Orca and Humpback Whales
Some of the Northern Resident Orca made a short appearance off of Powell River on December 5 and it is uncertain which direction they went afterwards as no other sightings of them have been reported. There have been a few sightings of Transient Orca in the Powell River area as well as in Discovery Passage. Humpback whales were reported off of Gibsons, off the north end of Texada Island, around the south end of Quadra Island, and near Kelsey Bay in Johnstone Strait. Some of the Humpbacks were travelling alone but many of them were in a group with 2-4 individuals. Unusual for this time of year is a group of 10 or more Humpbacks near Kelsey Bay and another group of at least 8 Humpbacks off the north end of Texada Island. Humpback whales and Orca are still around and can be seen from land or by boat, provided that the weather is calmer and clearer. Let us know if you see any Cetaceans!
Wishing You and Your Loved Ones a Memorable and Safe Holiday Season!
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.
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