Breaching Whales!
Cover Image:
Breaching Humpback Whale
Angie and Paul Hibbert, Sayward, BC
Many whales exhibit a behaviour called breaching; this is when a whale swims quickly towards the surface of the water and breaks the surface in an upward direction. If a whale was swimming fast enough, most of their body could be out of the water before gravity takes over and pulls the whale back down into the water. Our cover image shows a Humpback whale in an almost full-body breach. Many Humpbacks during the past two weeks were seen breaching, which must be exciting and exhilarating to watch!
Many pods of Transient Orca were seen over the past two weeks as well. Usually, Transient Orca travel in small pods with 4 to 6 members of their own family. However on Sunday June 14th, a larger pod of Transient Orca was observed that included over 20 individuals – four families were together forming this larger pod. This pod of Orca was observed earlier in the day near Mitlenatch Island and by the evening, they had travelled southward past Powell River into Malaspina Strait, covering a distance of at least 50-km during the day. That is impressive!
Rounding our report are sightings of many pods of Pacific White-Sided dolphins and a couple of sightings of Dall’s porpoises. The largest pod of dolphins included approximately 80 members.
Boaters, please use caution on the water. 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.
The Federal Government (DFO) has issued the following statement about watching whales in the wild: “To address disturbance in the presence of whales, a mandatory 400-metre vessel approach distance for all killer whales is in effect starting June 1, 2020 in all southern British Columbia coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet. The Marine Mammal Regulations continue to remain in effect year-round, including maintaining a minimum 200 metre approach distance from all killer whales in Canadian Pacific waters other than described above, and 100 metres for other whales, porpoises and dolphins OR 200 metres when the animal is in resting position or with a calf.”
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, has been cancelled for 2020 and is now scheduled for April 24, 2021. We are trusting that by then we will be able to hold a successful event. Your donations are greatly needed and appreciated.
Instagram and Twitter:
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.
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?
Review our current Volunteer Job Postings
Sightings Update
SIGHTINGS MAP – ISSUE: 2020-011
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Tue Jun 02 2020
19:00 • Biggs Orca off Steep Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Wed Jun 03 2020
06:45 • Biggs Orca at Whiskey Point, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
07:00 • 3 Biggs Orca heading north off Bowyer Island, Queen Charlotte Channel. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
12:50 • est. 3+ Biggs Orca heading south off Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait. Three small fins seen, near Cape Mudge Lodge.
Elvis Chikite, Big Animal Encounters
17:50 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs,T075Bs,T075C,T075C1,T075C2◦ heading for Keefer Rock crossing Manson Passage, Malaspina Strait.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
Thu Jun 04 2020
–:– • Biggs Orca heading north, Porlier Pass. Pod of Orca observed in the evening. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Fri Jun 05 2020
–:– • 3 Biggs Orca off Saltery Bay, Jervis Inlet. All smaller fins seen. Observed in the evening. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
17:20 • 5 Biggs Orca between Mitlenatch Island and Baker Passage, Georgia Strait.
Josh Grin, Discovery West Adventures
Sat Jun 06 2020
21:20 • Biggs Orca breaching, at McRae Islet, Malaspina Strait.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Sun Jun 07 2020
10:15 • Biggs Orca heading north by Campbell River Fishing Pier, Discovery Passage. ▫ Second Hand
Elvis Chikite, Big Animal Encounters
12:30 • est. 3-4 Biggs Orca heading north off Kanish Bay. Small fins. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
16:46 • Biggs Orca heading south at Shelter Point south of Campbell River, Georgia Strait. Small fins.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
Mon Jun 08 2020
17:20 • est. 3-4 Biggs Orca 1-NM east of Lyall Island, Cordero Channel. They do not seem to have any particular direction in mind.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Tue Jun 09 2020
11:00 • Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading south off Browns Bay, Discovery Passage. ▫ Second Hand
11:15 • 6 Biggs Orca playing, in front of the marina at Browns Bay. One big male, 2 females and few younger ones. Later at 11:25am they entered Seymour Narrows moving slowly southbound. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
12:00 • Biggs Orca by Cape Mudge Lighthouse on Quadra Island, Georgia Strait.
