Northern Resident Orca off Quadra Island
On August 9th, some Northern Resident Killer Whales (i.e. fish-eating Orca) made their way into the southern end of Sutil Channel appearing between Quadra Island and Read Island. Their group may have included up to 30 members and they remained in the area for 4-5 hours before moving on. For part of that time, the Orca formed circles and were seen resting.
Other species of Cetaceans are able to determine whether Orca in their proximity are Resident Orca or Transient Orca (i.e. mammal-eating). Cetaceans can be found in the presence with Resident Orca whether travelling or foraging together. Our cover image shows one Humpback whale close to a Northern Resident Orca, and the cover image of the previous issue also showed a Pacific White-Sided dolphins with a Resident Orca. However if Transient Orca appear, marine mammals (Cetaceans and seals) know they are present, go on high alert, and many flee from the area.
Note that there will be a short pause in our sighting publications and we will resume later next week.
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've all been hit hard during this pandemic and WOWs greatly appreciates your kind donations helping us maintain our society work. Eco tour and whale watching companies are operating at reduced capacity. As you can see from our reports, they are on the water, providing us with much needed sightings information. You might consider a trip with them during your local 'stay-cation'. Stay safe and healthy. 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, cancelled for 2020, is scheduled for April 24, 2021. We trust 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 23,000+ 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: Teachers can download information as needed for classes. Have you taken our Orca and Humpback Quizzes yet?
Real Time Monitoring Station Live Update
Our Live streaming Web Camera YouTube Channel from Powell River changes positions to look towards Texada – Vancouver Island – Savary and up towards Cortez.
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: 2020-019
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Mon Aug 03 2020
10:30 • 4 Biggs Orca moving quickly, heading south-west on the south side of East Redonda Island, Homfray Channel. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
JR, Powell River, BC
Tue Aug 04 2020
08:39 • est. 4+ Biggs Orca heading south off Grief Point, Malaspina Strait.
Joan Treen, Powell River and Savary Island, BC
13:10 • Biggs Orca ◦T036,T036Bs◦ in Okisollo Channel.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
13:13 • est. 6 Biggs Orca by Cinque Islands just entering Okisollo Channel from Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:25 • Biggs Orca heading east by the rapids off Okis Islands, Okisollo Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
15:46 • Biggs Orca travelling, heading south off Francisco Island, Okisollo Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Trisha Stovel, Big Animal Encounters
17:47 • Biggs Orca heading south bound at Sheer Point, Read Island, Hoskyn Channel.
18:20 • Biggs Orca passing King Islets along the shore of Read Island, Hoskyn Channel. Moving at 6 knots. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
Wed Aug 05 2020
19:45 • 4 Biggs Orca in Horton Bay on Mayne Island, Robson Channel. Oberved three adults and one baby.
Jack Huberman
Fri Aug 07 2020
12:30 • Biggs Orca heading north off Elma Bay, Georgia Strait. ▫ Second Hand
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
18:32 • est. 3-4 Biggs Orca ◦T090s,T101s◦ heading south close to the Powell River Ferry Terminal, Malaspina Strait.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Biggs Orca near Ferry Dock, Powell River
Fri, 7 Aug 2020 – 6 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Biggs Orca near Ferry Dock, Powell River
Fri, 7 Aug 2020 – 6 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
18:48 • est. 5 Biggs Orca north of Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
21:33 • 6 Biggs Orca heading south just past Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
Sat Aug 08 2020
09:30 • Biggs Orca heading west past Powell River and Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
11:30 • est. 16 Biggs Orca near Teakerne Arm. Reported over radio channel. ▫ Second Hand
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:37 • Biggs Orca heading north at Stradiotti Reef, Malaspina Strait.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
Sun Aug 09 2020
15:41 • Biggs Orca heading west, south of Grant Reefs, Georgia Strait.
Ron Johnston, Savary Island, BC
NORTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
Sun Aug 09 2020
11:30 • est. 20-30 NRKW Orca spread out, heading west, east of Robson Bight, Johnstone Strait.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whales Near Quadra Island
Sun, 9 Aug 2020 – 10 items
Jos Krynen and Stan Novotny, Eagle Eye Adventures
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whales Near Quadra Island
Sun, 9 Aug 2020 – 10 items
Jos Krynen and Stan Novotny, Eagle Eye Adventures
11:36 • NRKW Orca ◦A35s,A56 Nahwitti,A73 Springer◦ off Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
15:54 • NRKW Orca resting, between Hoskyn Rock and Breton Islands, Sutil Channel. In circles.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whales near Hoskyn Rock
Sun, 9 Aug 2020 – 1 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whales near Hoskyn Rock
Sun, 9 Aug 2020 – 1 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Fri, 7 Aug 2020 – 7 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Fri, 7 Aug 2020 – 7 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
Sun Aug 09 2020
10:02 • Orca heading south, southwest of Center Islet, Sutil Channel.
