Bigg’s and Humpback Whales Plus
Cover Image:
Humpback Whale breaching off of Vancouver Island
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Bigg’s T077A has been joining up with some of the other Transient Bigg’s in the upper Georgia Strait, presumably for mating purposes. He’s also been seen roaming around on his own, similar to what T087 was doing last year. Mixing up the gene pool is an important aspect of continuing the species. With the numbers of Bigg’s and also the Northern Resident populations, this is easier than with the now endangered Southern Resident populations.
Some more of the Humpback Whales are returning to last year’s feeding grounds as we are starting to see more of them showing up. Various Humpback names are being mentioned, yet our current reference material has no mention of these names, so we can’t include them for tracking purposes on our maps. This is detrimental to assist with locating movements, especially if they are entangled.
Some larger groups of Pacific White Sided Dolphins and a few Dall’s Porpoise round out this report.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Society News & Events
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Sightings Update
SIGHTINGS MAP – ISSUE: 2018-013
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Sun May 20 2018
18:00 • est. 7 Biggs Orca circling prey, southern most tip of Okeover Inlet. Close to shore..we were nearby but the muck/mud prevented us getting right to the water line or else they would have been 10 feet away it seemed; low-tide in southern most part of Okeover arm. The pod was hunting (could see a seal jumping and orca jumping immediately after). A juvenile was also there and porpoises were also pushed close to shore by the hunting party. Unexpected and spectacular to see. ▫ Observed from Shore
AK, Whistler, BC
Wed May 23 2018
08:37 • 1 Biggs Orca taking long dives, heading north off Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s heading north off of the Powell River Viewpoint
Wed, 23 May 2018 – 7 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s heading north off of the Powell River Viewpoint
Wed, 23 May 2018 – 7 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
09:05 • 6-8 Biggs Orca ◦T023s;T049Bs;T049C◦ hunting, off the sandbanks at Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait. Actively leaping and putting on a show.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s,T023s, T049Bs & T077A, off of the sandbank at Harwood Island
Wed, 23 May 2018 – 10 items
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s,T023s, T049Bs & T077A, off of the sandbank at Harwood Island
Wed, 23 May 2018 – 10 items
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
10:08 • Biggs Orca ◦T023s;T049Bs;T077A◦ off sandbanks at Harwood Island. All Orca on sea lion.
11:15 • Biggs Orca off Rebecca Rocks angling towards Vancouver Island, Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
12:16 • Biggs Orca ◦T077A; T023◦ heading west from Harwood Island moving toward Miracle Beach Park, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s, T077A & T023s, heading west from Harwood Island towards Miracle Beach Park
Wed, 23 May 2018 – 4 items
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s, T077A & T023s, heading west from Harwood Island towards Miracle Beach Park
Wed, 23 May 2018 – 4 items
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
17:45 • Biggs Orca off Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. Observed from ferry. ▫ Second Hand
Bill Coltart, Pacific Pro Dive
Thu May 24 2018
13:09 • 2 Biggs Orca feeding, angling towards Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait. Eating sea lions.
Radio, overheard or call out
13:46 • 2 Biggs Orca hunting, between Rebecca Rocks and Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait. I just saw a couple of Orca blows and looks like they are still on a kill. White caps forming.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Fri May 25 2018
09:37 • Biggs Orca heading south, Kanish Bay.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:38 • Biggs Orca heading south mid channel by Kanish Bay, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
09:44 • Biggs Orca heading south mid channel by Eagles Cove, Discovery Passage. From Wayne. ▫ Second Hand
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
11:20 • Biggs Orca, Kanish Bay.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:00 • 3 Biggs Orca heading south 1 mile south of the sound end of Kanish Bay close to the shore of Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
13:25 • Biggs Orca heading south now south of Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage.
13:48 • Biggs Orca in bay behind HMCS Columbia (artificial reef) off Maud Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:14 • 3 Biggs Orca doing circles, between Race Point and Yellow Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
David Gauci, Campbell River Whale Watching
18:25 • 3 Biggs Orca ◦T023s◦ off Discovery Harbour Marina, Campbell River, Discovery Passage. All small fins.
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
Sat May 26 2018
13:00 • 3 Biggs Orca out from Major Rock Islet toward Manson Passage, Malaspina Strait.
