Transient Orca Hunting

A publication of Wild Ocean Whale Society (WOWs)

Transient Orca Hunting

October 4, 2018   —   issue No. 2018-041


Cover Image:
Bigg’s spyhopping off of Coho Point
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC

There were many Transient Orca last week in various waterways and channels. Some pods of Transients were observed hunting and feeding on their prey. Transients feed on marine mammals, such as seals, sea lions, dolphins, and porpoises. When hunting, these Orca do not use echolocation (sounds) to detect the location of their prey. Instead, they need to be stealthy so they can get close to its prey before attacking and catching the prey. In contrast, the Resident Orca do use echolocation to find their prey, which is fish like salmon. A pod of Northern Resident Orca continued to traval around upper Georgia Strait and through various inland waters. Due to the presence of both types of Orca in the area and lack of information, some sightings were classified as Unidentified Orca.

As through most of the summer and September, many Humpback whales were observed in the area last week. Some Humpbacks were seen foraging and lunge-feeding. Lunge feeding is when a whale rapidly approaches an area with a high density of prey (e.g. herring) and the whale opens its mouth to catch a mouthful of its prey. Often, observers are able to see the whale’s head and front half of the body come out of the water as it’s completing its lunge-feed and closing its mouth. Rounding out our report is a few sightings of Pacific White-Sided dolphins, with one pod being over 100 animals seen around Denham Bay. Two Sea Otters were observed in the southern end of Sutil Channel.

Keep your eyes open, report your sightings to us, and use caution on the water giving these animals plenty of room. Remember N.E.W.S. when you see a whale, meaning put your boat in NEUTRAL, ENJOY the view, WAIT till the whales are at a fair distance, and then SLOWLY leave the scene.

Ivan Ng, Wild Ocean Whale Society
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Sightings Update
SIGHTINGS MAP – ISSUE: 2018-041