12:26 • est. 4-6 Biggs Orca heading south near Shelter Point south of Campbell River, Georgia Strait.
Elvis Chikite, Big Animal Encounters
16:22 • Biggs Orca playing, near the Cape Mudge Lighthouse on Quadra Island mid Discovery Passage. Orca were surfing the swell.
Dean Parsonage, 50 North Adventures
Wed Jun 10 2020
07:30 • 4 Biggs Orca heading north off Jack Creek, Loughborough Inlet. All small fins.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
16:25 • 4 Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading north, just north-west of Four Mile Point, Sechelt Inlet. ▫ Observed from Shore
PM, Sechelt, BC
Thu Jun 11 2020
08:34 • Biggs Orca heading north just passed Black (Albion) Point, Malaspina Strait. Pretty lively pod!.
Bill Taylor, Powell River, BC
08:37 • 3 Biggs Orca heading from Myrtle Point angling toward Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. Small fins.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
08:45 • 2 Biggs Orca moving quickly, heading north passed Black (Albion) Point, Malaspina Strait.
Nina Falls, Powell River, BC
15:30 • est. 6-7 Biggs Orca heading south off Hickey Point, Johnstone Strait. ▫ Second Hand
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Fri Jun 12 2020
09:00 • est. 7-8 Biggs Orca by the light at Blubber Bay, Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Second Hand
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
Sun Jun 14 2020
08:56 • Biggs Orca by Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
09:00 • Biggs Orca ◦T046Bs◦ off Hornby Island, Georgia Strait.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
09:52 • est. 12+ Biggs Orca spread out, between Hernando Island and Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Trisha Stovel, Big Animal Encounters
10:00 • est. 5-6 Biggs Orca heading north between Myrtle Point and Black (Albion) Point, Malaspina Strait.
Elvis Chikite, Big Animal Encounters
10:09 • Biggs Orca heading south, west of Savary Island, Georgia Strait. Group split up.
Trisha Stovel, Big Animal Encounters
11:53 • Biggs Orca heading south at Grant Reefs, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales south of Campbell River
Sun, 14 Jun 2020 – 7 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales south of Campbell River
Sun, 14 Jun 2020 – 7 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
12:32 • est. 24 Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs,T023s,T100s,T101s,T102,T124A2s◦ in Shearwater Passage, Malaspina Strait.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
17:32 • Biggs Orca heading south in front of Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait. 2 groups.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales seen close to shore at Powell River, BC
Sun, 14 Jun 2020 – 6 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales seen close to shore at Powell River, BC
Sun, 14 Jun 2020 – 6 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
18:18 • 7 Biggs Orca off Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait. 2 groups.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
18:18 • est. 4 Biggs Orca heading south off Black (Albion) Point, Malaspina Strait.
Nina Falls, Powell River, BC
19:20 • 14 Biggs Orca spread out, heading south off Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
19:20 • est. 20 Biggs Orca spread out, heading south off Black (Albion) Point, Malaspina Strait.
Nina Falls, Powell River, BC
Mon Jun 15 2020
21:00 • 3 Biggs Orca breaching and playing, between Walkem Islands and Turn Island, Johnstone Strait. Left Transient Orca at 21:50, still playful but south bound, very close to shore of East Thurlow Island.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Unidentified Killer Whales
Orca Having Fun
Fri, 5 Jun 2020 – 4 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Unidentified Killer Whales
Orca Having Fun
Fri, 5 Jun 2020 – 4 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Unidentified Killer Whales
Orca Enjoying the Water
Mon, 8 Jun 2020 – 8 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Unidentified Killer Whales
Orca Enjoying the Water
Mon, 8 Jun 2020 – 8 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
HUMPBACK WHALES
Mon May 04 2020
12:00 • 1 Humpback Whales taking long dives, heading north-west between Royston and Texada Island, Georgia Strait. The humpback was viewed (using binoculars) from shore. The whale would surface for a short period and then dive down. I suspect it is the same animal I witnessed breaching ten times in the same general vicinity the evening before. ▫ Observed from Shore
Patti Perepeluk, Comox Valley, BC
Mon Jun 01 2020
19:03 • Humpback Whales breaching, at Blubber Bay, Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
19:03 • Humpback Whales breaching, at the lighthouse in Blubber Bay, Texada Island.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
19:21 • Humpback Whales ◦BCY Checkmate◦ heading south at Cape Mudge Village on Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
Tue Jun 02 2020
09:30 • 2 Humpback Whales, south of Eagles Cove, Discovery Passage. Active group.