Mike Phillips,
14:25 • Biggs Orca off Major Rock Islet angled toward Lund, Malaspina Strait.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:00 • 2-3 Biggs Orca heading south between Savary Island and Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
John Hermsen, Footprint Kayak and Hike Explorations
15:15 • Biggs Orca ◦T023s◦ heading south travelling at about 6 knots past Dinner Rock, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s Killer Whales, T023s, heading south past Dinner Rock
Sat, 26 May 2018 – 5 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s Killer Whales, T023s, heading south past Dinner Rock
Sat, 26 May 2018 – 5 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:31 • Biggs Orca off Mystery Reef, Malaspina Strait. From someone stopping by at the WOWS booth at the Lund Shellfish Festival. ▫ Second Hand
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Sun May 27 2018
13:15 • 1 Biggs Orca off Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
13:20 • Biggs Orca ◦T101s◦ off Point Grey, Georgia Strait. Near Vancouver.
Ashley Keegan, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
14:44 • Biggs Orca ◦T021s;T023s◦ off Marina Island, Sutil Channel. 600 metres off south shore.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:30 • 1 Biggs Orca off Marina Reef angling toward Smelt Bay, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
Mon May 28 2018
09:50 • Biggs Orca heading south in front of Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Lone Bigg’s T077A heading south past Myrtle Rocks, Powell River
Mon, 28 May 2018 – 7 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Lone Bigg’s T077A heading south past Myrtle Rocks, Powell River
Mon, 28 May 2018 – 7 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
11:11 • 1 Biggs Orca ◦T077A◦ heading south past Myrtle Rocks, Malaspina Strait. One male.
19:42 • 1 Biggs Orca heading north off the Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper), Malaspina Strait. Got a second hand report of single Orca off the Powell River mill heading to Lund. I have seen some blows northbound . Probably the same Orca from this morning.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Killer Whale at Marina Reef
Sun, 27 May 2018 – 1 items
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Killer Whale at Marina Reef
Sun, 27 May 2018 – 1 items
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s, T002s & T023s, milling at Centre Islet in Sutil Channel
Mon, 21 May 2018 – 4 items
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s, T002s & T023s, milling at Centre Islet in Sutil Channel
Mon, 21 May 2018 – 4 items
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
Wed May 23 2018
09:00 • Orca coming out of Toba Inlet. ▫ Second Hand
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
HUMPBACK WHALES
Wed May 23 2018
10:33 • 1 Humpback Whales off Whiskey Point, Discovery Passage.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
11:40 • 2 Humpback Whales off Sea Lion Rock, Yuculta Rapids. ▫ Second Hand
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
13:40 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north between Mitlenatch Island and Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait. Dove and never saw him again.
David Gauci, Campbell River Whale Watching
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale heading north between Mitlenacth Island and Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy
Wed, 23 May 2018 – 4 items
David Gauci, Campbell River Whale Watching
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale heading north between Mitlenacth Island and Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy
Wed, 23 May 2018 – 4 items
David Gauci, Campbell River Whale Watching
16:10 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south at the Denham Islet close to shore of Sonora Island, Dent Rapids. ▫ Leaving the Scene
18:00 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south across from Cape Mudge Lighthouse on Quadra Island, Georgia Strait. Off Vancouver Island shore.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
Thu May 24 2018
07:50 • Humpback Whales heading north in front of the Campbell River Cruiseship Dock, Discovery Passage.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:03 • 1 Humpback Whales on the east side of North Rendezvous Island, Calm Channel.
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:05 • 1 Humpback Whales just north of Copper Bluffs, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Leah Vanderwiel, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:25 • 1 Humpback Whales west of South Rendezvous Island off Read Island, Drew Passage.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale passing west of South Rendezvous Island
Thu, 24 May 2018 – 2 items
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale passing west of South Rendezvous Island
Thu, 24 May 2018 – 2 items
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
15:36 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south in between Mitlenatch Island and Baker Passage, Georgia Strait. A small whale.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
15:56 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south-east off South Rendezvous Island moving towards Bullock Bluff, Sutil Channel. This Humpback had previously been spotted in Drew Passage.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
16:36 • 1 Humpback Whales 5 miles south of Cortes Island, Georgia Strait. A curious whale.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
Fri May 25 2018
07:15 • 1 Humpback Whales in the shallows off Big Rock, Georgia Strait.
Elvis Chikite, Pacific Pro Dive
07:48 • 2 Humpback Whales north of Sheer Point off the shore of Read Island, Hoskyn Channel. Been watching them for 20 minutes.
Sarah Hauser, Campbell River Whale Watching
07:49 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north about 200 yards off the breakwater right in front of Discovery Harbour Marina, Campbell River, Discovery Passage.
Ryan Stewart, Sonora Resort
08:00 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south towards Sheer Point, Read Island, Hoskyn Channel.
Sarah Hauser, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:31 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south at 2 knots off Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Jason Fitzgerald, Eagle Eye Adventures
09:32 • 2 Humpback Whales 1 mile west of Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Quadra Island, Georgia Strait.
