Whale Diversity and Activity at its Peak!
Many sightings of Transient Orca have been reported, with a few observers being fortunate to see some of the Orca hunting their prey. The Transients are in upper Georgia Strait and the inland waters while the Northern Resident Orca and Southern Resident Orca have been observed in their normal ranges at opposite ends of Vancouver Island. Groups of Pacific White-Sided Dolphins have been seen, in the Frederick Arm area as well as in the Western half of Johnstone Strait. Humpback whales have been seen in the inland waters and off Northern Vancouver Island, some of them breaching creating memorable experiences for the observers!
Ivan Ng, Volunteer, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Ivan Ng, Volunteer, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Northern Resident Killer Whale spyhopping by Boat Bay
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
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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 2016-027
TRANSIENT BIGG’S KILLER WHALES
Thu Aug 18 2016
–:– • Bigg`s Orca off Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. Apparently were washing seals off the rocks.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Wed Aug 17 2016
18:00 • 5 Bigg`s Orca heading South by the fuel dock in Discovery Harbour Marina, Campbell River, Discovery Passage.
18:00 • 4 Bigg`s Orca heading North by the fuel dock in Discovery Harbour Marina, Campbell River.
Elvis Chikite, Eagle Eye Adventures
17:00 • Bigg`s Orca heading North off Willow Point, Georgia Strait. ◦T137s◦ Off the old Rona building.
Jordan McLean, Painter’s Lodge, Campbell River
16:59 • Bigg`s Orca out in front of the Campbell River Fishing Pier, Discovery Passage.
Jared Towers, NIMMSA
16:26 • Bigg`s Orca passing the Campbell River Fishing Pier.
15:48 • Bigg`s Orca heading South passing mill in Duncan Bay, Discovery Passage.
15:39 • Bigg`s Orca heading South in front of Copper Bluffs, Quadra Island in the middle of Discovery Passage.
14:34 • Bigg`s Orca heading South just North of Steep Island in the middle of Discovery Passage.
Elvis Chikite, Eagle Eye Adventures
14:31 • 5 Bigg`s Orca heading South off 45 Point, Quadra Island in the middle of Discovery Passage. They had small fins.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
13:36 • 6 Bigg`s Orca hunting, off Sophia Islands, Johnstone Strait. They were hunting seals.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:32 • Bigg`s Orca heading South off Chatham Point, Discovery Passage. ▫ Second Hand
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:31 • 5+ Bigg`s Orca at Chatham Point, Johnstone Strait. Reported by lighthouse. 5 Orca remained at Chatham Point while other Orca headed South. ▫ Second Hand
Jordan McLean, Painter’s Lodge, Campbell River
13:31 • Bigg`s Orca heading East off Cracroft Point, West Cracroft Island, Johnstone Strait. ◦T69Bs; T41s◦ Travelling at 5 knots and going past 2 humpback whales.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:28 • Bigg`s Orca heading East off Stubbs Island, Blackfish Sound. ◦T69s◦
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Tue Aug 16 2016
20:30 • 3 Bigg`s Orca headed into Hyacinthe Bay off Quadra Island, Sutil Channel. ◦T10s◦ 2 males and 1 female.
17:06 • 3 Bigg`s Orca between Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy and Francisco Point, Georgia Strait. At Wilby Shoals. 2 males, 1 female.
Jordan McLean, Painter’s Lodge, Campbell River
17:06 • 3 Bigg`s Orca at Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait. 2 males, 1 female.
16:49 • Bigg`s Orca on Wilby Shoals. ▫ Second Hand
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
Mon Aug 15 2016
15:23 • Bigg`s Orca heading North on the Eastern shore of Valdes Island 4 miles South of Thrasher Rock, Georgia Strait. ◦T10s◦
Aaron Nagler, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
Sun Aug 14 2016
16:59 • 7 Bigg`s Orca circling prey, by the Powell Islets, Malaspina Strait. Looking for dinner. ▫ Leaving the Scene
16:39 • Bigg`s Orca hunting, by the Powell Islets.
Bill Coltart, Pacific Pro Dive
16:23 • Bigg`s Orca hunting, at Powell Islets. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:25 • Bigg`s Orca heading South by Sarah Point heading towards the Copeland Islands, Malaspina Strait. ◦T002Cs◦ ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:50 • Bigg`s Orca at the West tip of Kinghorn Island, Desolation Sound.
