Many Transient Orca!

Over the past few weeks, there were many sightings of Transient Orca spanning from Nanoose Bay and Powell River up to the eastern end of Johnstone Strait. On March 6, there were many pods of Transient Orca throughout the day heading south in Discovery Passage. These Orca passed Campbell River mid-day and continued into Georgia Strait. A few related pods were travelling together and formed a large group with 19 members. In addition to these Orca sightings, there were two reports of Pacific White-Sided dolphins near Powell River at the end of February. Keep your eyes open when you are near the sea and hopefully you can see some whale and dolphins!

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.