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
10:09 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south off Hall Point along the shoreline of Sonora Island, Dent Rapids.
Ryan Eisen, Sonora Resort
10:42 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south off Yellow Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
13:04 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCZ Anvil◦ milling, at the TA buoy mid Strait southwest of the light station at Sand Heads, Georgia Strait. Observed by Pod Pilot. ▫ Second Hand
Hilary Buckley, Wild Whales Vancouver, BC
15:31 • 2 Humpback Whales milling, just south of Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Sat May 26 2018
07:05 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north from Chatham Point into Nodales Channel.
07:35 • 1 Humpback Whales heading west close to the beacon at Walkem Islands, Johnstone Strait. With a small group of Pacific White Sided Dolphins.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
10:39 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0291 KC◦ heading south in front of Sonora Lodge close to the shoreline of Stuart Island, Yuculta Rapids.
Ryan Stewart, Sonora Resort
11:33 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0291 KC◦ moving slowly, heading south at the mouth of Bute Inlet. KC joined another Humpback.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale, BCY0291 KC, heading south at the mouth of Bute Inlet
Sat, 26 May 2018 – 3 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale, BCY0291 KC, heading south at the mouth of Bute Inlet
Sat, 26 May 2018 – 3 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
11:57 • Humpback Whales at Fawn Bluff, Bute Inlet.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
14:00 • 2 Humpback Whales off Rebecca Spit and Quadra Island Scallop Farm, Sutil Channel.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River. BC
15:24 • Humpback Whales milling, at Church House, Calm Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
17:20 • 2 Humpback Whales circling prey; foraging, mid channel between Quadra Island Scallop Farm and mid Marina Island, Sutil Channel.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
Sun May 27 2018
09:57 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south across from Henrietta Point, Bute Inlet.
Ryan Eisen, Sonora Resort
10:39 • 1 Humpback Whales at Elk Bay, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
10:55 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south approaching Eagles Cove, Discovery Passage. Close to Vancouver Island Shore.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
11:10 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0291 KC◦ heading south at Eagles Cove. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale, BCY0291 KC, heading south at Eagles Cove
Sun, 27 May 2018 – 1 items
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale, BCY0291 KC, heading south at Eagles Cove
Sun, 27 May 2018 – 1 items
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:26 • 1 Humpback Whales by Fawn Bluff, Bute Inlet.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:00 • Humpback Whales in Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage. ▫ Second Hand
14:21 • Humpback Whales ◦BCY0291 KC◦ heading south passing Race Point, Discovery Passage.
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale, BCY0291 KC, heading south by Race Point
Sun, 27 May 2018 – 5 items
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale, BCY0291 KC, heading south by Race Point
Sun, 27 May 2018 – 5 items
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
16:21 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north off Willow Point, Georgia Strait. Close to Vancouver Island shore.
Elvis Chikite, Pacific Pro Dive
Mon May 28 2018
06:30 • 1 Humpback Whales breaching, off Dunsterville Islet, Hoskyn Channel. ▫ Second Hand
Elvis Chikite, Pacific Pro Dive
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale heading north between Campbell River and April Point
Mon, 28 May 2018 – 3 items
LB, Quadra Island, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale heading north between Campbell River and April Point
Mon, 28 May 2018 – 3 items
LB, Quadra Island, BC
07:30 • est. 2+ Humpback Whales ◦BCY0291 KC◦ heading north between Campbell River and April Point, Discovery Passage. Fin Slapping. One whale had a tear on it’s dorsal fin (will send photo). ▫ Observed from Shore
LB, Quadra Island, BC
07:58 • 2 Humpback Whales by Steep Island, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
08:22 • 2 Humpback Whales between Steep Island and the mill at Duncan Bay, Discovery Passage.
08:41 • 2 Humpback Whales zig zagging, north of Steep Island, Discovery Passage.
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:40 • 1 Humpback Whales off Copper Bluffs, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Sarah Hauser, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:52 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCX0565 Nick◦ in Whale Passage east of Read Island, Sutil Channel. One large and one small whale.
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:12 • 2 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading south near Campbell River Dolphins Resort, Discovery Passage. Mom and a calf.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
12:00 • Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading south abeam the Argonaut Wharf in Campbell River in the middle of Discovery Passage.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
12:42 • Humpback Whales heading south off Cape Mudge Village on Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. Blows were observed.
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:25 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south in front of Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait. VHF call from Tress. ▫ Second Hand
Leah Vanderwiel, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:34 • 2 Humpback Whales off Cape Mudge, Quadra Island, Georgia Strait. Large whales. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Dean Parsonage, 50 North Adventures
14:17 • Humpback Whales off Henrietta Point, Stuart Island, Bute Inlet.
