Bigg’s Chasing Dolphins, Humpbacks All Over
The Transient Bigg’s (meat eating) Killer Whales certainly made a huge splash by sneaking up on around 600 Pacific White Sided Dolphins who were merrily feeding just off Texada Island. Once the Dolphins realized they were about to become lunch, they all exploded out of the water and scattered in every direction to get away. The video clip and photos say it all.
Other Orca pods had been seen foraging with PWS Dolphins and sealions together which, of course is the guaranteed indicater that these are Resident (fish eating) Orca. Without confirmation if these were from the Southern Resident or Northern Resident pods, we have them recorded under the Unidentified category.
Many Humpback Whales are staying in our inside waters foraging for food and have been seen together with sealions leaping around them. When the Transient Bigg’s Orca are around though, the Humpbacks move to areas well away from them and even around the opposite side of an island. But they come back to where they seem to have plenty of food.
The news has also been loaded with the deaths of J34 Doublestuff, who died from blunt force trauma, most likely a vessel strike, J2 Granny, the oldest known living Orca who has now been officially declared as deceased after being missing since around mid-October, and today’s announcement from SeaWorld, Florida of the captive Orca, Tillikum’s death from a bacterial infection. Tillikum was held in captivity for 33 years. It’s incredibly sad all round, but in particular for the endangered Southern Resident Orca population which is now back down to 78 animals in total after their short baby boom.
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Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Pacific White Sided Dolphins swimming past Willingdon Beach
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
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Sightings Update
ISSUE SIGHTINGS MAP 2017-001
Jump to: Biggs Orca | SRKW Orca | Orca | Humpback Whales | Other Whales | PWS Dolphins | Dalls Porpoise | Harbour Porpoise
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Wed Jan 04 2017
14:57 • 6 Biggs Orca bucking tide, heading south in Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
14:46 • 6 Biggs Orca heading south in Seymour Narrows. One big fin; one young one.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
08:45 • est. 6 Biggs Orca heading north by Campbell River Fishing Pier, Discovery Passage.
Elvis Chikite, Eagle Eye Adventures
Tue Jan 03 2017
16:42 • 3 Biggs Orca hunting, heading north between Grief Point and Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait. Following and hunting some PWS Dolphins.
Madeline Lockstead, Powell River, BC
16:29 • Biggs Orca moving quickly, heading south toward Van Anda south of Blubber Bay, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Candi Little, Texada Island, BC
16:19 • 8 Biggs Orca heading north by Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait. Still following the 100+ Pacific White Sided Dolphins. ▫ Observed from Shore
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
15:45 • 3 Biggs Orca breaching, heading north off Westview, Powell River, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Kerry Jones, Powell River, BC
15:26 • est. 8 Biggs Orca hunting, off Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait. The Orca snuck up on the dolphins again; the dolphins scattered.
15:09 • est. 8 Biggs Orca heading south by the light at Blubber Bay, Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. Observed from Powell River. ▫ Observed from Shore
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Eight Transient Bigg’s Killer Whales hunting Pacific White Sided Dolphins by Texada Island
Tue, 3 Jan 2017 – 1 items
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Eight Transient Bigg’s Killer Whales hunting Pacific White Sided Dolphins by Texada Island
Tue, 3 Jan 2017 – 1 items
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
12:13 • 5 Biggs Orca hunting, near Snake Island off Nanaimo, Georgia Strait. Going back and forth NW and SE.
Sandra Basher, Nanaimo, BC
–:– • est. 10 Biggs Orca heading south toward Grief Point off Powell River, Malaspina Strait. The Orca were following the pod of about 100 Dolphins. During afternoon. ▫ Observed from Shore
Becky Burbank, Powell River, BC
Mon Jan 02 2017
14:09 • Biggs Orca heading north close to Atrevida Reef north of Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Bigg’s hunting in a huge pod of Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Mon, 2 Jan 2017 – 1 items
Derek Poole, Powell River, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Bigg’s hunting in a huge pod of Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Mon, 2 Jan 2017 – 1 items
Derek Poole, Powell River, BC
13:30 • 5-10 Biggs Orca moving quickly, heading north off Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper), Malaspina Strait. A pod of Orca followed not too far behind a pod of Pacific White-Sided Dolphins when they headed north, there were a few huge fins. We were watching from the beach near the mill without binoculars. The sea lions nearby barked like mad when the Orca went by; perhaps it was a coincidence. ▫ Observed from Shore
Becky Burbank, Powell River, BC
13:23 • Biggs Orca by Willingdon Beach, Powell River, Malaspina Strait. Dolphins in the area too.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
13:14 • est. 6 Biggs Orca travelling, heading north near Westview in Powell River, Malaspina Strait. Following a pod of about 150 dolphins.
