Surprise! Southern Resident Orca make an Appearance!
Cover Image:
Southern Resident Killer Whales – J pod – by Cape Mudge
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Over the past weekend on April 4th, Southern Resident Orca (fish-eating) were observed at the north end of Georgia Strait and were making their way southward. On April 5th, these Orca were last seen off Nanoose Bay. The pod included over 20 individuals and members of J-pod were identified among these Orca. This group of Orca is endangered and has been of great concern to scientists as their population has been decreasing over the past few years, numbering close to 70 individuals.
Transient Orca (mammal-eating) were observed in many waterways and inland channels. On March 27 and 28, a pod of Transient Orca travelled into Burrard Inlet passing downtown Vancouver and they proceeded up Indian Arm. Orca seem to come into the Vancouver area a few times each year and they always delight those who manage to catch a glimpse of them. Transient Orca in other areas were seen hunting and breaching. A larger group of 14 Transient Orca -which is rare- formed up about 2 weeks ago but did not remain long together splitting up part-way through the day. Many other Orca sightings were reported to us but they remain grouped as Unidentified Orca without photos to confirm their identity.
One Grey whale was reported off Saratoga Beach/Oyster River area about 2 weeks ago and over the past weekend, two Grey whales were reported near Comox; they were probably a mother and calf pair. There were a number of Pacific White-Sided dolphin pods observed with the largest pod numbering around 50 members. Rounding our report are a few sightings of Dall’s porpoises and Harbour porpoises. Both types of porpoises were seen in Sechelt Inlet which is rare.
With Spring upon us, renewal of life is all around us including in the oceans and among the Cetaceans here in BC waters!
Boaters, please use caution on the water. Federal laws require boats to remain at least 400-m away when viewing Southern Resident Orca in critical habitats and for other types of Orca, laws require boats to remain at least 200-m away from them. For other species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, boats must keep a minimum distance of 100-m away from them but the minimum distance changes to 200-m if there is a calf OR if the Cetaceans are resting. 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.
WOWs works throught the year, so please continue to keep your eyes open, and report your sightings to us.
Ivan Ng, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Society News & Events
COVID-19 Updates:
We hope you are all staying safe and healthy. Updated event schedules will be posted as they become available.
Our yearly Dwight Hall fundraising dinner, instrumental to maintain all of our basic programs and online presence, is currently scheduled for October 3, 2020. We are looking at the real possibility that this too may be cancelled. Your donations are greatly appreciated.
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Instagram at Wildoceanwhalesociety and Twitter at WhalesDolphins accounts. Follow us for regular updates and photos.
Coming Soon:
Our New Archive Dataset Interface is in the works, but we don't want to hold up any ongoing research. To access 21,000+ sightings in our database in a downloadable csv file for use in a spreadsheet, please Click Here. to fill in your request.
Have you Marked Your Calendar?:
Our annual Dwight Hall Dinner Event in Powell River has been rescheduled to October 3, 2020. There will be Silent and Live Auctions as well as 50/50 and our ever popular Crack an Egg for prizes. More information and tickets are available on our Wild Ocean Whale website.
Whales and Dolphins BC Website:
Teaching Resources: We continue to update lessons, activities and resources on our website. Teachers can download information as needed for classes. Have you taken our Orca and Humpback Quizzes yet?
Real Time Monitoring Station Live Update
Our Cetacean Web Camera YouTube Channel is live. We continue live streaming from our Powell River camera.
Thank You to our Volunteers and Contributors!
Our team of online Volunteers continue to do a great job in making sure all your sightings reports are mapped and published regularly. Would you like to join us?
We are in need of a couple of team members who are able and willing to help get our publications ready throughout the Summer months. Training will start in March before the true 'busy' season.
Review our current Volunteer Job Postings
Review our current Volunteer Job Postings
Sightings Update
SIGHTINGS MAP – ISSUE: 2020-006
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Tue Mar 17 2020
10:00 • 3 Biggs Orca moving quickly, heading east mid channel between Myrtle Point and Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. Near the surface and possibly chasing herring. ▫ Observed from Shore
JM, Powell River, BC
Mon Mar 23 2020
09:10 • Biggs Orca breaching, heading north mid channel off Tyee Spit, Campbell River, Discovery Passage.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
09:19 • Biggs Orca ◦T063 Chainsaw◦ breaching, heading north mid channel off Tyee Spit, Discovery Passage.