Jason Fitzgerald, Big Animal Encounters
HUMPBACK WHALES
Mon Aug 03 2020
–:– • Humpback Whales foraging, making big circles from Powell River to Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. Would do 3 blows, then tail up, then come up and feed.
Micheline Macauley, Texada Island, BC
Tue Aug 04 2020
07:45 • 2 Humpback Whales north of Rendezvous Islands, Calm Channel.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
09:50 • 3 Humpback Whales heading north approaching McMullen Point mid Discovery Passage.
09:50 • 2 Humpback Whales off Church House, Calm Channel.
Jerry Weldon, Campbell River
10:00 • 1 Humpback Whales south of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
10:28 • 3 Humpback Whales east of Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait.
Tyler Bruce, Campbell River Whale Watching
10:30 • Humpback Whales off Kellsey Point, Stuart Island, Yuculta Rapids.
Jerry Weldon, Campbell River
11:45 • 2 Humpback Whales resting, 1.5 miles off Sutil Point, Georgia Strait.
12:06 • Humpback Whales southwest of Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
12:10 • Humpback Whales heading west at Forward Bay, West Cracroft Island, Johnstone Strait.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
14:15 • 4 Humpback Whales off south side of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Tyler Bruce, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:48 • 2 Humpback Whales 1 mile south-west of Centre Islet, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
17:40 • 1 Humpback Whales angling towards Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy from Francisco Point, Georgia Strait. Small whale. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
19:30 • 1 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading east mid-channel between Little River and Harwood Island, Georgia Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
19:30 • 2 Humpback Whales moving quickly, heading south near the mine at Welcome Bay, Texada Island, Georgia Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
19:30 • 1 Humpback Whales north of Lasqueti Island, Georgia Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Patti Perepeluk, Comox Valley, BC
Wed Aug 05 2020
07:05 • 4 Humpback Whales north of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
07:28 • Humpback Whales off Cortez Reef, Georgia Strait.
Dean Parsonage, 50 North Adventures
08:49 • est. 6-8 Humpback Whales spread out, from Cortez Reef to Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait. Also seen around Bakers Passage and Mitlenatch.
09:17 • 2 Humpback Whales foraging, in Tiber Bay just south of Squirrel Cove, Lewis Channel.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
10:05 • 3 Humpback Whales pec slapping, heading south, south of Mitlenatch Island abeam Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait. Whales moving towards Montgomery Bank.
Trisha Stovel, Big Animal Encounters
11:15 • 1 Humpback Whales just off the reef at Mitlenatch Island towards Cortez Reef, Georgia Strait.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:40 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south, north of Mitlenatch Island abeam Cortez Reef.
Trisha Stovel, Big Animal Encounters
11:59 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCZ Two Spot◦ between Mitlenatch Island and Hernando Island, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Two Spot, the Humpback Whale
Wed, 5 Aug 2020 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Two Spot, the Humpback Whale
Wed, 5 Aug 2020 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
12:04 • 2 Humpback Whales between Hill Island and Coulter Bay, Sutil Channel. Mom and calf seen.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
12:25 • 1 Humpback Whales off Marina Island shack, Sutil Channel.
Trisha Stovel, Big Animal Encounters
12:47 • 2 Humpback Whales a mile south of Stuart Island, Calm Channel.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
12:49 • 2 Humpback Whales just off Coulter Island, Sutil Channel. Mom and calf seen.
Jason Fitzgerald, Big Animal Encounters
12:54 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south, 1 mile SW of Cortez Reef, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:00 • 5 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0729 Argonaut◦ spread out, between Donegal Head and Pearse Islands, Blackfish Sound. Foraging and taking long dives. One of the whales closer to Pearse Islands was quite small. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
14:00 • 1 Humpback Whales breaching, near Plumper Islands, Blackfish Sound. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
Lynne Cracknell, Cedar, BC
14:26 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCX Raza◦ off Church House, Calm Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
16:25 • 2 Humpback Whales off Raza Point, Raza Island, Calm Channel.
17:28 • 1 Humpback Whales north of Marina Island, Sutil Channel.
Tyler Bruce, Campbell River Whale Watching
17:51 • 2 Humpback Whales 1 mile SE of Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait.
19:00 • 1 Humpback Whales 1 mile SE of Spoil Grounds south of Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait.
