Many Humpback Whales in Many Waterways

Approximately two-thirds of the sightings received during the past two weeks were of Humpback whales. The number of Humpback whales present in inland waterways has continuously increased from year to year. Many of them are the same individuals that appear in the same areas annually. Biologists can identify individual Humpbacks by examining the following in a whale: (1) colour pattern on the underside of the tail; (2) the contour of the trailing edge of the tail; and (3) the shape of the dorsal fin. In most cases, one would need to take pictures first of the whale, and upon examining the specificied areas of the whale in the pictures, an individual whale can be identified with use of a catalog. Humpback whales are given nicknames that may be derived from a physical mark or feature on a whale, specifically on the dorsal fin or underside of the fluke. Our cover image shows one common Humpback whale nicknamed “Kelp Creature” or “KC” that has a distinctive notch on its dorsal fin.

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 throughout the year, so please continue to keep your eyes open, and report your sightings to us.