Ryan Stewart, Sonora Resort
09:55 • 9 Biggs Orca playing, mid channel near Duncan Bay, Discovery Passage.
Josh Grin, Discovery West Adventures
10:00 • 5 Biggs Orca heading west in Greene Point Rapids, Cordero Channel. One big fin(male) in pod.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
11:30 • est. 4-5 Biggs Orca heading north off Wesley Island, Okisollo Channel. At least one big fin.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
12:30 • 14 Biggs Orca ◦T063 Chainsaw,T065,T090s,T099s,T100s◦ heading south one mile north of Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.
13:00 • Biggs Orca ◦T063 Chainsaw,T065,T090s,T099s,T100s◦ splitting at Browns Bay. T099s, T063, and T065 headed south at 9 knots. T090s and T100s headed northward.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
13:22 • Biggs Orca heading south off Browns Bay.
Elvis Chikite, Big Animal Encounters
14:15 • Biggs Orca ◦T063 Chainsaw,T065,T099s◦ heading south off Whiskey Point, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. Travelling at 10 knots. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales – T063 -Chainsaw-, T065 and T099s – heading south off Whiskey Point, Quadra Island
Mon, 23 Mar 2020 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales – T063 -Chainsaw-, T065 and T099s – heading south off Whiskey Point, Quadra Island
Mon, 23 Mar 2020 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:30 • Biggs Orca ◦T090s,T100s◦ heading north abeam No Name Creek along the shore of Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
18:20 • Biggs Orca heading west off Okis Islands and Barnes Bay, Okisollo Channel.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Tue Mar 24 2020
–:– • Biggs Orca ◦T101s,T102◦ off Davis Bay, Georgia Strait.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
08:01 • Biggs Orca off Chatham Point, Discovery Passage. Seen at a distance from the mouth of Nodales channel.
Eliot Richter, Blind Channel Resort
10:45 • Biggs Orca ◦T100s◦ at Hall Point, Sonora Island, Nodales Channel. Seen entering Cordero Channel.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Wed Mar 25 2020
07:30 • est. 5+ Biggs Orca heading east off Spilsbury Point, Hernando Island, Baker Passage.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
09:47 • Biggs Orca heading west just south of Lang Bay, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Second Hand
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
10:00 • est. 4-5 Biggs Orca ◦T101s◦ spread out, heading north off Black (Albion) Point, Malaspina Strait. Three big males and 1-2 smaller fins.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales -T101s – heading north off Black Point, Malaspina Strait
Wed, 25 Mar 2020 – 8 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales -T101s – heading north off Black Point, Malaspina Strait
Wed, 25 Mar 2020 – 8 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
10:20 • Biggs Orca ◦T101s◦ moving quickly & taking long dives, off Grief Point mid Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
Fri Mar 27 2020
11:10 • est. 3-4 Biggs Orca heading east off Cates Park, North Vancouver, Indian Arm.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
11:13 • 5 Biggs Orca bucking tide mid-channel at Yuculta Rapids.
Ryan Stewart, Sonora Resort
12:09 • est. 3-5 Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading north off Cates Park, North Vancouver, Indian Arm. ▫ Observed from Shore
Allan Hansell, North Vancouver, BC
Sat Mar 28 2020
15:00 • 1 Biggs Orca frolicking, heading west at the beach at New Brighton Park, Vancouver, Burrard Inlet. Saw it surface once. Then realized it wasn’t a seal because it had a long nose. ▫ Observed from Shore
DB, Vancouver, BC
16:10 • est. 3-4 Biggs Orca heading east near Second Narrows, Burrard Inlet.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
16:30 • est. 4-5 Biggs Orca foraging, heading east just north of Wall Street in Vancouver abeam Neptune Bank, Burrard Inlet. Moving slowly, 100 ft off shore, heading towards New Brighton Park. One male, two female and one baby identified. Seen from the block of 2500 Wall Street. ▫ Observed from Shore
JH, Vancouver, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales heading east by Neptune Bank, Vancouver
Sat, 28 Mar 2020 – 5 items
JH, Vancouver, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales heading east by Neptune Bank, Vancouver
Sat, 28 Mar 2020 – 5 items
JH, Vancouver, BC
17:30 • 4 Biggs Orca ◦T123s◦ past Cates Park, North Vancouver, Indian Arm.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
Mon Mar 30 2020
15:43 • est. 5+ Biggs Orca heading south close to shore between Powell River Viewpoint and Grief Point, Malaspina Strait.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales -T100s & T090s – heading south by Powell River Viewpoint
Mon, 30 Mar 2020 – 7 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales -T100s & T090s – heading south by Powell River Viewpoint
Mon, 30 Mar 2020 – 7 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Tue Mar 31 2020
13:10 • 1 Biggs Orca heading north-east in Stillwater Bay, Malaspina Strait. Big male.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
14:53 • 4 Biggs Orca heading north just north of Van Anda, Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
15:46 • Biggs Orca heading west off Coho (Kiddie) Point at the NW tip of Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Wed Apr 01 2020
09:15 • 4 Biggs Orca heading north off Von Donop Inlet, Cortes Island, Sutil Channel. One adult male in the pod.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
