Orca and Pacific White-Sided Dolphins
Dependent on the location and time of year, one may be able to see Resident Orca travelling with Pacific White-Sided dolphins. The Pacific White-Sided dolphins know how to distinguish between the Resident “fish-eating” Orca and the Transient “marine-mammal eating” Orca, and dolphins can be seen in full flight as they flee from their predators. Our publication includes a few sightings of Transient Orca and also surprisingly sightings of the Northern Resident Orca which made their way as far south as Powell River on January 20th. Rounding our report are a few sightings of Humpback whales, the Pacific White-Sided dolphins, and porpoises.
The Federal Government (DFO) issued the following statement about watching Orca in the wild: “Vessels must stay at least 400 m away from all killer whales in southern British Columbia coastal waters between Campbell River and Ucluelet, including Barkley and Howe Sound. This is in effect year-round until May 31, 2023. If killer whales approach any vessel, boaters should place their engine in neutral and wait for the animals to pass.”
For all other areas of B.C. outside of the area indicated above, a minimum distance of 200-m must be maintained when viewing Orca. When viewing other species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, a minimum distance of 100-m must be kept.
WOWs works throughout the year, so please continue to keep your eyes open, and report your sightings to us.
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