine conservation group Wild Ocean Whales Society (WOWS) was officially formed in 2010, but the work has been going on for much longer, according to founder Susan MacKay….
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WEST COAST + NATIONAL
The Mercury News
Gray whales currently are making their annual trip to Alaska. After breeding in the coastal lagoons of Baja, California, they’re traveling 10,000 miles north to eat. Adult males are the first to migrate. Young, nonbreeding whales follow suit.
But their journey this year has been fraught with peril. So far, seven migrating whales have been reported dead in the San Francisco Bay – some from colliding with ships, which is not unusual, others from starvation, which is rare….
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NOAA
Today, NOAA listed Gulf of Mexico Bryde’s whales as "endangered" under the Endangered Species Act. This whale is at risk of extinction due to its small population size, restricted range, and several major threats. Pronounced "Broo-dus," Gulf of Mexico Bryde’s whales are the only known resident baleen whales in the Gulf of Mexico. Experts estimate less than 100 individuals are left in the population….
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Global News
A human-made racket under the ocean is a growing threat to three types of whales off the East Coast, Canadian scientists say. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada released its findings Monday on the sei whale, fin whale and Sowerby’s beaked whale following a gathering of 43 scientists in St. John’s, N.L….
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INTERNATIONAL
Mother Nature Network
Brazilian river dolphins were once thought to live solitary lives. However, a new study published in Peer J by Laura May Collado of University of Vermont and Gabriel Melo-Santos from the University of St Andrews in Scotland shows these marine mammals have an intricate communication system….
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RTE
Spectacular drone footage has captured a group of humpback whales “socialising” off west Cork.
The footage was filmed by the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group on a research trip out of Reen Pier on board the Holly Jo vessel last month….
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