09:16 • est. 4-5 Biggs Orca heading north between Melville Island and Morgan Island, Homfray Channel.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
10:10 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading north off Von Donop Inlet, Cortes Island, Sutil Channel.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
12:16 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading south close to the shore of Cortes Island, Lewis Channel.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales – T002Cs – heading south by Cortes Island
Wed, 1 Apr 2020 – 8 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales – T002Cs – heading south by Cortes Island
Wed, 1 Apr 2020 – 8 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
17:18 • 4 Biggs Orca heading south towards Rebecca Rocks from the west side of Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Thu Apr 02 2020
06:50 • est. 3-4 Biggs Orca milling, near Bulkely Island, Wellbore Channel.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
08:45 • est. 10+ Biggs Orca heading south off Tyee Spit, Campbell River, Discovery Passage.
Elvis Chikite, Big Animal Encounters
09:07 • Biggs Orca ◦T063 Chainsaw◦ heading south mid strait close to Hidden Harbour, Campbell River, Discovery Passage.
Josh Grin, Discovery West Adventures
09:35 • Biggs Orca heading south-east mid channel between Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy and Willow Point, Georgia Strait.
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
16:20 • Biggs Orca breaching, off Kitty Coleman Beach Park, Georgia Strait. ▫ Second Hand
18:25 • Biggs Orca heading north mid channel off Tyee Spit, Discovery Passage. ▫ Observed from Shore
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Fri Apr 03 2020
13:56 • 4 Biggs Orca heading west by Sonora Resort inside Sea Lion Rock, Yuculta Rapids. Seals in the area are very nervous.
Hans Lammers, Blind Channel Resort
19:45 • est. 4-5 Biggs Orca off Trail Islands, Georgia Strait. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Sat Apr 04 2020
07:55 • 5 Biggs Orca heading west between Dickson Shoal and Fittleton Point, Chancellor Channel. One big fin and one tiny calf spotted.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
13:51 • est. 4 Biggs Orca heading south to the right of Harwood Island Bluffs, Malaspina Strait. Seen 2/3 way across the Straight.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
15:02 • Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading south between Rebecca Rocks and Coho (Kiddie) Point, Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Sun Apr 05 2020
13:05 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ moving slowly, heading north off Von Donop Inlet towards Bullock Bluff, Sutil Channel.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
16:28 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ taking long dives heading into Teakerne Arm. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales – T002cs – near Cortes Island
Sun, 5 Apr 2020 – 10 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales – T002cs – near Cortes Island
Sun, 5 Apr 2020 – 10 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SOUTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
Sat Apr 04 2020
15:45 • est. 20 SRKW Orca spread out, from Cortez Reef to Francisco Point, Georgia Strait. Orca angling closer to Wilby Shoals. Likely the Southern Resident Killer Whales.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
18:07 • SRKW Orca spread out, heading south at Oyster Bay, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Southern Resident Killer Whales
Southern Resident Killer Whales – J pod – heading south at Oyster Bay
Sat, 4 Apr 2020 – 9 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Southern Resident Killer Whales
Southern Resident Killer Whales – J pod – heading south at Oyster Bay
Sat, 4 Apr 2020 – 9 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
18:26 • 23 SRKW Orca ◦J Pod◦ spread out, heading south-east along Vancouver Island coastline from Sentry Shoal to Salmon Point, Georgia Strait. Orca moving steady at a 5 knot pace. Watched some foraging off The Hump and Cape Mudge. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
Sun Apr 05 2020
11:00 • SRKW Orca ◦J Pod◦ off Nanoose Harbour, Georgia Strait. Information from a friend. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
Thu Mar 26 2020
11:30 • est. 4 Orca heading north near the shore at Hopkins Landing, Collingwood Channel. Travelled slowly south and then came back. They then changed direction and headed north. ▫ Observed from Shore
Christy Kiloh, Hopkins Landing, BC
Unidentified Killer Whales
Orca near Hopkins Landing, Collingwood Channel
Thu, 26 Mar 2020 – 1 items
Christy Kiloh, Hopkins Landing, BC
Unidentified Killer Whales
Orca near Hopkins Landing, Collingwood Channel
Thu, 26 Mar 2020 – 1 items
Christy Kiloh, Hopkins Landing, BC
18:55 • est. 3-4 Orca heading south passing Blind Channel. 2 big fins observed. Orca were headed towards Johnstone Straight.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Fri Mar 27 2020
10:30 • Orca heading north along the shore at Raza Island, Raza Passage. A pod of orca was observed behind the Raza fish farm.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
14:44 • est. 3+ Orca heading south just past Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait. One big fin observed.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
Sat Mar 28 2020
11:40 • Orca heading north off North Rendezvous Island, Calm Channel. A pod of Orca was observed.
