Increased sightings of Cetaceans!

The number of sightings of Cetaceans has increased over the past two-week period. The nice sunny weather has lead many to be outdoors; increased activities by a shoreline or by boaters has increased the frequency of sightings. Calmer waters from clear skies makes Cetaceans and their blows even more visible. The number of sightings has also risen because the number of Cetaceans in BC waters also increased, as many of them have started returning from their winter locations. Grey whales annually migrate northward to Alaska during March and April, with the majority of them staying on the west side of Vancouver Island. However, a few Grey whales always travel through Georgia Strait and other inland waterways. At least two Grey whales were seen in the Campbell River area. The majority of sightings were of Transient Orca which have appeared in many locations. We have also received reports of Humpback whales, Pacific White-Sided dolphins, and Harbour porpoises.

In our Magazine section, learn about the river dolphins in India (yes, there are dolphins that live in freshwater systems), the Harbour porpoises in the North Sea in Europe, and read about the new Orca exhibit that has opened in the BC Royal Museum in Victoria.

The Federal Government (DFO) 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.