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TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Sat Sep 29 2018
14:36 • Biggs Orca ◦T049s◦ heading south by Van Anda, Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
13:45 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ moving slowly, passing Attwood Bay, Homfray Channel. Heading toward Pryce. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
13:23 • Biggs Orca ◦T049As◦ close to Rebecca Rocks angling towards Blubber Bay, Malaspina Strait. Finished hunting.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
13:23 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ by creek in Homfray Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:59 • est. 5 Biggs Orca west of Rebecca Rocks, Georgia Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
11:34 • Biggs Orca taking long dives, heading south to the right of Coho (Kiddie) Point, Georgia Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s heading south off of Coho Point
Sat, 29 Sep 2018 – 5 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s heading south off of Coho Point
Sat, 29 Sep 2018 – 5 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
10:09 • Biggs Orca, Homfray Channel. Going in on the mainland side.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
09:30 • est. 4-5 Biggs Orca foraging, by sandbanks at Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait. Looks like on a kill.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Fri Sep 28 2018
17:15 • Biggs Orca ◦T090s; T087◦ heading south-west, Deer Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:50 • Biggs Orca ◦T090s; T087◦ heading west at Elizabeth Island heading towards Deer Passage, Pryce Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
14:44 • Biggs Orca travelling, heading south off Marina Reef, Sutil Channel. About 5 knts. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
11:59 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading towards Viner Point, Read Island, Sutil Channel.
11:38 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading south towards Centre Islet, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
11:15 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs; T002C2 Tumbo◦ foraging, just south of south end of Hill Island, Sutil Channel. Feeding on something.
Jason Fitzgerald, Eagle Eye Adventures
10:50 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ taking long dives, at Hill Island pointed towards Viner Point, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
10:17 • Biggs Orca hunting, just by Hill Island, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
10:15 • Biggs Orca ◦T090s; T087◦ heading north-east 2/3 of the way in Toba Inlet.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
Thu Sep 27 2018
16:46 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ coming out of Lewis Channel off the west coast of West Redonda Island and now approaching Deer Passage.
Robin Pears, Blind Channel Resort
16:05 • Biggs Orca close to shore off Kinghorn Island, Desolation Sound.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
13:45 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading north tight ot the top end, and on the outside of, the Penn Islands, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
12:27 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading north on the Cortes side of Penn Islands. Grouped up tight traveling at 2 knots. ▫ Leaving the Scene
11:40 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading north leaving Carrington Bay heading towards Penn Islands, Sutil Channel.
11:29 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading south-west, Carrington Bay. Family together again, including Tumbo.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
11:07 • Biggs Orca ◦T002C2 Tumbo◦ by Carrington Bay, Sutil Channel. Tumbo was noted as looking thinner, and without the rest of the family.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
11:04 • Biggs Orca moving quickly, heading west at Turn Island, Johnstone Strait. ▫ Second Hand
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
10:54 • Biggs Orca ◦T002C2 Tumbo◦ heading north off the north-west side of Cortes Island half a mile off Carrington Bay.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
09:05 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ taking long dives, off Campbell River Ferry Terminal, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s heading north-west past Sliammon
Wed, 26 Sep 2018 – 6 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Bigg’s heading north-west past Sliammon
Wed, 26 Sep 2018 – 6 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
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NORTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
Sat Sep 29 2018
14:20 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ at Connis Point heading for Pryce Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
13:40 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ heading north, Deer Passage. At Redondo side. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Tenacious 3 (Boat), Discovery Marine Safaris
11:50 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ milling, off Bullock Bluff, Sutil Channel. Read Island side.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
Fri Sep 28 2018
16:50 • NRKW Orca heading north towards Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
15:55 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ foraging, mid channel, off Shelter Point south of Campbell River, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jason Fitzgerald, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:50 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ moving slowly, heading south towards Shelter Point south of Campbell River. Spread out.
Radio, overheard or call out
10:45 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ heading towards Spilsbury Point in the area of Baker Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
09:57 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ at Dog Bay, Hernando Island, Malaspina Strait. Left the area at 10:21. Orca relaxing.
Bradden Kiley, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