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
20:15 • 1 Humpback Whales between Blubber Bay and Powell River, Malaspina Strait. Whale was halfway along the Texada-Powell River ferry route. ▫ Observed from Shore
Iwan Van Veen, Footprint Kayak and Hike Explorations
Thu Aug 06 2020
10:08 • Humpback Whales between Quartz Bay and Hill Island, Sutil Channel.
10:42 • 4 Humpback Whales, Raza Passage.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
14:11 • 3 Humpback Whales close to shore between Raza Point and Raza Island fish farm, Raza Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:15 • 1 Humpback Whales very close to shore, just south of Rebecca Spit, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Quinn Kuschel-Ross, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:43 • 1 Humpback Whales about one mile NE of Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel. Small whale.
Jerry Weldon, Campbell River
15:33 • 2 Humpback Whales off Bartlett Islet, Calm Channel.
Jason Fitzgerald, Big Animal Encounters
17:27 • Humpback Whales blows in sunshine off the SW tip of Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Fri Aug 07 2020
05:23 • 3 Humpback Whales heading north past Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
07:45 • 2 Humpback Whales off Rebecca Spit, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
08:32 • 1 Humpback Whales north of Big Rock Boat Ramp, Campbell River, Discovery Passage.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:05 • 1 Humpback Whales close to shore near Read Point, Sutil Channel.
10:00 • 1 Humpback Whales milling, just south of Village Bay, Quadra Island, Hoskyn Channel.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
10:19 • 1 Humpback Whales foraging, close to Bassett Point, Sonora Island, Calm Channel.
Jerry Weldon, Campbell River
10:27 • 2 Humpback Whales near the Spoil Grounds south of Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
12:28 • 3 Humpback Whales heading north near Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
12:45 • 2 Humpback Whales heading east towards Bassett Point, Hole in the Wall.
Josh Grin, Discovery West Adventures
13:15 • 1 Humpback Whales, Bute Inlet. Active Humpback located at the bottom of the inlet with a pod of lags.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
14:12 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCX Raza◦ breaching, by Church House, Calm Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Raza, the Humpback Whale
Fri, 7 Aug 2020 – 3 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Raza, the Humpback Whale
Fri, 7 Aug 2020 – 3 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:00 • Humpback Whales 1/2 mile off the shore of Toba Mountain, Calm Channel.
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:10 • 2 Humpback Whales off Church House, Calm Channel.
Tyler Bruce, Campbell River Whale Watching
17:30 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north off Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel. An active Humpback.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Sat Aug 08 2020
07:03 • Humpback Whales at Baker Passage. Multiple blows seen.
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
08:20 • 1 Humpback Whales at Open Bay, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
08:20 • 2 Humpback Whales at Centre Islet, Sutil Channel.
08:20 • 2 Humpback Whales 2 miles south of Centre Islet.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales Breaching
Sat, 8 Aug 2020 – 5 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales Breaching
Sat, 8 Aug 2020 – 5 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
09:57 • 3 Humpback Whales heading east, 1.5 miles off Quadra Island Scallop Farm south of Heriot Bay, Sutil Channel.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:13 • 2 Humpback Whales on the east side of the Penn Islands, Sutil Channel.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:20 • 1 Humpback Whales off Bullock Bluff, Calm Channel.
Tyler Bruce, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:30 • 2 Humpback Whales in Raza Passage.
Josh Grin, Discovery West Adventures
12:53 • 2 Humpback Whales heading east at Frances Bay. Mom and calf seen.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
12:56 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCX Raza◦ heading south, south of Whirlpool Point, close to shoreline of Stuart Island, Yuculta Rapids.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:12 • 1 Humpback Whales resting at Drew Passage.
13:44 • 1 Humpback Whales between Hill Island and Burdwood Bay, Sutil Channel.
14:17 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north 1 mile off Marina Island shack, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:18 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCX Raza◦ heading south, south of Stuart Island, Calm Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:00 • 1 Humpback Whales breaching, at Connis Point, Pryce Channel.
15:30 • 2 Humpback Whales at Raza Point, Calm Channel.
Josh Grin, Discovery West Adventures
20:41 • Humpback Whales between Harwood Island and Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Sun Aug 09 2020
08:45 • 1 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading north-west between Powell River and Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
SW, Powell River, BC
10:52 • 3 Humpback Whales doing circles, off Rebecca Spit, Sutil Channel.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
11:38 • 3 Humpback Whales north of Rebecca Spit.
Jason Fitzgerald, Big Animal Encounters
11:50 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north outside Lake Bay on Read Island, Sutil Channel.
Tyler Bruce, Campbell River Whale Watching
12:15 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south abeam Bullock Bluff tight to Read Island, Sutil Channel.