Radio, overheard or call out
18:30 • Humpback Whales heading north off Powell River, Malaspina Strait. It was so rough but there was a huge spurt of water going up in the air at intervals just like whales do. It was out in front of Harwood middle of channel in line with Point of Savary from our house.
Shirley Randall, Beacon B&B, Powell River, BC
Tue May 29 2018
08:19 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north off the Sonora Lodge on Sonora Island, Yuculta Rapids.
Kaitlin Ross, Sonora Resort
08:30 • 1 Humpback Whales by Breton Islands, Sutil Channel. ▫ Second Hand
Elvis Chikite, Pacific Pro Dive
10:26 • 2 Humpback Whales heading east off the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
11:45 • 1 Humpback Whales between Read Island and Cortes Island, Sutil Channel. Along the shoreline of Read Island.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
11:51 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0291 KC◦ milling, on the east side of Dent Island, Dent Rapids.
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
12:38 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCX Spotlight◦ between Read Island and South Rendezvous Island, Drew Passage. Very curious whale.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:20 • 1 Humpback Whales off South Rendezvous Island and Lewis Channel, Calm Channel. Erratic dives.
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Wed May 23 2018
08:31 • PWS Dolphins north of April Point, Discovery Passage. ▫ Second Hand
Jim Rogers, Campbell River Whale Watching
10:28 • est. 19 PWS Dolphins foraging, at Walcan Seafood Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
11:20 • PWS Dolphins heading east at Ripple Shoal towards Chancellor Channel, Johnstone Strait. Large group.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
12:35 • PWS Dolphins heading north passing Quathiaski Cove Ferry Terminal, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. Small group.
Sarah Hauser, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:00 • est. 19 PWS Dolphins moving slowly, heading north 400 m off Copper Bluffs, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
16:15 • PWS Dolphins playing, off Little Bear Bay, Johnstone Strait. Small pod, been there for awhile.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Thu May 24 2018
14:03 • 5 PWS Dolphins off Whiskey Point, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
Sat May 26 2018
07:35 • PWS Dolphins heading west close to the beacon at Walkem Islands, Johnstone Strait. Small group observed with a Humpback.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Sun May 27 2018
11:20 • est. 50 PWS Dolphins heading north at Rock Bay, Johnstone Strait.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
11:26 • PWS Dolphins heading west by Rock Bay near Chatham Point, Johnstone Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
18:25 • est. 30 PWS Dolphins headed towards Beazley Passage across from Discovery Lodge, Hoskyn Channel.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
Mon May 28 2018
11:02 • est. 50 PWS Dolphins foraging, north of Howe Island, Nodales Channel. Report from Jack through VHF. ▫ Second Hand
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:06 • est. 50 PWS Dolphins foraging, heading west by Howe Island, Discovery Passage.
Sarah Hauser, Campbell River Whale Watching
16:08 • PWS Dolphins heading south, Kanish Bay. A few dolphins.
16:12 • est. 50 PWS Dolphins heading south towards No Name Creek, Discovery Passage.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
17:15 • est. 80 PWS Dolphins spread out, between 45 Point and Kanish Bay, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Elvis Chikite, Pacific Pro Dive
DALLS PORPOISE
Thu May 24 2018
12:14 • Dalls Porpoise near the junction of Frederick Arm and Nodales Channel.
13:39 • Dalls Porpoise south of Sonora Lodge on Sonora Island, Yuculta Rapids.
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:17 • Dalls Porpoise in front of Frederick Arm.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
15:46 • 10 Dalls Porpoise between Little Dent Island and Sonora Island, Dent Rapids.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SEA OTTERS
Wed May 23 2018
11:04 • 1 Sea Otters off Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. With the seals.
Josh Grin, Eagle Eye Adventures
Archive Explorer
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The Magazine
REGIONAL
CBC News, BC
Some residents of the southern Gulf Islands are worried too many whale-watching boats are chasing too few killer whales – stressing the already at-risk species.
“It’s the Wild West out here on a Sunday and the orcas come by,” says Susie Washington-Smyth, 75, of Saturna Island.
Rules that limit boat noise off B.C. coast are helping endangered killer whales, study says
Fellow resident Mairead Boland, 65, agrees.
“Increasingly, they are pursued by a large number of boats,” says Boland. “Once you’ve found them, you have them for a day. So it’s an appalling situation for the whales.”…
read on
“It’s the Wild West out here on a Sunday and the orcas come by,” says Susie Washington-Smyth, 75, of Saturna Island.