08:59 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ milling, between Twin Islands and Hernando Island, Malaspina Strait.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
Thu Sep 27 2018
16:23 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ heading into Desolation Sound. Favouring the Redonda side.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
10:28 • NRKW Orca ◦A42s◦ off Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
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UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
Fri Sep 28 2018
14:55 • Orca by the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
09:50 • Orca moving slowly, heading south on north side of Hill Island, Sutil Channel. Close to shore.
Peter Murray, Campbell River Whale Watching
07:59 • Orca at Sarah Point heading towards Twin Islands, Malaspina Strait.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River. BC
Thu Sep 27 2018
10:12 • Orca at Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait. Large group.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
08:54 • Orca in Uganda Passage heading towards Center Islet, Sutil Channel.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
08:01 • Orca heading north off Walcan Seafood Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Second Hand
Office 3, Campbell River Whale Watching
08:00 • Orca heading north past Walcan Seafood Quadra Island. ▫ Second Hand
Robin Pears, Blind Channel Resort
07:43 • Orca moving quickly, heading north off Quathiaski Cove, Discovery Passage. ▫ Second Hand
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
Wed Sep 26 2018
15:28 • 5 Orca heading north close to shore at Powell River Ferry Terminal, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
14:27 • 5 Orca heading north-west off Myrtle Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
10:45 • 2 Orca moving slowly, heading west in Frolander Bay, Malaspina Strait. Mother and baby, swimming together and surfacing frequently. ▫ Observed from Shore
K&B, Powell River, BC
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HUMPBACK WHALES
Sat Sep 29 2018
14:43 • 2 Humpback Whales heading west middle of Sutil Channel.
14:26 • 2 Humpback Whales heading west bettween Quadra Island Scallop Farm and Francisco Point, Sutil Channel.
Jason Fitzgerald, Eagle Eye Adventures
12:50 • Humpback Whales heading south out from Crescent Bay, Georgia Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
11:18 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north by April Point, Discovery Passage.
John Lewis, Discovery Marine Safaris
10:35 • 2 Humpback Whales across from Coulter Island, Sutil Channel. Heading toward Centre islet.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
10:31 • 2 Humpback Whales by Shelter Point south of Campbell River, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
10:05 • 2 Humpback Whales by Coulter Island, Sutil Channel. Sleepy.
Stan Novotny, Eagle Eye Adventures
09:30 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south towards Coulter Island.
09:30 • 3 Humpback Whales heading north past Quartz Bay, Sutil Channel.
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:28 • est. 8 Humpback Whales from Francisco Point to Quartz Bay, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
09:00 • est. 2-3 Humpback Whales south of Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy at Francisco Point, Georgia Strait.
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
08:40 • 2 Humpback Whales at Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait. Being harassed by sea lion.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
08:36 • 3 Humpback Whales to the right of Coho (Kiddie) Point, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Fri Sep 28 2018
23:00 • est. 2 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading south by Little Qualicum River, Georgia Strait. Taking 10 minute dives, could hear their air. ▫ Observed from Shore
C B, Qualicum Beach BC
18:50 • 2 Humpback Whales heading west, Okisollo Channel.
Tenacious 3 (Boat), Discovery Marine Safaris
18:15 • 2 Humpback Whales lunge feeding, at Francisco Point in Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
16:19 • 1 Humpback Whales half mile east of Connis Point on the Redonda side of Pryce Channel.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:30 • est. 3-5 Humpback Whales foraging, south of False Bay off Heath Islet, Georgia Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
RL, Lasqueti Island
15:13 • Humpback Whales, Hoskyn Channel.
15:13 • 1 Humpback Whales in Beazley Passage, Surge Narrows, Hoskyn Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:14 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north off southeast side of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Jason Fitzgerald, Eagle Eye Adventures
14:01 • 2 Humpback Whales north of Quadra Island Scallop Farm south of Heriot Bay, Sutil Channel.
David Gauci, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:55 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south in Homfray Channel.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River. BC
12:09 • 2 Humpback Whales doing circles, heading north just off Centre Islet, Sutil Channel.
Jason Fitzgerald, Eagle Eye Adventures
12:00 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south-west off Vivian Island, Georgia Strait. Larger animal.
Terry Brown And Jude Abrams, Lund, BC
10:50 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north just north of Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel.
Jason Fitzgerald, Eagle Eye Adventures
10:26 • 1-2 Humpback Whales heading south by Black (Albion) Point, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
10:26 • 1 Humpback Whales just north of Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
10:00 • 2 Humpback Whales between Harwood Island and Savary Island, Malaspina Strait. Smaller animals.
Terry Brown And Jude Abrams, Lund, BC
09:05 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north at Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel. Close to Quadra shore.
09:05 • 1 Humpback Whales mid channel about 1 nautical mile off Francisco Point, Quadra Island.
Jim Rogers, Campbell River Whale Watching
Thu Sep 27 2018