13:45 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCX Raza,BCY0291 KC◦ near Gillard Passage, Yuculta Rapids. Fighting off sea lions.
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:38 • 1 Humpback Whales between Hoskyn Rock and Breton Islands, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:45 • Humpback Whales breaching, north of Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait. Pec slaps.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
15:15 • 1 Humpback Whales breaching, between Bartlett Islet and Maurelle Island, Calm Channel.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:30 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south at Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage.
Tyler Bruce, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:40 • 1 Humpback Whales at Seymour Narrows.
Andrew Rice, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:59 • 2 Humpback Whales at Coulter Island, Sutil Channel. Mom and calf.
15:59 • 2 Humpback Whales at Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales Breaching
Sun, 9 Aug 2020 – 9 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales Breaching
Sun, 9 Aug 2020 – 9 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
16:12 • Humpback Whales between Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy and Baker Passage, Georgia Strait.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
19:45 • Humpback Whales heading south, north of Blubber Bay, Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Tue Aug 04 2020
11:05 • PWS Dolphins off Sunday Creek, Chancellor Channel.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
11:25 • PWS Dolphins moving quickly, heading west off Walkem Islands, Johnstone Strait. Small group.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
11:37 • est. 150 PWS Dolphins foraging, all around Walkem Islands.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins around the Walkem Islands
Tue, 4 Aug 2020 – 1 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins around the Walkem Islands
Tue, 4 Aug 2020 – 1 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
16:10 • est. 20-30 PWS Dolphins milling, at Kellsey Point, Stuart Island, Yuculta Rapids. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
Wed Aug 05 2020
15:00 • 10 PWS Dolphins between Twin Islands and Cortes Island, Malaspina Strait.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
Fri Aug 07 2020
10:45 • est. 20-30 PWS Dolphins off Viner Point, Read Island, Sutil Channel.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
13:15 • PWS Dolphins, Bute Inlet. Located at the bottom of the inlet near a Humpback.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
16:05 • est. 10 PWS Dolphins moving quickly, heading south-east, Malaspina Inlet. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
JR, Powell River, BC
Sat Aug 08 2020
14:50 • est. 40+ PWS Dolphins playing, heading west, 1/4 miles east of Gypsy Shoal, Okisollo Channel. Moving at 8-10 knots. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
Sun Aug 09 2020
16:30 • est. 75 PWS Dolphins in Okisollo Channel. Moving at 10 knots and headed towards Hole in the Wall,.
Josh Grin, Discovery West Adventures
DALLS PORPOISE
Tue Aug 04 2020
10:55 • Dalls Porpoise off Cordero Islands, Cordero Channel.
11:00 • Dalls Porpoise off Lyall Island, Chancellor Channel.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Wed Aug 05 2020
13:30 • est. 10 Dalls Porpoise foraging, near Stubbs Island, Blackfish Sound. 3 Porpoise were circling around a tide rip. Others were crossing the strait. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
Lynne Cracknell, Cedar, BC
Sun Aug 09 2020
15:00 • Dalls Porpoise west of Okis Islands, Okisollo Channel.
Tyler Bruce, Campbell River Whale Watching
HARBOUR PORPOISE
Tue Aug 04 2020
11:50 • Harbour Porpoise off Windy Point mid channel in Johnstone Strait.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Archive Explorer
Archive Explorer navigates 21,000+ Cetacean Sightings, images, videos and audio recordings.
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The Magazine
REGIONAL & NATIONAL
CBC News
The North Atlantic right whale is in so much trouble that the scientists who are deeply worried about whether the species can survive can count them individually.
Those numbers are tumbling – now down to just over 400 – and are in such perilous condition that ship strikes and entanglements are pushing the huge whales to the point where they may disappear….
read on
SPECIAL SIGHTINGS
CBC News
Long distance swimmer Debbie Collingwood was supposed to be swimming the English Channel this summer, but on Sunday morning she got the experience of a lifetime in B.C. waters during a three-hour swim near Bowen Island.
“We came around the island at Whytcliffe [Park] … and there was a pod of orcas … coming straight for us,” she said….
read on
RESEARCH & CONSERVATION
Massive Science
One of the most common ways that scientists study the effects of future climate change is to look into the past. Like a clumsy jewelry thief, fluctuations in Earth’s climate over millions of years have left their fingerprints all over: in pollen records, ice cores, and ancient tree rings. Animals also have their own built-in historical record, in their DNA.
Biologists are turning to genetics to understand what might happen to marine mammals – specifically, the mythical and magical narwhal – as the Arctic warms….
read on