Speed of Cetaceans

Pacific White-Sided dolphins are capable of swimming up to about 45 km/h, and they may be bow-riding next to ships and boats as well as porpoising (as seen in our cover image). The ability to swim quickly is important for Pacific White-Sided dolphins as it allows them to escape when pursued or chased by Transient Orca. Dall’s porpoises are faster, reaching speeds up to 60 km/h which can out-pace Orca too when being hunted. Larger whales like Humpback whales and Grey whales normally travel a few kilometers per hour but when in danger, they can swim faster up to 15 km/h. Swimming fast not only helps these Cetaceans to escape danger but it also helps them to catch their prey and perform other behaviours like breaching.

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.