13:01 • Bigg`s Orca milling, heading North at Twin Islands off East end of Cortes Island, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
11:14 • 3 Bigg`s Orca heading East past Iron Point near Twin Islands, Malaspina Strait. ◦T002B Pedder; T002Cs◦ With another female.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
10:16 • Bigg`s Orca heading East in Baker Passage. ◦T002Cs◦
Bradden Kiley, Painter’s Lodge, Campbell River
NORTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
Fri Aug 19 2016
14:10 • NRKW Orca foraging, at Cracroft Point, West Cracroft Island, Johnstone Strait. ◦A30s◦
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
12:43 • NRKW Orca heading West on the shoreline of Vancouver Island across from Cracroft Point on West Cracroft Island, Johnstone Strait. ◦A42s; A30s◦ ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
10:17 • NRKW Orca heading West in Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve, Johnstone Strait.
09:33 • NRKW Orca heading West at Naka Creek, Johnstone Strait. ▫ Second Hand
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris
Thu Aug 18 2016
14:21 • NRKW Orca heading East 3 miles West of Forward Bay and out from the shorline of West Cracroft Island, Johnstone Strait. ◦A42s; A30s◦
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
13:57 • NRKW Orca heading East past Boat Bay, Johnstone Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whales easting past Boat Bay
Thu, 18 Aug 2016 – 1 items
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
SIGHTING MEDIA
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whales easting past Boat Bay
Thu, 18 Aug 2016 – 1 items
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
–:– • NRKW Orca resting, just passed Cracroft Point on West Cracroft Island, Blackfish Sound. ◦A42s; A30s◦
Tenacious3 (Boat), Discovery Marine Safaris
SIGHTING MEDIA
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whales A42s and A30s passed Cracroft Point
Thu, 18 Aug 2016 – 4 items
Tina Kuschel, Discovery Marine Safari
SIGHTING MEDIA
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whales A42s and A30s passed Cracroft Point
Thu, 18 Aug 2016 – 4 items
Tina Kuschel, Discovery Marine Safari
Wed Aug 17 2016
10:48 • NRKW Orca heading West, Weynton Passage. ◦A42s◦
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Tue Aug 16 2016
15:39 • NRKW Orca heading East off the East end of Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve, Johnstone Strait. ◦A42s◦
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching
Mon Aug 15 2016
14:20 • NRKW Orca heading East into the Western boundary of the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve. ◦A42s◦ ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
12:02 • NRKW Orca moving slowly, heading East mid-channel at Cracroft Point, West Cracroft Island, Johnstone Strait. ◦A42s◦ ▫ On Scene
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:45 • NRKW Orca by Flower Island, Blackfish Sound.
Radio, overheard or call out
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whales A42 resting
Mon, 15 Aug 2016 – 1 items
George, Guest of Discovery Marine Safari
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whales A42 resting
Mon, 15 Aug 2016 – 1 items
George, Guest of Discovery Marine Safari
SOUTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
Tue Aug 16 2016
17:10 • SRKW Orca heading East at Monarch Head on the South-East tip of Saturna Island, Boundary Pass. ◦K12s, K13s◦
Aaron Nagler, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
Sun Aug 14 2016
15:51 • SRKW Orca heading South at False Bay :: Bay on the South West side of San Juan Island, Georgia Strait. ◦K12s and K13s◦
Aaron Nagler, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
HUMPBACK WHALES
Fri Aug 19 2016
19:08 • 1 Humpback Whales moving quickly, heading North , North of Cape Mudge Lighthouse, Discovery Passage. ▫ Observed from Shore
Jeanne Ralston, Campbell River, BC
18:30 • 1 Humpback Whales breaching, heading North abeam Willow Point, Georgia Strait.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
17:36 • 2 Humpback Whales heading South at Browns Bay fishing area in the middle of Discovery Passage.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
16:40 • 2 Humpback Whales off Kanish Bay, Discovery Passage. ▫ Radio Report
16:30 • Humpback Whales heading North off Salmon Point, Georgia Strait. ▫ Radio Report
Radio, overheard or call out
14:19 • 2 Humpback Whales heading East at Bear Point, Johnstone Strait.