Grant Rainsley, Powell River, BC
12:52 • 8-9 Biggs Orca turned and headed towards the Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper), Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
12:22 • est. 6 Biggs Orca by Van Anda on the east side of Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. Chasing dolphins. ▫ Observed from Shore
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Six Transient Bigg’s Killer Whales chasing Pacific White Sided Dolphins by Grief Point, Powell River
CREDITS
Mon, 2 Jan 2017 – 7 items
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
SIGHTING MEDIA
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Six Transient Bigg’s Killer Whales chasing Pacific White Sided Dolphins by Grief Point, Powell River
CREDITS
Mon, 2 Jan 2017 – 7 items
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
11:58 • Biggs Orca heading south almost to Grief Point, Malaspina Strait. Center of Strait. Heading towards dolphins.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Thu Dec 29 2016
15:45 • Biggs Orca by Blubber Bay at the north end of Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
Barry Pennell, Powell River, BC
10:20 • 4 Biggs Orca heading south at 50th Parallel Marker in Campbell River, Discovery Passage.
Elvis Chikite, Eagle Eye Adventures
Tue Dec 27 2016
17:21 • est. 6 Biggs Orca off east side of Hornby Island, Georgia Strait. ▫ Second Hand
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
11:06 • Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading north towards Dinner Rock, Malaspina Strait. The Orca passed a few Pacific White Sided Dolphins and sea lions. ▫ Observed from Shore
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
10:28 • est. 5 Biggs Orca heading north by Willingdon Beach, Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Eric Green, Powell River CCG
10:27 • Biggs Orca heading north by Powell River Ferry terminal, Malaspina Strait.
Gladys Raven, Powell River, BC
10:27 • est. 5 Biggs Orca ◦T049As◦ heading north by Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
Barry Pennell, Powell River, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Bigg’s Killer Whales chasing Pacific White Sided Dolphins by Powell River
Tue, 3 Jan 2017 – 3 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Bigg’s Killer Whales chasing Pacific White Sided Dolphins by Powell River
Tue, 3 Jan 2017 – 3 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Jump to: Biggs Orca | SRKW Orca | Orca | Humpback Whales | Other Whales | PWS Dolphins | Dalls Porpoise | Harbour Porpoise
SOUTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
Mon Nov 28 2016
18:07 • est. 35 SRKW Orca in the waters between Campbell River and Powell River, Georgia Strait.
Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce
Jump to: Biggs Orca | SRKW Orca | Orca | Humpback Whales | Other Whales | PWS Dolphins | Dalls Porpoise | Harbour Porpoise
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
Wed Jan 04 2017
15:28 • 4 Orca foraging, heading south off Texada Island across from Kelly Point, Malaspina Strait. They stayed for about an hour then turned back northward. (Believe these to be Resident Orca, but unconfirmed Northern or Southern- SM). ▫ Observed from Shore
Carol Diewert, Powell River, BC
14:27 • Orca heading south past Myrtle Rocks, Malaspina Strait. (Believe these to be Resident Orca, but unconfirmed Northern or Southern- SM).
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
13:05 • est. 10 Orca rubbing, into beach below Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper), Malaspina Strait. Includes one very young calf. Viewed from a distant. ▫ Observed from Shore
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
SIGHTING MEDIA
Unidentified Killer Whales
Killer Whales foraging in front of the Powell River
Wed, 4 Jan 2017 – 3 items
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
SIGHTING MEDIA
Unidentified Killer Whales
Killer Whales foraging in front of the Powell River
Wed, 4 Jan 2017 – 3 items
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
11:29 • est. 4 Orca foraging, out from Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper). Together with some PWS Dolphins and sea lions. Unconfirmed if Northern or Southern Resident. All we can say difinitively is that these were not the A42s who are conspicuously absent. ▫ Observed from Shore
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
08:50 • Orca heading north by Blubber Bay, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Barry Pennell, Powell River, BC
Tue Jan 03 2017
13:15 • est. 10 Orca foraging, heading north along the east side of Hudson Rocks near Nanaimo, Georgia Strait. I was in a 4 man outrigger canoe, on the east side of Hudson Rocks off Nanaimo when we ended up in the middle of a pod of Orca – adults & young. We observed them for at least 20 min. They swam around us for some time. There were sea lions around, but it did not seem like the Orca were going after the sea lions, so I suspect they were feeding on salmon. Gulls were following their activity. ▫ On Scene
Kerry Luttrell, Nanaimo, BC
08:30 • 10-15 Orca travelling, heading north-west between Entrance Island and Gabriola Island, Georgia Strait. Taking 2-3 minute dives. Babies jumping clear out of the water in direction of travel. ▫ Observed from Shore
Elsa Bluethner, Gabriola Island, BC
Sun Jan 01 2017
11:00 • 4 Orca milling, heading south off Winchelsea Islands, Georgia Strait. Four Orca spotted southbound from Nanoose Bay in close to shore. Bait ball in the area; they appeared to be feeding. Three Orca spotted same area, previous day. ▫ Observed from Shore
Mike Lynch, Nanoose Bay, BC
Thu Dec 22 2016
15:30 • 2 Orca heading west by Jesse Island near Port Neville in the middle of Johnstone Strait. Male and female.