Jerry Weldon, Campbell River
10:30 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south in Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
13:51 • est. 2 Humpback Whales breaching, off Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy moving towards Baker Passage, Georgia Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Elvis Chikite, Big Animal Encounters
15:02 • 2 Humpback Whales breaching, at the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:20 • Humpback Whales resting, just west of Greene Point Rapids, Cordero Channel.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
19:30 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south off Whiskey Point, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
Wed Jun 03 2020
15:40 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south at Elk Bay, Discovery Passage. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
16:00 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCX Raza◦ at Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
18:45 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south at Separation Head, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
21:00 • 1 Humpback Whales breaching; back and forth, heading north-west north of Seal Islets, Comox, Georgia Strait. Viewed from shore (using binoculars).The humpback breached ten times between 21:00-22:00.No real direction (same area moving back and forth – a lot of surface behaviour). ▫ Observed from Shore
Patti Perepeluk, Comox Valley, BC
Thu Jun 04 2020
08:30 • Humpback Whales off Camp Bay, Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Fri Jun 05 2020
06:05 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south, Kanish Bay.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
07:00 • Humpback Whales at the north side of Porlier Pass.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
08:30 • Humpback Whales off the west side of Hernando Island, Georgia Strait. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
09:15 • 1 Humpback Whales milling, heading north-west between Tree Island near Royston and Texada Island, Georgia Strait. I suspect it is the same Humpback I reported for the last two days, but uncertain. ▫ Observed from Shore
Patti Perepeluk, Comox Valley, BC
09:45 • 2 Humpback Whales off Carrington Bay, Cortes Island, Sutil Channel.
09:45 • Humpback Whales off the bottom of the Penn Islands, Sutil Channel. Blows were seen.
10:55 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south in Plunger Passage, Sutil Channel.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
15:30 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCX0565 Nick◦ off Mayes Point, Read Island heading into Drew Passage. Nick and calf.
Josh Grin, Discovery West Adventures
15:47 • Humpback Whales near shore SE of Walkem Islands, Johnstone Strait.
Eliot Richter, Blind Channel Resort
21:00 • 1 Humpback Whales breaching, heading south-west, hugging the shore near Welcome Bay, Texada Island, Georgia Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
21:00 • 1 Humpback Whales breaching, between Sandy Island and Texada Island, Georgia Strait. The humpback had been seen around the area for a few days. ▫ Observed from Shore
21:00 • 1 Humpback Whales breaching, between Sandy Island and Royston, Baynes Sound. The humpback had been seen around the area for a few days. ▫ Observed from Shore
Patti Perepeluk, Comox Valley, BC
Sat Jun 06 2020
15:33 • est. 2-3 Humpback Whales at Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
16:07 • 1 Humpback Whales in front of the government dock at Savary Island, Malaspina Strait.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
20:50 • Humpback Whales at Grant Reefs, Georgia Strait.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Sun Jun 07 2020
10:35 • Humpback Whales heading south off Copper Bluffs on Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
11:59 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south near Quathiaski Cove, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Mon Jun 08 2020
05:45 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south at the mouth of Discovery Harbour Marina, Campbell River, Discovery Passage.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
08:45 • 1 Humpback Whales middle of Sutil Channel.
08:50 • 1 Humpback Whales off the North-West side of Marina Island, Sutil Channel.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Wed Jun 10 2020
–:– • Humpback Whales heading north into Hoskyn Channel from Sutil Channel. Multiple Humpbacks observed in the morning. ▫ Second Hand
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
08:05 • 1 Humpback Whales breaching & tail lobbing, east of Helmcken Island, Johnstone Strait. Very active.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
09:10 • 1 Humpback Whales resting, off North Rendezvous Island, Calm Channel.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
10:46 • 2 Humpback Whales between Breton Islands and Read Island, Sutil Channel.
10:46 • est. 2+ Humpback Whales 3-miles south of Breton Islands, Sutil Channel.