11:45 • Orca off Bullock Bluff, Calm Channel.
12:40 • Orca heading south off Mitts Creek in the middle of Toba Inlet. One very big bull observed.
17:40 • est. 4-5 Orca heading south from Pryce Channel into Raza Passage. Observed close to the Raza Island Shore.
17:50 • Orca tight along shoreline at Maurelle Island, Calm Channel.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Mon Mar 30 2020
16:14 • est. 8-9 Orca spread out and moving quickly, heading south passing Grief Point, Malaspina Strait.
16:17 • 4 Orca heading north towards Grief Point. Viewed from Armour Road, Powell River, by Derek. ▫ Second Hand
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Tue Mar 31 2020
13:06 • Orca breaching, near McRae Islet, Malaspina Strait.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Fri Apr 03 2020
12:17 • Orca at Jimmy Judd Island, Yuculta Rapids. ▫ Second Hand
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
15:30 • Orca heading south off Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.
16:15 • Orca heading north at Deep Bay, Baynes Sound. Seen between Denman Island and Vancouver Island. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Sat Apr 04 2020
14:00 • Orca north of Mitts Creek, Toba Inlet. Headed towards head of Toba Inlet. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Sun Apr 05 2020
18:43 • est. 7-8 Orca heading south in front of Grouse Island, Discovery Passage. Loosing ground in the tide. 5 small fins, at least 2 big fins maybe 3.
Josh Grin, Discovery West Adventures
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Unidentified Killer Whales
Breaching orca
Sat, 28 Mar 2020 – 1 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Unidentified Killer Whales
Breaching orca
Sat, 28 Mar 2020 – 1 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
HUMPBACK WHALES
Wed Mar 25 2020
15:34 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north off Ripple Point, Johnstone Strait.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Fri Apr 03 2020
14:41 • Humpback Whales heading north by Big Rock at Campbell River, Georgia Strait. Angled towards the Cape Mudge Village.
Kurt Staples, Eagle Eye Adventures
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpbacks breaching!
Sun, 5 Apr 2020 – 2 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpbacks breaching!
Sun, 5 Apr 2020 – 2 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
GREY WHALES
Tue Mar 24 2020
10:00 • 1 Grey Whales resting, off Saratoga Beach, Georgia Strait.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Sun Apr 05 2020
11:00 • 2 Grey Whales off Little River, Georgia Strait. Mother and calf pair. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Mon Mar 23 2020
13:05 • PWS Dolphins moving quickly, heading west in Eagles Cove, Discovery Passage. Small pod.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Tue Mar 24 2020
12:12 • PWS Dolphins at Lang Bay, Malaspina Strait. Seen swimming in the bay for about an hour.