Chet McArthur, MV Coastal Messenger
SIGHTING MEDIA
Unidentified Killer Whales
Unidentified Killer Whale heading West off of Jesse Island
Thu, 22 Dec 2016 – 1 items
Chet McArthur, MV Coastal Messenger
SIGHTING MEDIA
Unidentified Killer Whales
Unidentified Killer Whale heading West off of Jesse Island
Thu, 22 Dec 2016 – 1 items
Chet McArthur, MV Coastal Messenger
09:30 • 4 Orca off of Nanoose Bay heading towards Parksville, Georgia Strait.
Joanne Forrest, Nanoose Bay, BC
Tue Dec 20 2016
14:45 • Orca at the tip of Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
Micheline Macauley, Texada Island, BC
08:46 • 8 Orca heading south towards Cape Mudge Lighthouse, Discovery Passage.
Elvis Chikite, Eagle Eye Adventures
Mon Dec 19 2016
14:28 • Orca on the south side of Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
Candi Little, Texada Island, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Unidentified Killer Whales
Killer WHales in front of the Powell River Mill
Wed, 4 Jan 2017 – 10 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Unidentified Killer Whales
Killer WHales in front of the Powell River Mill
Wed, 4 Jan 2017 – 10 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Jump to: Biggs Orca | SRKW Orca | Orca | Humpback Whales | Other Whales | PWS Dolphins | Dalls Porpoise | Harbour Porpoise
HUMPBACK WHALES
Wed Jan 04 2017
15:28 • 1 Humpback Whales resting, off Texada Island across from Kelly Point, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Carol Diewert, Powell River, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
A few Humpback Whales heading North past Bliss Landing
Wed, 4 Jan 2017 – 4 items
Fern Bradley, Bliss Landing, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
A few Humpback Whales heading North past Bliss Landing
Wed, 4 Jan 2017 – 4 items
Fern Bradley, Bliss Landing, BC
14:00 • est. 2 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading south-west off Neck Point near Nanaimo, Georgia Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Chris Sanderson, Nanaimo, BC
12:34 • 1 Humpback Whales out from Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper), Malaspina Strait. Joined the Orca, PWS Dolphins and sea lions. ▫ Observed from Shore
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
–:– • 2-3 Humpback Whales foraging, heading north off Bliss Landing in the Copeland Islands, Malaspina Strait. Feeding under docks around Turner Bay.
Fern Bradley, Bliss Landing, BC
Tue Jan 03 2017
16:34 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south off the old quarry near Van Anda, Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. Large Humpbacks.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
13:25 • 2 Humpback Whales travelling, between Harwood Island and Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper), Malaspina Strait. Swimming back and forth.