11:10 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south off Conville Point, Quadra Island, Hoskyn Channel.
11:10 • 2 Humpback Whales off Discovery Islands Lodge, Quadra Island, Hoskyn Channel.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
13:47 • 2 Humpback Whales bucking tide, heading south off Race Point, Discovery Passage.
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:15 • 3 Humpback Whales out from Duncan Bay, Discovery Passage.
Jerry Weldon, Campbell River
Thu Jun 11 2020
06:50 • Humpback Whales tail lobs, in front of Quathiaski Cove, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:47 • est. 2-3 Humpback Whales pectoral slaps, on the south side of Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
10:16 • Humpback Whales north of Penn Islands mid Sutil Channel. Small one.
Jerry Weldon, Campbell River
12:03 • 2 Humpback Whales one mile northwest of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
13:50 • 1 Humpback Whales between Rendezvous Islands and Bullock Bluff, Calm Channel.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
14:50 • Humpback Whales heading south off Nichols Bay, Hardwicke Island, Johnstone Strait.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Fri Jun 12 2020
07:46 • 1 Humpback Whales resting, just out from Powell River Ferry Terminal, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale seen near Powell River Ferry Terminal
Fri, 12 Jun 2020 – 6 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale seen near Powell River Ferry Terminal
Fri, 12 Jun 2020 – 6 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
09:52 • 1 Humpback Whales in Sutil Channel. About a mile south of Drew Passage.
10:20 • 1 Humpback Whales at the south end of Calm Channel. Very active.
Jerry Weldon, Campbell River
13:58 • 1 Humpback Whales back and forth, out front of Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
15:17 • 1 Humpback Whales back and forth, heading north near Grief Point, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Sat Jun 13 2020
15:00 • 1 Humpback Whales off Whaletown, Cortes Island, Sutil Channel.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
19:00 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north-west close to shore at Denman Island, Baynes Sound. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
BW, Comox, BC
Sun Jun 14 2020
11:00 • 1 Humpback Whales moving quickly, north-west of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. Surfaced two times then dove right beside our boat. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
BM, Salmon Point, BC
11:11 • 3 Humpback Whales milling, at Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
11:15 • Humpback Whales off Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
11:50 • 2 Humpback Whales breaching, heading north at Kelsey Bay, Johnstone Strait. Tail slapping, feeding. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
Angie and Paul Hibbert, Sayward, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale Tail Slapping
Sun, 14 Jun 2020 – 4 items
Paul & Angela Hibbert, Sayward, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale Tail Slapping
Sun, 14 Jun 2020 – 4 items
Paul & Angela Hibbert, Sayward, BC
13:16 • Humpback Whales breaching, between Cape Mudge and Rebecca Spit, Sutil Channel.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
Mon Jun 15 2020
16:10 • 1 Humpback Whales at Rock Bay, Johnstone Strait.
Eliot Richter, Blind Channel Resort
17:20 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north near Bear Bight, Johnstone Strait.
Natalie Evans, Blind Channel Resort
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Breaching Humpback Whale
Mon, 15 Jun 2020 – 1 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Breaching Humpback Whale
Mon, 15 Jun 2020 – 1 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Tue Jun 02 2020
09:30 • PWS Dolphins heading north, south of Eagles Cove, Discovery Passage. Active large group.
Jerry Weldon, Campbell River
18:00 • PWS Dolphins at Granite Point, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Wed Jun 03 2020
13:25 • PWS Dolphins heading north past Rock Bay, Johnstone Strait. A small group was seen.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
18:45 • PWS Dolphins heading south at Deepwater Bay, Discovery Passage. A large pod was observed.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Sat Jun 06 2020
11:48 • est. 10-12 PWS Dolphins moving slowly, heading east at Myrtle Rocks, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
DC, Vancouver, BC
15:47 • est. 12 PWS Dolphins heading north 100 yards off Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins Passing Through Powell River
Sat, 6 Jun 2020 – 8 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins Passing Through Powell River
Sat, 6 Jun 2020 – 8 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
16:30 • est. 10 PWS Dolphins heading north close to shore at Willingdon Beach, Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
John Hermsen, Footprint Kayak and Hike Explorations
Sun Jun 07 2020
13:55 • est. 80+ PWS Dolphins foraging, near Jimmy Judd Island, Yuculta Rapids. New calves in pod.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
Mon Jun 08 2020
06:30 • est. 50 PWS Dolphins heading north abeam to No Name Creek near the shore of Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Tue Jun 09 2020
07:00 • est. 25 PWS Dolphins heading south off Elk Point, Discovery Passage.