16:43 • Humpback Whales between Francisco Point and the Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Dean Parsonage, 50 North Adventures
16:30 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south between Lund and Savary Island, Malaspina Strait. Seen from Lund dock. ▫ Observed from Shore
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
16:20 • 2 Humpback Whales off Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait. ▫ Second Hand
16:20 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north south of Hill Island, Sutil Channel. ▫ Second Hand
Radio, overheard or call out
15:20 • 7 Humpback Whales heading south between Lazo and Grant Reefs, Georgia Strait. Grouped together.
15:03 • 4 Humpback Whales grouped up off Lazo on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Georgia Strait.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
14:55 • 4 Humpback Whales doing circles; foraging, just off the edge off Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:54 • 3 Humpback Whales south-west of Grant Reefs, Georgia Strait.
14:43 • 1 Humpback Whales at Grant Reefs.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
13:56 • 2 Humpback Whales 500m off Frederic Point, Read Island, Sutil Channel.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:30 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south abeam Marina Island, Sutil Channel.
Ryan Stewart, Sonora Resort
10:54 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north off Coulter Island, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
10:40 • Humpback Whales heading south on the southside of Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait. Saw a few blows.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Wed Sep 26 2018
14:29 • 2 Humpback Whales southeast of the Quadra Island Scallop Farm south of Heriot Bay, Sutil Channel.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:00 • 2 Humpback Whales east of Vivian Island, Malaspina Strait.
14:00 • 2 Humpback Whales off Atrevida Reef north of Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
13:50 • 3 Humpback Whales by Penn Islands, Sutil Channel.
13:50 • 2 Humpback Whales, Baker Passage.
13:50 • 2 Humpback Whales off Viner Point, Read Island, Sutil Channel.
13:50 • 2 Humpback Whales at Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Elvis Chikite, Pacific Pro Dive
13:34 • 2 Humpback Whales in Quartz Bay, Sutil Channel.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:30 • 2 Humpback Whales east side of Grant Reefs, Malaspina Strait.
13:30 • 2 Humpback Whales west side of Grant Reefs, Georgia Strait.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
13:11 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north close in towards Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
12:47 • 2 Humpback Whales between Cape Lazo and Coho (Kiddie) Point, Georgia Strait.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
12:19 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north by Black (Albion) Point, Malaspina Strait.
Nina Falls, Powell River, BC
12:00 • 2 Humpback Whales at Coho (Kiddie) Point, Malaspina Strait.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
11:01 • Humpback Whales close to shore off South end of Rendezvous Islands heading into Calm Channel. Small animal.
10:55 • Humpback Whales off Frederic Point, Read Island, Sutil Channel.
10:55 • Humpback Whales top end of Penn Islands, Sutil Channel.
10:51 • Humpback Whales off Frederic Point heading towards Evans Bay, Sutil Channel. Blow seen.
Jason Fitzgerald, Eagle Eye Adventures
10:47 • 2 Humpback Whales between Spilsbury Point and Sutil Point, Baker Passage. Small animals.
Shea Majbroda, Campbell River Whale Watching
10:05 • 2 Humpback Whales tight to Cortes shore near Von Donop Inlet, Sutil Channel.
10:05 • 1 Humpback Whales south end of Penn Islands, Sutil Channel.
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:15 • 1 Humpback Whales between the Penn Islands.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
09:13 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north off Anchor Inn, Campbell River, Discovery Passage. With the tide.
Jordan McLean, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
Humpback Whales
Humpback heading south with the tide off of Campbell River
Wed, 26 Sep 2018 – 1 items
Jordan McLean, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
Humpback Whales
Humpback heading south with the tide off of Campbell River
Wed, 26 Sep 2018 – 1 items
Jordan McLean, Painters Lodge, Campbell River
09:13 • 1 Humpback Whales at South end of Penn Islands, Sutil Channel.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
08:41 • 3 Humpback Whales, Baker Passage. Observed while enroute to Theodosia Inlet.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River. BC
08:37 • 2 Humpback Whales at Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Georgia Strait.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Tue Sep 25 2018
06:00 • est. 2 Humpback Whales foraging, heading west off Scotch Fir Point, Malaspina Strait. Frequently diving and surfacing to breathe. ▫ Observed from Shore
K&B, Powell River, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback head lobbing while guests enjoy the view
Mon, 24 Sep 2018 – 1 items
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback head lobbing while guests enjoy the view
Mon, 24 Sep 2018 – 1 items
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PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Fri Sep 28 2018
08:22 • 100+ PWS Dolphins close to Gomer Island heading into Denham Bay, Dent Rapids.
Ryan Stewart, Sonora Resort
Thu Sep 27 2018
10:15 • PWS Dolphins by Tyee Spit, Discovery Passage. Large group. ▫ Second Hand
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
06:30 • est. 60 PWS Dolphins heading north off Powell River, Malaspina Strait. Three groups of 20 dolphins each seen close to shore from the Powell River sea walk. ▫ Observed from Shore
Susie Rice, Powell River, BC
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SEA OTTERS
Wed Sep 26 2018
13:50 • 1 Sea Otters south end of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Elvis Chikite, Pacific Pro Dive
10:05 • 1 Sea Otters southeast of Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out