Barry Pennell, Powell River, BC
13:00 • 2 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading south between Powell River and Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Becky Burbank, Powell River, BC
10:30 • 2 Humpback Whales by Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper), Malaspina Strait. Near the Hulks.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale showing its tail off in front of the Powell River Mill
Tue, 3 Jan 2017 – 1 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale showing its tail off in front of the Powell River Mill
Tue, 3 Jan 2017 – 1 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
09:13 • Humpback Whales out from Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper). ▫ Observed from Shore
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Mon Jan 02 2017
12:15 • est. 2 Humpback Whales travelling, heading east south of Prevost Island, Swanson Channel. ▫ From Ferry
David Shaw, Salt Spring Island, BC
10:15 • 2-3 Humpback Whales heading north by Powell River Ferry terminal angling toward Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper), Malaspina Strait. ▫ From Ferry
Dave Carbery, Texada Island, Westview Harbourmaster
Sun Jan 01 2017
12:38 • Humpback Whales between Wilby Shoals and Baker Passage, Georgia Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Fri Dec 30 2016
15:45 • 1 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading south-east off Roberts Creek, Georgia Strait. Observed the whale while I was on the Roberts Creek pier. It came from the direction of Davis Bay, went past Roberts Creek and appeared to be heading towards Gibsons. It was starting to get dark as the whale went by Roberts Creek and it was moving further out so I didn’t follow down the coast to see where it went. The whale was traveling slowly and appeared to double back for a short distance at times. ▫ Observed from Shore
Karen Holland, Gibsons, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale South-East off of Roberts Creek
Fri, 30 Dec 2016 – 3 items
Karen Holland, Gibsons, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale South-East off of Roberts Creek
Fri, 30 Dec 2016 – 3 items
Karen Holland, Gibsons, BC
15:45 • 1 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading south-west in front of Roberts Creek. Short dives with 3-4 blows and then a long dive; sequence repeating several times. We watched for about 15 minutes. ▫ Observed from Shore
Shaunna Asselstine, Roberts Creek, BC
14:45 • 1 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading south Davis Bay, Georgia Strait. Saw it blow just off the pier at Davis Bay. It blew about five times, then took a big dive, its back coming out of the water nicely, and did not come up again although we watched for quite a while. On such a beautiful blue sky day, it made our hearts jump with joy to see this beautiful large whale feeding just off the sand bar at Davis Bay. ▫ Observed from Shore
Linda Mosely,
12:35 • Humpback Whales off Gibson’s Beach north of Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
12:32 • 4-5 Humpback Whales between Atrevida Reef and Savary Island, Malaspina Strait. Mid-channel.
John and Joan Treen, Powell River and Savary Island, BC
08:16 • est. 3 Humpback Whales taking long dives, heading north-west just south of Mystery Reef, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Bruce Phillips, Powell River, BC
Thu Dec 29 2016
15:14 • 1 Humpback Whales out from Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper), Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
15:03 • 2-3 Humpback Whales off Savary Island, Malaspina Strait. Observed blows. ▫ Observed from Shore
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Wed Dec 28 2016
13:45 • 1 Humpback Whales moving quickly, heading south off Campbell River, Discovery Passage. Sighted about 200 ft off shore from Campbell River, around Sequoia Park. ▫ Observed from Shore
Al and Trina, Campbell River
Tue Dec 27 2016
15:37 • 3 Humpback Whales foraging, out from Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper), Malaspina Strait. Mom, calf and escort still feeding. ▫ Observed from Shore
13:33 • 2-3 Humpback Whales out from Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper). ▫ Observed from Shore
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
13:30 • Humpback Whales heading north off Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Barry Pennell, Powell River, BC
13:04 • 3 Humpback Whales near Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. Seen from Powell River shore. ▫ Observed from Shore
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Three Humpback Whales near Texada Island
Tue, 27 Dec 2016 – 4 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Three Humpback Whales near Texada Island
Tue, 27 Dec 2016 – 4 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
12:15 • Humpback Whales near Harwood Island Spit, Malaspina Strait. Just saw tail between sandbanks and spit. ▫ Observed from Shore
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales swimming past Harwood Island Spit
Tue, 27 Dec 2016 – 9 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales swimming past Harwood Island Spit
Tue, 27 Dec 2016 – 9 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Mon Dec 26 2016
15:05 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north about 100-feet off the shore from the Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Barry Pennell, Powell River, BC
Sun Dec 25 2016
12:30 • est. 3 Humpback Whales foraging, heading north-west off Lasqueti Island near Sisters Islets, Georgia Strait. Appeared to be feeding. Many spouts. Lots of birds (gulls) overhead of the whales. Diving for 5-10 minutes. Between Columbia Beach, Lasqueti Island and Sisters lighthouse. Observed from Columbia Beach. ▫ Observed from Shore
Dwain Felberg, Qualicum Beach, BC
09:59 • 2 Humpback Whales observed from the Powell River Viewpoint out towards Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
08:45 • 2 Humpback Whales off the east side of Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Two Humpback Whales off the East side of Harwood Island
Sun, 25 Dec 2016 – 6 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Two Humpback Whales off the East side of Harwood Island
Sun, 25 Dec 2016 – 6 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Sat Dec 24 2016
15:32 • Humpback Whales breaching, heading south in Gillies Bay on Texada Island, Georgia Strait.
