Orca News!
Cover Image:
Orca blowing together
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
A major portion of the sighting reports of Cetaceans received during the past few weeks were of Orca. Most of the Orca were the Transient Biggs Orca, ones which eat other marine mammals like seals, sea lions, and porpoises. Many of the Transient Orca were observed in upper Georgia Strait and adjacent waterways. Our publication includes many photos of various Transients observed in different areas. The Good NEWS is the Transient Orca calf that was stranded in a lagoon near Zeballos on Vancouver Island swam out to open seas on Friday morning (April 26th) after being trapped in there for about 4 weeks. Read about this Orca and the turn of events (for good!) in our magazine section.
As we progress further into the Spring-time, more Humpback whales will appear in B.C. waters as they return from tropical areas. In addition, Grey whales will also be returning to their feeding grounds in Alaska and will migrate past B.C. So there will be more opportunities for you to observe these whales whether in inland waterways or along the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Let us know what you see, whether whales, dolphins or porpoises!
PLEASE NOTE: Our links currently show as broken, but they DO work. We apologize for any confusion as we wait for Google’s fix.
Go to our Magazine section to learn about sightings of a Bowhead whale in Alaska. The magazine section also has articles about Right whales on the East Coast and why dolphins swim in front of ships.
The Federal Government (DFO) issued the following statement about watching Orca in the wild: “Vessels must stay 400m away from all killer whales in southern BC coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet until May 31, 2024.” 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 OR while viewing any Cetaceans that are resting or with a calf. When viewing whales, dolphins, and porpoises under other circumstances not described above, a minimum distance of 100-m must be kept.
A great resource for up to date Canadian or US regulations: Be Whale Wise Guidelines
WOWs works throughout the year, so please continue to keep your eyes open, and report your sightings to us.
Ivan Ng, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Society News & Events
Donatons:
Thank you all for your kind donations. Your support is greatly appreciated to keep us going. All 2023 tax deductible Donation receipts have been issued.
Websites:
Whales and Dolphins BC is our educational website where these reports are also published and our Wild Ocean Whale site is our Society website. Information on our Feral Cat Initiative will be updated again soon.
Instagram and Twitter: Instagram at Wildoceanwhalesociety and Twitter (on hold for now) at WhalesDolphins
Real Time Monitoring Station Live Update
Our Live Web Camera YouTube Channel streams from Powell River 24/7 with views towards Texada – Vancouver Island – Savary and up towards Cortez. Hope you've been seeing some of the many whales and the Aurora Borealis.
Thank You to our Volunteers and Contributors!
Our team of online Volunteers continue to do a great job in making sure all your sightings reports are mapped and published regularly. Would you like to join us? Updates on current availabilities and revised links will be posted here.
Review our previous Volunteer Job Postings Job Postings are slowly being revamped (we're volunteers too, so sorry for the delays) and not yet on our web sites.
Data For Research:
For research access to 33,000+ sightings in our database in a downloadable csv file for use in a spreadsheet, please Click Here. to fill in your request.
Sightings Update
SIGHTINGS MAP – ISSUE: 2024-005
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Sat Apr 06 2024
12:00 • Biggs Orca ◦T137s◦ entering the Settlers Group, Hoskyn Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
Mon Apr 08 2024
09:20 • 1 Biggs Orca heading south off Williams Beach, Georgia Strait. Large Orca with large dorsal fin (male).
Evelyn Kaltenbach, BC
15:40 • 1 Biggs Orca moving quickly, heading south-east 100 metres off the shoreline just off Nile Creek, Georgia Strait. Going hard and fast against a 35 kt south east sea. Tallest / biggest dorsal I have ever witnessed on the coast in my 50+ years. ▫ Observed from Shore
BW, Bowser, BC
Wed Apr 10 2024
11:41 • est. 4 Biggs Orca ◦T090s◦ heading north off Bullock Bluff and moving up the east side of Rendezvous Islands, Calm Channel. Observer left the scene at 12:25.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:30 • Biggs Orca ◦T090s◦ heading north-east moving along Raza Island, Deer Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales- T090s – heading north-east moving along Raza Island, Deer Passage
Wed, 10 Apr 2024 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales- T090s – heading north-east moving along Raza Island, Deer Passage
Wed, 10 Apr 2024 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Sat Apr 13 2024
10:06 • Biggs Orca heading north between Beach Gardens Marina and Grilse Point, Malaspina Strait. Large group.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
10:28 • est. 4-6 Biggs Orca breaching; tail lobs, heading north-west between the Powell River Viewpoint and Blubber Bay, Malaspina Strait. At least one big fin (male).