12:37 • 1 Humpback Whales heading West mid-channel off Naka Creek, Johnstone Strait. A small whale.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
11:56 • 2 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading East off Kelsey Bay, Johnstone Strait. Putting on a show. ▫ Second Hand
Erin, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:38 • 2 Humpback Whales heading East in Brasseau Bay, Johnstone Strait. ◦BCZ0004 Stripe◦
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
10:13 • Humpback Whales heading West by Windy Point, Johnstone Strait.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Thu Aug 18 2016
12:00 • 1 Humpback Whales heading North at Knox Bay, Johnstone Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
Wed Aug 17 2016
17:00 • 1 Humpback Whales at the mouth of Menzies Bay, Discovery Passage. ◦BCY0291 KC◦
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:36 • 1 Humpback Whales doing circles, in Menzies Bay.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:31 • 2 Humpback Whales off Cracroft Point, West Cracroft Island, Blackfish Sound. Some Transient Orca went by them at about 5 knots.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
12:05 • 1 Humpback Whales doing circles, heading East close to Vivian Island, Malaspina Strait. Large whale. Its in about 15 feet of water.
Bill Coltart, Pacific Pro Dive
07:19 • 1 Humpback Whales in Browns Bay, Discovery Passage. Relayed by Jack Springer from Campbell River Whale Watching.
Tenacious3 (Boat), Discovery Marine Safaris
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale off of Browns Bay
Wed, 17 Aug 2016 – 4 items
Tina Kuschel, Discovery Marine Safari
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale off of Browns Bay
Wed, 17 Aug 2016 – 4 items
Tina Kuschel, Discovery Marine Safari
Tue Aug 16 2016
15:07 • 5-6 Humpback Whales between Cracroft Point and the light off Parson Island, Blackfish Sound. ◦BCY0027 Maude◦ Maude and her calf are in the group.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching
08:47 • 1 Humpback Whales breaching, in front of Kelsey Bay, Johnstone Strait. From a friend. ▫ Second Hand
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Mon Aug 15 2016
20:44 • 1 Humpback Whales angling towards Lund off of Savary Island, Malaspina Strait.
Elvis Chikite, Eagle Eye Adventures
17:33 • 2 Humpback Whales heading South over Ripple Rock, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
15:26 • 2 Humpback Whales heading South at Cinque Islands, Discovery Passage.
15:26 • 2 Humpback Whales heading South at Chatham Point, Discovery Passage.
15:25 • 2 Humpback Whales heading South at Kanish Bay.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:15 • 1 Humpback Whales breaching, just off of the West tip of Savary Island, Georgia Strait.
Elvis Chikite, Eagle Eye Adventures
10:51 • 2 Humpback Whales heading East mid-channel at Camp Point, Johnstone Strait.
10:03 • 1 Humpback Whales by Hall Point, Nodales Channel.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:09 • 1 Humpback Whales South end of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. Blows were observed.
Elvis Chikite, Eagle Eye Adventures
Sun Aug 14 2016
17:25 • 1 Humpback Whales heading North near shore of Quadra Island across from Browns Bay, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
17:10 • 2 Humpback Whales heading North into Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage.
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:51 • 1 Humpback Whales between Painters Lodge and Campbell River, Discovery Passage.
Jordan McLean, Painter’s Lodge, Campbell River
15:27 • 2 Humpback Whales heading North pass North Rendezvous Island, Calm Channel. ◦BCY0027 Maude◦ With calf.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
13:50 • 2 Humpback Whales heading North by Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait.
Bradden Kiley, Painter’s Lodge, Campbell River
13:49 • Humpback Whales heading North in the middle of the Rendezvous Islands, Drew Passage.
10:00 • 2 Humpback Whales milling, near South East Penn Islands, Sutil Channel. ◦BCY0027 Maude◦
Jen Smalley, Sonora Resort
09:59 • 1 Humpback Whales heading North between Vivian Island and Comox, Georgia Strait.
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins B.C.
08:56 • 2 Humpback Whales at Hill Island, Sutil Channel. ◦BCY0027 Maude◦ With calf.
Jordan McLean, Painter’s Lodge, Campbell River
Sat Aug 15 2015
20:00 • 2 Humpback Whales lunge feeding, in San Josef Bay. Seen from San Josef beach lunge feeding 30 to 50 m from shore. ▫ Observed from Shore
Hanna Wadlegger, Clearwater, BC
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Fri Aug 19 2016
16:40 • 150 PWS Dolphins heading West at Camp Point, Johnstone Strait.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
16:09 • 60 PWS Dolphins heading West North of Vansittart Point, Johnstone Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:19 • PWS Dolphins heading West at Vansittart Point.
11:30 • 30 PWS Dolphins milling, off Vansittart Point, West Thurlow Island, Johnstone Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
10:13 • PWS Dolphins resting, by Windy Point, Johnstone Strait. A small group.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Thu Aug 18 2016
13:02 • PWS Dolphins in Frederick Arm.