Brenda Currie,
13:55 • est. 2 Humpback Whales west of Cook Bay, Sabine Channel. One surfaced and dived again. ▫ Observed from Shore
John Dove, Gillies Bay, BC
12:44 • 2 Humpback Whales close to Gibsons Beach near Sliammon, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Sat, 24 Dec 2016 – 3 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Sat, 24 Dec 2016 – 3 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
12:37 • 1-2 Humpback Whales heading south along the east coast of Lasqueti Island, Sabine Channel.
Candi Little, Texada Island, BC
11:19 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north off Powell River, Malaspina Strait. Brief glimpse of whale. ▫ Observed from Shore
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Fri Dec 23 2016
14:52 • 2 Humpback Whales moving quickly, heading north in front of Hidden Harbour in Campbell River, Discovery Passage. ▫ Observed from Shore
Jeanne Ralston, Campbell River, BC
11:54 • 4 Humpback Whales near the Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper), Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
09:47 • 2 Humpback Whales heading towards the Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper). ▫ Observed from Shore
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
09:26 • 2 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading north-west between Ballenas Islands and Nanoose Bay, Georgia Strait. Possible mom and calf.
Arlene Kibble, Nanoose Bay, BC
09:12 • 1 Humpback Whales close to the shore off Powell River, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Thu Dec 22 2016
13:30 • 2 Humpback Whales moving slowly, south of Ballenas Islands and north of Nanoose Bay, Georgia Strait. The whales seemed to be staying near the surface. They were heading north for an hour or so (in front of the Ballenas islands (between there and where I live on Marina Way in Nanoose Bay). I went to town for an hour or so, and then saw them again at a more northern spot but they were heading south. I tried to film it with my iphone on my telescope but I do not have an adapter so the film is a bit rough. I will send it though. I think there were 2 Humpbacks. Only saw the a whale tail once or twice, other than that they were staying near the surface. ▫ Observed from Shore
Arlene Kibble, Nanoose Bay, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales moving slowly off of Ballenas Islands
Thu, 22 Dec 2016 – 1 items
Arlene Kibble, Nanoose Bay, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales moving slowly off of Ballenas Islands
Thu, 22 Dec 2016 – 1 items
Arlene Kibble, Nanoose Bay, BC
Wed Dec 21 2016
15:10 • 3 Humpback Whales out from Sliammon, Malaspina Strait.
Eric Green, Powell River CCG
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales passing close to Ballaenas Island
Wed, 21 Dec 2016 – 4 items
Lynda Beecroft, Nanoose Bay, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales passing close to Ballaenas Island
Wed, 21 Dec 2016 – 4 items
Lynda Beecroft, Nanoose Bay, BC
14:07 • Humpback Whales off of Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait. Blows observed.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Tue Dec 20 2016
13:39 • 2 Humpback Whales in front of Sliammon, Malaspina Strait. Close to shore.
10:59 • 2 Humpback Whales by Sliammon.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Mon Dec 19 2016
15:00 • 2-3 Humpback Whales heading west off of Milly Island, Johnstone Strait.
Chet McArthur, MV Coastal Messenger
Wed Oct 12 2016
09:25 • 1 Humpback Whales milling, between White Islets and Nanaimo, Georgia Strait. Viewed from Jack Beach in Wilson Creek on the Sunshine Coast. Whale was a long way from shore – I think probably closer to Vancouver Island. The ocean was very still and I heard the whale before I saw it. The whale seemed to be just resting as it was bobbing at the surface – I could see the back rising and falling in and out of the water but no tail. ▫ Observed from Shore
Heather Johnson, Sechelt, BC
Jump to: Biggs Orca | SRKW Orca | Orca | Humpback Whales | Other Whales | PWS Dolphins | Dalls Porpoise | Harbour Porpoise
OTHER WHALES
Wed Jan 04 2017
13:30 • est. 3 Other Whales moving quickly, heading south-east off shore of Rocky Point Park in Nanaimo, Georgia Strait. Whales didn’t come up above surface so I couldn’t tell what type; large size though. Spouting frequently. ▫ Observed from Shore
Jackie Graham, Nanaimo, BC
Jump to: Biggs Orca | SRKW Orca | Orca | Humpback Whales | Other Whales | PWS Dolphins | Dalls Porpoise | Harbour Porpoise
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Wed Jan 04 2017
15:28 • PWS Dolphins foraging, off Texada Island across from Kelly Point, Malaspina Strait. Together with some Orca and a Humpback whale. ▫ Observed from Shore
Carol Diewert, Powell River, BC
11:29 • PWS Dolphins foraging, off the Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper), Malaspina Strait. With some sea lions and Resident Orca. ▫ Observed from Shore
11:14 • 3 PWS Dolphins foraging, heading north just south of Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Tue Jan 03 2017
16:42 • PWS Dolphins heading north between Grief Point and Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait. Followed by some Orca.