Natalie Evans, Blind Channel Resort
Wed Jun 10 2020
08:35 • PWS Dolphins milling, off Chained Islands, Kanish Bay. Small pod.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Thu Jun 11 2020
09:47 • PWS Dolphins moving quickly, heading south by the Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait. Small pod.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins near Rebecca Rocks, Powell River
Thu, 11 Jun 2020 – 4 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins near Rebecca Rocks, Powell River
Thu, 11 Jun 2020 – 4 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
16:25 • est. 50 PWS Dolphins spread out, near Humpback Bay, Johnstone Strait.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Sat Jun 13 2020
06:55 • est. 60+ PWS Dolphins milling, at D’Arcy Point, Chancellor Channel.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
07:15 • est. 50+ PWS Dolphins off D’Arcy Point , heading north up Wellbore Channel.
Natalie Evans, Blind Channel Resort
11:15 • PWS Dolphins outside of Walkem Islands, Johnstone Strait.
Eliot Richter, Blind Channel Resort
Mon Jun 15 2020
06:45 • est. 50 PWS Dolphins milling, outside of Little Bear Bay, Johnstone Strait.
Natalie Evans, Blind Channel Resort
19:55 • est. 50 PWS Dolphins foraging, at D’Arcy Point, Chancellor Channel.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
DALLS PORPOISE
Tue Jun 02 2020
09:30 • est. 6 Dalls Porpoise off No Name Creek mid Discovery Passage.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Wed Jun 10 2020
11:15 • est. 6+ Dalls Porpoise heading south off Snout Point, Toba Inlet.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
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The Magazine
REGIONAL & NATIONAL
Nunatsiaq News
Recent research indicates that baleen and toothed whales, such as narwhals and belugas, could be susceptible to the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
A team of researchers at the University of California Davis have created a list of animals with ACE-2 receptors likely to bind closely to the coronavirus, officially known as SARS-CoV-2….
read on
CTV News
MONTREAL — The humpback whale that enchanted Montrealers as it wandered through the St. Lawrence River last week may have been killed by a boat strike.
One of the seven veterinarians from l’Université de Montreal who performed a necropsy on the whale’s carcass on Wednesday told CTV News the mammal had no obvious lacerations or broken bones, but that some discoloration and internal hemorrhaging leads them to suspect a boat strike may have taken it down….
read on
SPECIAL SIGHTINGS
The Mainichi (Japan)
AMAMI, Kagoshima — The number of humpback whales seen in waters surrounding Amami-Oshima Island in southwestern Japan during the winter season has reached a record high of 971. According to the Amami whale and dolphin association, which is in charge of counting the number of confirmed humpback whales as part of the Ministry of the Environment’s research, 578 groups consisting of a total of 971 humpback whales were seen this season, between December 2019 and the end of March 2020 — the largest number since 2014 when full-scale research was first launched….
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Fox 5 (Atlanta)
LAHAINA, Hawaii – A family honoring their late grandmother by scattering her ashes at sea was met by a pod of dolphins and whales – adding to the beauty of the meaningful moment.
The family paddled out in kayaks from the coast of Maui on April 1 when they noticed a pod of dolphins swimming toward them, according to Storyful….
read on
RESEARCH & CONSERVATION
The Lead (Australia)
South Australian scientists are helping track southern right whales in search of summer foraging grounds, with a new report recording the first contemporary data on this seasonal migration.
The study released today could provide valuable information in making guidelines to protect the species as numbers rebound from devastating whaling from 1790 to 1980….
read on
Forbes
Scientists suggest that installing underwater sound devices ("pingers") on fishing nets could deter harbor porpoises – and maybe even other small cetaceans – from coming near them.
Marine mammals often become accidentally ensnared in fishing nets. These unintentional captures are known as "bycatch" and are the leading cause of death for whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, sharks, and sea turtles around the world….
read on