Rules that limit boat noise off B.C. coast are helping endangered killer whales, study says
Fellow resident Mairead Boland, 65, agrees.
“Increasingly, they are pursued by a large number of boats,” says Boland. “Once you’ve found them, you have them for a day. So it’s an appalling situation for the whales.”…
read on
KING5.com, WA
LISTEN: Orcas vocalizing in Puget Sound KING5.com – Apr 30, 2018 A whale watching tour found a chatty group of transient orcas near Hood Canal. Puget Sound Express encountered the T65A orca pod, including a newborn calf. The transient killer whales are typically quiet during a hunt, but researchers were able to clearly ……
read on
read on
Powell River Peak
Public binoculars and interpretive signage for viewing ocean wildlife will be installed by City of Powell River under an agreement with Powell River’s Wild Ocean Whale Society (WOWS).
Viewing locations will be at Westview Viewpoint, Spirit Square and Townsite Viewpoint.
The society will retain all revenues from use of the coin-operated binoculars and be required to clean, maintain and replace them as required.
Powell River Community Forest recently awarded a $44,167 grant to WOWS for the setup….
read on
Viewing locations will be at Westview Viewpoint, Spirit Square and Townsite Viewpoint.
The society will retain all revenues from use of the coin-operated binoculars and be required to clean, maintain and replace them as required.
Powell River Community Forest recently awarded a $44,167 grant to WOWS for the setup….
read on
Times Colonist, BC
The federal government is cutting back coast-wide on allowed catches of prized chinook salmon as it attempts to save the small population of endangered southern resident killer whales.
"I am amazed that they are taking that step. It has been long overdue," Ken Balcomb, of the Center for Whale Research in Friday Harbor, Washington, said Thursday.
Chinook salmon, also called spring salmon, are the largest Pacific salmon, with some known to tip the scales at more than 100 pounds (45 kilograms).
Their stocks have declined dramatically in recent years, Fisheries and Oceans Canada said Thursday. The new rules are intended to help boost chinook numbers….
read on
"I am amazed that they are taking that step. It has been long overdue," Ken Balcomb, of the Center for Whale Research in Friday Harbor, Washington, said Thursday.
Chinook salmon, also called spring salmon, are the largest Pacific salmon, with some known to tip the scales at more than 100 pounds (45 kilograms).
Their stocks have declined dramatically in recent years, Fisheries and Oceans Canada said Thursday. The new rules are intended to help boost chinook numbers….
read on
WEST COAST
Forbes, USA
Where ever endangered orcas swim, they leave behind traces of their DNA that can reveal their passage to scientists as long as two hours later
As they swim through the Puget Sound, wild killer whales, also known as orcas, Orcinus orca, leave traces of their DNA in their wake. This "environmental DNA" or "eDNA" can reveal their passage for as long as two hours after they’ve moved on, reports a team of scientists in a recent study (ref).
Currently, most genetic samples from wild whales, dolphins and porpoises are collected in the field using a biopsy dart — a method that is challenging for humans and disturbing for the subjects. For this reason, Professor Baker and his collaborators have been adapting an innovative and non-invasive technique, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) technology, specifically for detecting and identifying cetacean species from eDNA found in seawater….
read on
As they swim through the Puget Sound, wild killer whales, also known as orcas, Orcinus orca, leave traces of their DNA in their wake. This "environmental DNA" or "eDNA" can reveal their passage for as long as two hours after they’ve moved on, reports a team of scientists in a recent study (ref).
Currently, most genetic samples from wild whales, dolphins and porpoises are collected in the field using a biopsy dart — a method that is challenging for humans and disturbing for the subjects. For this reason, Professor Baker and his collaborators have been adapting an innovative and non-invasive technique, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) technology, specifically for detecting and identifying cetacean species from eDNA found in seawater….
read on
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
Phys.org
There’s plenty of fish in the sea for human fisherman and bottlenose dolphins to feast on and now, according to a study by researchers at Stony Brook University published in Marine Mammal Science , both species are using a New York artificial reef at the same time to find fish to eat – a new finding….
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Smithsonian.org
/https://public-media.smithsonianmag.com/filer/c9/74/c9749ffa-e0e7-4e3c-9016-774a4c4b1694/d4k4j9.jpg)
nside the chests of dolphins and toothed whales there is an anatomical mystery: a maze of tiny, worm-like blood vessels called the "thoracic rete," the purpose of which has long baffled scientists. Joy Reidenberg, an anatomist at Mount Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine, thinks she she’s figured out what it’s for. If she’s right, it could hold the key to developing a device that would be able to prevent the deadly condition that all divers fear: the bends….
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