Madeline Lockstead, Powell River, BC
16:34 • est. 50 PWS Dolphins moving quickly, heading south past Myrtle Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
16:19 • est. 100 PWS Dolphins heading north off the North end of Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait. Being chased by Orca.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
16:19 • est. 50 PWS Dolphins heading south off the bottom of Armour Road south of Myrtle Rocks, Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Lorna Rutledge, Powell River, BC
16:00 • est. 50 PWS Dolphins heading south mid-strait south of Myrtle Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Liz Kennedy, Powell River, BC
13:42 • est. 100 PWS Dolphins off the sand banks of Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
One hundred Pacific White Sided Dolphins off Powell River
Tue, 3 Jan 2017 – 7 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
One hundred Pacific White Sided Dolphins off Powell River
Tue, 3 Jan 2017 – 7 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
–:– • est. 100 PWS Dolphins heading south toward Grief Point off Powell River, Malaspina Strait. Headed South to Grief Point then back North again, very close to shore. During afternoon. ▫ Observed from Shore
Becky Burbank, Powell River, BC
Mon Jan 02 2017
14:09 • PWS Dolphins heading south off Powell River, Malaspina Strait. Huge pod of dolphins went past at 11:15 going north..and just passed me again going south. Amazing sight.
Lorna Rutledge, Powell River, BC
13:30 • 50-70 PWS Dolphins moving quickly, heading south off Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper), Malaspina Strait. Dolphins headed South then came north approximately an hour to 90 minutes later with a pod of (5-7) Orca following. ▫ Observed from Shore
Becky Burbank, Powell River, BC
13:23 • 1-3 PWS Dolphins by Willingdon Beach, Powell River, Malaspina Strait. Orca in the area too.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Hundreds of Pacific White Sided Dolphins off Grief Point, Powell River
Mon, 2 Jan 2017 – 5 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Hundreds of Pacific White Sided Dolphins off Grief Point, Powell River
Mon, 2 Jan 2017 – 5 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
13:14 • est. 150 PWS Dolphins heading north off Westview in Powell River, Malaspina Strait. Followed by at least six Orca about a km behind them. Put on a great show!.
Grant Rainsley, Powell River, BC
12:52 • est. 500-600 PWS Dolphins heading south off Van Anda on the east side of Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
12:45 • est. 200 PWS Dolphins travelling, heading south south of Powell River, Malaspina Strait. Some animals close in to shore. Main group spread out in the middle of the strait and travelling fast.
Liz Kennedy, Powell River, BC
12:22 • est. 500-600 PWS Dolphins by Van Anda on the east side of Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. The pod of dolphins exploded when six or more Orca reached them. They scattered. ▫ Observed from Shore
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
11:26 • est. 150 PWS Dolphins heading north by Myrtle Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
11:15 • PWS Dolphins heading north off Powell River, Malaspina Strait. Huge pod of dolphins went past.
Lorna Rutledge, Powell River, BC
Sun Jan 01 2017
14:30 • PWS Dolphins travelling, heading south south of Powell River.
Eric Kennedy, Powell River, BC
12:25 • PWS Dolphins between Harwood Island and Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper), Malaspina Strait. Large pod. ▫ Observed from Shore
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Sat Dec 31 2016
15:30 • 59 PWS Dolphins playing, by Myrtle Rocks, Malaspina Strait. Playing with a large group of sea lions.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
10:24 • est. 100 PWS Dolphins below Blubber Bay, Malaspina Strait. Sleepy behavior. Centre Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Fri Dec 30 2016
16:00 • 6 PWS Dolphins moving quickly, heading south off Powell River, Malaspina Strait. Close to shore. ▫ Observed from Shore
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Tue Dec 27 2016
11:06 • PWS Dolphins near Dinner Rock, Malaspina Strait. A few dolphins. ▫ Observed from Shore
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Sun Dec 25 2016
13:25 • est. 500 PWS Dolphins between Powell River and Comox, Georgia Strait. The dolphins were following the ferry and displayed frenzy activity. ▫ From Ferry
Mohinder Singh, Powell River, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
500 plus Pacific White Sided Dolphins chasing the Powell River-Little River Ferry
Sun, 25 Dec 2016 – 1 items
Mohinder Singh, Powell River, BC
SIGHTING MEDIA
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
500 plus Pacific White Sided Dolphins chasing the Powell River-Little River Ferry
Sun, 25 Dec 2016 – 1 items
Mohinder Singh, Powell River, BC
Sat Dec 24 2016
14:39 • PWS Dolphins spread out, in front of Powell River, Malaspina Strait. Lots of dolphins leaping.