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The Magazine
REGIONAL
Canada’s save-the-whales effort ‘too little, too late?’ Environment commissioner
Vancouver Sun, BC
Environment commissioner Julie Gelfand says Canada had the tools to safeguard North Atlantic right whales, Southern resident killer whales and other marine mammals from being hit by ships, tangled in fishing gear or losing their food sources – but it waited until after 12 right whales died in a single summer and the killer whale population was on the verge of extinction….
read on

Humpback whale off Vancouver Island use head to crack boat window
Canadian Press, CTV News, BC
Video: Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce

Two humpback whales that circled a boat in the waters off Comox, B.C., were a curious sight – until one of them got too close and cracked a window on the vessel with a bang of its head.

Peter Hamilton, director of the animal-rights group Lifeforce, was on the boat last Thursday and said the experience with the bus-sized whales was a bit unsettling.

He posted a video of the close encounter on YouTube, and it shows the whales near the boat before one of them leaps into the air and smacks its head on the window as it lands back in the water….
read on

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
Million vertical fishing lines in the path of the right whales
CBC News NS
NOAA said closures “while very effective, regionally, may not be enough” to stop the population decline.

It estimates there are a million vertical fishing lines in the path of the right whales, with 622,000 in U.S. waters from Georgia to the Gulf of Maine and the remainder in Canadian waters along the Scotian Shelf and in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

After season free of right whale deaths, DFO looks at economic impact of protection.

The agency said nearly 85 per cent of right whales have been entangled in fishing gear at least once, 59 per cent at least twice, and 26 per cent of the regularly seen animals are entangled annually.

“With a 26-per cent annual entanglement rate in a population of just over 400 animals, this translates to about 100 entanglements per year, which is significant for such a small population,” the report states….
read on

South Atlantic killer whales have destroyed their own record for deep dives-by 1,000 feet.
Motherboard, Vice, US
Research and Image, Jared Towers
Killer whales in the South Atlantic Ocean are willing to dive more than a thousand feet more than previously recorded-if they are certain to get a snack at the end of it, researchers have discovered. And the best way to guarantee food is to steal it.

BC-based marine researcher Jared Towers witnessed a tagged killer whale diving 3,566 feet to snag some toothfish off a long commercial fishing line. More than 60 killer whales and 40 sperm whales were studied, though just one of each was tagged because whales aren’t particularly cooperative, said Towers….
read on

What Do We Know about Harbour Porpoises?
Whales Online,QC
Most of the time, what we see of them is their dark, triangular-shaped dorsal fin. Porpoises also on occasion jump in the waves, showing their heads and parts of their bodies. This fast swimming technique used by porpoises (and other small cetaceans) allows them to save energy. Incidentally, this type of swimming is nicknamed "porpoising" in reference to these animals.

Their speed is not just limited to swimming, but also to their life in general! In fact, at no more than 20 years, porpoises have the shortest life expectancy of any of the whales in the St. Lawrence. Thus there is one motivation that predominates for both sexes: to reproduce! For males, the strategy consists of competition by means of sperm. Their goal: to produce more sperm in order to inseminate several females or the same female multiple times….
read on

New Whale Recordings Reveal Purpose of a Language, Unchanged Since 1976
Inverse, NY
In the paper, scientists led by Cornell University postdoctoral fellow Michelle Fournet, Ph.D. report that some humpback whale calls have not changed at all, regardless of time or whale. Comparing Payne’s recordings from the 1970s to recordings taken in the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s, they discovered that, of the 16 humpback whale call types recorded in Southeast Alaska, 12 calls persisted from 1976 to 2012. Overall, eight call types were present in all four decades of recordings. It’s a remarkable conclusion, considering that whale songs – which are much more understood by scientists – constantly morph. Calls, meanwhile, appear to be perennial.

Fournet, who contributed to the paper while she was a research assistant at Oregon State University, tells Inverse that "it has taken multiple generations of scientists to describe what multiple generations of whales have been talking about."…
read on

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