Michael Stewart, Powell River, BC
16:40 • PWS Dolphins heading north between the light at Blubber Bay and Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait. A small group.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
17:45 • est. 20 PWS Dolphins heading south close to shore just south of Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
18:03 • PWS Dolphins just south of Lang Bay, Malaspina Strait. Near Mahood Beach. ▫ Second Hand
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Wed Mar 25 2020
09:21 • est. 50 PWS Dolphins heading west off Vansittart Point, West Thurlow Island, Johnstone Strait. Moving around 10 knots.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
09:30 • PWS Dolphins off Knox Bay, West Thurlow Island, Johnstone Strait. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
16:00 • est. 5 – 7 PWS Dolphins foraging, going back and forth across the middle of Trevenen Bay, Okeover Inlet. Long deep dives were observed. ▫ From Kayak or Paddleboard
Terry Brown and Jude Abrams, Otter Be Good Productions
Fri Mar 27 2020
09:10 • est. 30 PWS Dolphins at Edith Point at the west end of East Thurlow Island, Johnstone Strait. Dolphins were travelling close together.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Sun Mar 29 2020
08:45 • PWS Dolphins heading north past Homfray Lodge, Homfray Channel. Large pod. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Mon Mar 30 2020
11:25 • est. 50+ PWS Dolphins milling, in Whirlpool Rapids, Wellbore Channel.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Wed Apr 01 2020
11:55 • est. 40 PWS Dolphins heading north off Lloyd Point, Homfray Channel.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Sat Apr 04 2020
10:14 • PWS Dolphins heading south at Coho (Kiddie) Point at the NW tip of Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. Large group seen.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins heading south at Coho Point, Texada Island
Sat, 4 Apr 2020 – 4 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins heading south at Coho Point, Texada Island
Sat, 4 Apr 2020 – 4 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
10:14 • PWS Dolphins heading south close to Westview, Powell River, Malaspina Strait. Small group seen.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Sun Apr 05 2020
12:50 • PWS Dolphins off Homfray Lodge, Homfray Channel. Information came from the Lodge itself. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphin having fun!
Sun, 5 Apr 2020 – 1 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphin having fun!
Sun, 5 Apr 2020 – 1 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
DALLS PORPOISE
Tue Mar 24 2020
12:15 • 6 Dalls Porpoise in Sechelt Inlet. Seen very active near the mouth of Salmon Inlet.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Wed Mar 25 2020
09:15 • est. 8-10 Dalls Porpoise off Racine Creek, Toba Inlet.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
HARBOUR PORPOISE
Wed Mar 25 2020
07:55 • Harbour Porpoise out front of Lund, Malaspina Strait.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Thu Apr 02 2020
10:10 • 4 Harbour Porpoise off Brooks Bay, Cordero Channel. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Fri Apr 03 2020
11:00 • est. 5 Harbour Porpoise off Separation Head, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
11:15 • est. 10 Harbour Porpoise milling, in Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
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The Magazine
REGIONAL & NATIONAL
DailyHive
A sea lion tangled in plastic was rescued yesterday, thanks to a joint effort from the VPD Marine Unit and the Vancouver Aquarium’s Marine Mammal rescue.
The VPD Marine Unit shared pictures of the rescue on its Twitter account.
"Helped the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre save a sea lion today," stated the unit, adding that the "poor mammal had plastic wrapping around its neck and could not breath [sic]."…
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RESEARCH & CONSERVATION
ScienceNewsforStudents
If you’ve ever had trouble catching your breath, try catching a dolphin’s.
The plume produced when these "whales" come up for air could reveal signs of how healthy they are. But capturing samples of the spray from agile, skittish wild dolphins is challenging. To make the task easier, a team of engineers has turned to the dolphin’s chuff. This is the forceful exhale that sends water, air and mucus hurtling skyward from the animal’s blowhole. Their first step: getting good data on the fluid’s flow….
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MONGABAY
In 2007, Chilean researchers presented images of blue whales bearing striking skin lesions at a workshop in South Africa attended by experts in the species from around the world. The attendees were shocked; nothing like this had ever been seen before.
The endangered whales had blisters on their backs, some of them "really very unpleasant," according to Bárbara Galetti, president of Chile’s Cetacean Conservation Center (CCC) and part of the presenting team. "Some individuals had them all over their bodies, along with strange markings, which were probably the result of a virus," she said….
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Hakai Magazine
The blue whale was on a dive and out of sight. Earlier in the day, the team of researchers tracking the animal off the coast of California had attached two tags to its back to track how it responded to sonar, like that used by the military. The morning passed without incident, but as the team waited for the whale to surface, they worried for its safety.
As John Calambokidis, a whale biologist with Cascadia Research, steered the team’s research boat behind the marine mammal’s likely path, a marker on a screen tracking ship traffic indicated that the 260-meter Mokihana had moved out of the port at Long Beach, California. The huge container ship was on a potential collision course with the whale, which could be struck within minutes….
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University of Otago
The researchers found clear changes in the whales’ behaviour in the year following the earthquake: most noticeably whales spent about 25 per cent more time at the surface – which potentially meant they needed to spend more effort searching for prey, either by diving deeper or for longer times
There are two main reasons the whales may have expanded their search effort, the study explains….
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