Heather Harbord, Powell River, BC
14:31 • est. 100 PWS Dolphins near the light by Blubber Bay on the north end of Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
Barry Pennell, Powell River, BC
13:56 • est. 100 PWS Dolphins foraging, heading south between Powell River and Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Fri Dec 23 2016
13:03 • est. 50 PWS Dolphins in Tribune Channel.
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris
Jump to: Biggs Orca | SRKW Orca | Orca | Humpback Whales | Other Whales | PWS Dolphins | Dalls Porpoise | Harbour Porpoise
DALLS PORPOISE
Wed Jan 04 2017
14:15 • 15 Dalls Porpoise foraging, in front of Hemming Bay off East Thurlow Island, Nodales Channel.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
Jump to: Biggs Orca | SRKW Orca | Orca | Humpback Whales | Other Whales | PWS Dolphins | Dalls Porpoise | Harbour Porpoise
HARBOUR PORPOISE
Tue Dec 20 2016
10:00 • 2 Harbour Porpoise between South Thormanby Island and Halfmoon Bay, Welcome Passage. Heading towards Secret Cove. ▫ Observed from Shore
Bruce Nelson, Halfmoon Bay, BC
Society News & Events
Real Time Monitoring Station Update:
The weather, co-ordinating equipment and volunteers, and the holiday season has caused a variety of delays in the installation of our first live system. Although it’s not up and running yet, it is being worked on, albeit a bit slower than anticipated. Thanks to some great volunteers, the specialized camera mast has been fitted, but not secured yet, our electrical components have had a few modifications that were not anticipated, and the work continues. The hydrophone, underwater listening device, will be installed as soon after the camera as possible with co-ordination of the divers. We can hardly wait and will keep you posted.
The weather, co-ordinating equipment and volunteers, and the holiday season has caused a variety of delays in the installation of our first live system. Although it’s not up and running yet, it is being worked on, albeit a bit slower than anticipated. Thanks to some great volunteers, the specialized camera mast has been fitted, but not secured yet, our electrical components have had a few modifications that were not anticipated, and the work continues. The hydrophone, underwater listening device, will be installed as soon after the camera as possible with co-ordination of the divers. We can hardly wait and will keep you posted.
AGM:
Our Annual General Meeting is scheduled for January 21st. Email invitations to our Society Members have been sent out. Drop us a request if you are not a Member yet, but are interested in attending.
Our team of Volunteers continue to do a great job in making sure all your reports are mapped and published regularly. Would you like to join us?
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
Ken Balcomb, Center for Whale Research, WA
We have now seen J2 thousands of times in the past forty years, and in recent years she has been in the lead of J pod virtually every time that she has been seen by anyone. In 1987 we estimated that she was at least 45 years old and was more likely to have been 76 years old (the oldest SRKW at the time, and the presumed mother of J1). And, she kept on going, like the energizer bunny. She is one of only a few "resident" whales for which we do not know the precise age because she was born long before our study began. I last saw her on October 12, 2016 as she swam north in Haro Strait far ahead of the others. Perhaps other dedicated whale-watchers have seen her since then, but by year’s end she is officially missing from the SRKW population, and with regret we now consider her deceased. The SRKW population is now estimated to be 78 as of 31 December 2016, and J pod contains only ….
CBC News, BC
J-34, a male born in 1998. Also known as Double Stuf, J-34 was part of the pod that experienced a baby boom in 2015, with eight calves born in total.
It’s one of three pods that make up the southern resident killer whale population, and it is comprised of approximately 80 members…
A necrospy on the endangered killer whale showed the animal had blunt-force trauma to its head and neck, officials say.
The male orca, found in the water off the Sunshine Coast north of Vancouver on Tuesday, also had a hematoma, indicating it was alive for a time after the injury, said Paul Cottrell, Pacific marine mammal co-ordinator with Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
He said the damage may have been caused by a vessel strike or other “heavy contact,” but investigators are waiting on tissue tests and other results to determine exactly what happened.
It’s one of three pods that make up the southern resident killer whale population, and it is comprised of approximately 80 members…
A necrospy on the endangered killer whale showed the animal had blunt-force trauma to its head and neck, officials say.