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
10:29 • 5 Biggs Orca moving quickly, heading north in Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage.
11:20 • Biggs Orca heading north close to Eagles Cove, Discovery Passage. Moving at 9 knots.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
12:30 • Biggs Orca ◦T101s◦ heading north past Chatham Point, Johnstone Strait. Travelling at 8 knots. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:45 • Biggs Orca heading south along the shores of Maurelle Island and Read Island in Whiterock Passage. ▫ Second Hand
15:00 • 6 Biggs Orca ◦T018s◦ heading south abeam Bullock Bluff close to Read Island, Sutil Channel.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:08 • 4 Biggs Orca heading south between the Rendezvous Islands and Read Island, Drew Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales heading south between the Rendezvous Islands and Read Island, Drew Passage
Sat, 13 Apr 2024 – 6 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales heading south between the Rendezvous Islands and Read Island, Drew Passage
Sat, 13 Apr 2024 – 6 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Mon Apr 15 2024
08:00 • Biggs Orca heading north past Quathiaski Cove, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Second Hand
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
10:49 • 4 Biggs Orca heading north in Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage. Small fins.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:00 • est. 4-5 Biggs Orca heading north at Elk Bay, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales heading north at Elk Bay, Discovery Passage
Mon, 15 Apr 2024 – 5 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales heading north at Elk Bay, Discovery Passage
Mon, 15 Apr 2024 – 5 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Wed Apr 17 2024
18:29 • est. 5 Biggs Orca heading south past Powell River Viewpoint toward Grief Point, Malaspina Strait.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
19:06 • 7 Biggs Orca heading south past Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
Sat Apr 20 2024
11:57 • est. 6-7 Biggs Orca breaching, heading east, West Vancouver, Burrard Inlet. Various behaviours observed including feeding, playing, teaching young, long dives. They travelled from West Vancouver, under the Lions Gate Bridge, to the sulphur piles in North Vancouver. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
JH, North Thormanby Island, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales breaching in Vancouver, Burrard Inlet
Sat, 20 Apr 2024 – 4 items
JH, North Thormanby Island, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales breaching in Vancouver, Burrard Inlet
Sat, 20 Apr 2024 – 4 items
JH, North Thormanby Island, BC
Sun Apr 21 2024
12:35 • est. 3 Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading north-west midway between Myrtle Rocks and Black (Albion) Point, Malaspina Strait. Travelling, and taking a long time to resurface. ▫ Observed from Shore
Elizabeth Kennedy, Powell River, BC
Mon Apr 22 2024
08:11 • est. 2+ Biggs Orca heading north off Van Anda, Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
08:57 • 1 Biggs Orca heading north off the Texada Island cell tower, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
09:17 • Biggs Orca between the Powell River Viewpoint and Grilse Point, Malaspina Strait. Two males spotted off Grilse Point.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Tue Apr 23 2024
12:05 • 2 Biggs Orca ◦T018 Esperanza,T019C Spouter◦ heading south-west near the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait. At 12:30, the Orca were southbound about 1-NM south of the Red Can buoy. Leaving the Scene at 12:30.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales – T018 Esperanza, T019C Spouter – heading south-west near the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait
Tue, 23 Apr 2024 – 5 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales – T018 Esperanza, T019C Spouter – heading south-west near the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait
Tue, 23 Apr 2024 – 5 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:28 • est. 5 Biggs Orca heading south off Orange Point, Discovery Passage. All small fins.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales travelling fast by Powell River
Wed, 17 Apr 2024 – 5 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales travelling fast by Powell River
Wed, 17 Apr 2024 – 5 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SOUTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
Wed Apr 03 2024
13:15 • est. 7-8 SRKW Orca heading south mid channel just south of Cape Lazo, Comox, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
Sat Mar 30 2024
13:00 • Orca heading north off Little River, Comox, Georgia Strait. ▫ Second Hand
Kristina Mangligot, Victoria, BC
Sat Apr 06 2024
08:01 • Orca milling, in front of Discovery Islands Lodge, Quadra Island, Hoskyn Channel. ▫ Second Hand
Reuben Buerge, Wild Waterways Adventures
Thu Apr 11 2024
07:45 • 3 Orca spy hopping, heading north-west off Yeo Point, Salt Spring Island, Captain Passage. Seen from home on Beddis road. Whales seen northwest of Yeo Point. One whale had a very large dorsal fin, the other two seemed smaller. They swam around for a bit, one spy hopped, then they swam further northwest out of sight. ▫ Observed from Shore
MR, Salt Spring Island, BC
HUMPBACK WHALES
Sun Apr 21 2024
11:14 • Humpback Whales, Comox Harbour.
Graham Evans, Stowaway Adventures
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Sun Apr 21 2024
14:10 • 6 PWS Dolphins off Tibbs Point, Raza Island, Pryce Channel.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
DALLS PORPOISE
Tue Apr 02 2024
11:30 • 10 Dalls Porpoise milling, off Race Point, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Fri Apr 05 2024
14:30 • 12 Dalls Porpoise off Powell Islets, Malaspina Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Fri Apr 19 2024
12:45 • 6 Dalls Porpoise in Hole in the Wall.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
HARBOUR PORPOISE
Fri Apr 12 2024
14:12 • 2 Harbour Porpoise off Whytecliff Park, West Vancouver, Queen Charlotte Channel.
14:53 • est. 8-10 Harbour Porpoise heading south off Whytecliff Park, West Vancouver. Two porpoises were seen first. And they were followed by a group of about 8 porpoises around 5 minutes later.
Ivan Ng, North Vancouver, BC
Harbour Porpoise
Harbour Porpoise heading south off Whytecliff Park, West Vancouver
Fri, 12 Apr 2024 – 1 items
Ivan Ng, North Vancouver, BC
Harbour Porpoise
Harbour Porpoise heading south off Whytecliff Park, West Vancouver
Fri, 12 Apr 2024 – 1 items
Ivan Ng, North Vancouver, BC
SPECIES UNSURE
Sat Apr 13 2024
10:28 • Species Unsure at the entrance to Toba Inlet. It could be either Orca or Pacific White-Sided dolphins.
Radio, overheard or call out
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The Magazine
REGIONAL & NATIONAL
CTV News
A new humpback whale calf has been spotted in the Salish Sea, just south of B.C., marking the first calf of the 2024 season, the Pacific Whale Watch Association announced Wednesday….
read on
read on
SPECIAL SIGHTINGS
Raven Radio (KCAW)
In late March, a local whale biologist spotted something out of place in Sitka Sound. She’s still having a hard time believing it, but pictures suggest an incredibly rare sighting- a juvenile bowhead whale….
read on
read on
RESEARCH & CONSERVATION
IFLScience
It seems like a bucket list item, to go for an idyllic boat ride and see dolphins playing in the wake or riding the bow wave at the front of the boat. But what inspires this behavior in these curious cetaceans? Are they simply enjoying themselves, or is there more to this behavior than meets the eye?…
read on
read on
WJAR
Five endangered North Atlantic right whale mother and calf pairs have arrived off the coast of southern New England so far in the spring of 2024….
read on
read on
Phys Org
Dolphins and whales use sound to communicate, navigate and hunt. New research suggests that the collections of fatty tissue that enable toothed whales to do so may have evolved from their skull muscles and bone marrow….
read on
read on