Aaron Webber, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:19 • 10 PWS Dolphins heading North at Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
10:49 • 100+ PWS Dolphins half way up Frederick Arm. With a sea lion.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Wed Aug 17 2016
–:– • 75 PWS Dolphins, Frederick Arm.
Elvis Chikite, Eagle Eye Adventures
Tue Aug 16 2016
15:38 • 75 PWS Dolphins doing circles, in Horn Bay, Dent Rapids.
Leif Nordman, Campbell River Whale Watching
SIGHTING MEDIA
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
PWS stealing the show in Horn Bay
Tue, 16 Aug 2016 – 2 items
Naturalist Richochet from Campbell River Whale Watching
SIGHTING MEDIA
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
PWS stealing the show in Horn Bay
Tue, 16 Aug 2016 – 2 items
Naturalist Richochet from Campbell River Whale Watching
12:25 • 40 PWS Dolphins milling, Denham Bay, Dent Rapids.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
11:19 • PWS Dolphins 1/3 way in Frederick Arm. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures
Mon Aug 15 2016
15:16 • PWS Dolphins heading West travelling from St. Vincent Bight to Adam River, Johnstone Strait.
10:52 • PWS Dolphins heading East 3/4 mile SouthWest of Sophia Islands, Johnstone Strait.
Randy Hodge, Vancouver, BC
09:25 • 50 PWS Dolphins foraging, on the West side, 1 km in from Owen Point at Frederick Arm. Travelling back and forth.
Jordan McLean, Painter’s Lodge, Campbell River
Sun Aug 14 2016
08:23 • 50 PWS Dolphins in Denham Bay above Dent Rapids, Dent Rapids.
Jen Smalley, Sonora Resort
DALL’S PORPOISE
Mon Aug 15 2016
10:34 • Dall`s Porpoise 1 mile off of Cracroft Point, Johnstone Strait.
Randy Hodge, Vancouver, BC
SIGHTINGS HEAT MAP 2016-027
SUBMIT sightings
or call 1-877-323-9776 or eMail
we welcome your sighting reports, photographs, video and audio recordings. please review our media submission guidelines
The Magazine
REGIONAL & WEST COAST
CTV News, Vancouver I.
As humpback whales continue their resurgence, more incredible encounters with humans have been filmed in B.C.’s coastal waters.
But this one might take the cake.
A group of kayakers on a guided tour in the …
But this one might take the cake.
A group of kayakers on a guided tour in the …
CANADA
Prof. Ian Jones, Memorial University, NFLD
Filmed with a combination of GoPro above and below water cameras Off Cappahayden, SE Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland, August 2, 2016.
CBC News, NB
A 6 year old endangered whale was found caught up in a huge mass of fishing gear. Thankfully the Campobello Whale Rescue Team found him in time. After five hours of grueling work, the whale was freed — and can go back to enjoying the plankton in the Bay of Fundy.
CBC News, NFLD
With so many whales hitting the Newfoundland and Labrador waters this year, some are warning against the dangers of getting too close.
Paul Babinbeau has been living in Bonavista for the past six years. He said this is the first year he’s seen people getting so close to whales.
It’s making him worry about the safety of the people on the water, as well as the whales in it.
“This year especially it’s been troublesome to see the proximity of the boats to the whales,” he said. JetSkiers have been seen …
Paul Babinbeau has been living in Bonavista for the past six years. He said this is the first year he’s seen people getting so close to whales.
It’s making him worry about the safety of the people on the water, as well as the whales in it.
“This year especially it’s been troublesome to see the proximity of the boats to the whales,” he said. JetSkiers have been seen …
INTERNATIONAL
Grind TV
Tour guide Phil Courter, during a boat trip around the Galapagos Islands, captured captivating footage off Fernandina Island of an orca launching a sea turtle into the air, much to the delight of all the passengers …
The Huffington Post, UK
Whilst many organic pollutants have declined to virtual insignificance in the environment, the PCBs, have stopped declining. They currently exist in “excessively high concentrations’ in some cetaceans, including orcas (also known as killer whales), bottlenose dolphins in the northeast Atlantic and many cetacean species in the Mediterranean….
The Atlantic, US
Twenty-two miles south of New York’s Fire Island, in an ocean region jam-packed with shipping traffic, there’s a bobbing yellow-and-blue buoy that’s actually a robot spy. It’s using advanced acoustic equipment to eavesdrop on whales gliding below the waves. By conducting reconnaissance on the cetaceans, it will help keep them alive….
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