Cetaceans still around!

Eventhough we are into the colder and wetter months of the year, there are still Cetaceans in the coastal waters of British Columbia but probably it is a bit more challenging to see due to the weather and sea conditions. There were some sightings of Transient Orca, which are Orca that feed on seals, sea lions, and smaller Cetaceans like porpoises. There were many sightings of Humpback whales. Of note is a sighting of Humpback whales interacting with a large pod of Pacific White-Sided dolphins near Sentry Shoal on October 18. On October 31, a few Humpback whales were seen interacting with sea lions near Vivian Island. Rounding our report is one sighting of Dall’s porpoises and one sighting of Harbour porpoises. The Harbour porpoises were seen on November 2 near Bowen Island and the pod was large, estimated to be about 20-30 individuals. If you are near the coast or out on the water and you happen to see a Cetacean, let us know about your encounter!

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.