The male orca, found in the water off the Sunshine Coast north of Vancouver on Tuesday, also had a hematoma, indicating it was alive for a time after the injury, said Paul Cottrell, Pacific marine mammal co-ordinator with Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
He said the damage may have been caused by a vessel strike or other “heavy contact,” but investigators are waiting on tissue tests and other results to determine exactly what happened.
King 5 News, Seattle
“I hope this death is a tipping point that gets everybody involved on all the issues that are impacting the whales. These whales are disappearing before our eyes, and I know for sure that everyone in this region loves the orcas,” said Whale Trail founder Donna Sandstrom. “I know for sure no one wants these whales to disappear. We have to start dealing with all the issues that are impacting them.”
Powel River Peak, BC
A slight increase in sightings of humpback whales has been recorded and more of them are staying in the Powell River area through the year, according to a local whale expert.
"Currently, we have somewhere between four and six going between Powell River and Savary Island," said Susan MacKay, founder of Wild Ocean Whale Society…Last year, MacKay said there were five humpbacks sighted in Powell River waters.
"This year, we certainly have more," she said. "We’ve had a lot more in the area all throughout the summer."
MacKay said she attributes the presence of the humpbacks to more food being available in the area. While the herring spawn was not great, krill, which are small crustaceans, managed to grow and provide food. The humpback eat krill and other small fish, such as herring and salmon….
"Currently, we have somewhere between four and six going between Powell River and Savary Island," said Susan MacKay, founder of Wild Ocean Whale Society…Last year, MacKay said there were five humpbacks sighted in Powell River waters.
"This year, we certainly have more," she said. "We’ve had a lot more in the area all throughout the summer."
MacKay said she attributes the presence of the humpbacks to more food being available in the area. While the herring spawn was not great, krill, which are small crustaceans, managed to grow and provide food. The humpback eat krill and other small fish, such as herring and salmon….
Dana Point Whale Watching
Incredible day with 30-40 (possibly 50+) Offshore Killer Whales! VERY RARE SIGHTING! Thanks goes out to Captain Frank for taking our lucky passengers out to see them! Also thanks to Alisa Schulman-Janiger for ID info as O239 Scoopfin is her favorite offshore killer whale male! She tells us these shark-eating orcas are frequently sighted off British Columbia, but we have seen them dozens of times off California since 1992.
Times Colonist, BC
The federal government is seeking a way to regulate underwater shipping noise as part of its plan to protect an endangered group of killer whales from increased oil tanker traffic off Vancouver.
The news comes as environmental groups are poised to file a new lawsuit challenging the Liberal cabinet’s approval of Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, alleging the government failed to mitigate the project’s impact on the iconic southern resident killer whales.
Fisheries Minister Dominic LeBlanc told The Canadian Press he has been working with Transport Minister Marc Garneau on a revamped recovery plan for the approximately 80 remaining whales that spend about half their lives in the busy Salish Sea.
“Certain ships emit more noise than others, certain kinds of propellers and other things in the water are noisier than others,” said LeBlanc. …
Globe and Mail, ON
Kinder Morgan Inc. will have to address the fate of one more group before completing its Trans Mountain pipeline expansion: killer whales.
Less than a month after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the approval of a plan to almost triple the capacity of Canada’s only oil pipeline to the Pacific coast, the environmental law group Ecojustice filed a federal court case on behalf of Living Oceans Society and Raincoast Conservation Foundation seeking to block the decision. The government failed to consider the fate of about 80 killer whales that live in the main shipping lane for the crude tankers that will carry Alberta’s oil, Dyna Tuytel, an Ecojustice lawyer, said in a phone interview.
GeekWire
A bill introduced in the Washington Legislature would ban unmanned aerial drones from venturing within 200 yards of an orca in the state’s waters. The bill adds aerial drones to the list of vessels that must stay at least 200 yards from a southern resident orca, of which 81 spend much of their time in Puget Sound in three pods. That 200-yard buffer would be in place in in every direction, including vertically on top of a killer whale …
INTERNATIONAL
Idealist
With Frontier’s dolphin conservation project in the Mediterranean Sea you will be making a positive contribution to the protection of dolphin populations around the west coast of Greece, whilst at the same time gaining invaluable practical experience working for a marine research NGO and developing a wide range of conservation skills and techniques….
7 News Australia
Blue whales in most of the world travel vast distances in search of food, however those around Sri Lanka remain year round…
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