A few Humpbacks and plenty of Orca!
Cover Image:
Humpback showing off it’s fluke whilst travelling north
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Over the past few weeks, a few Humpback whales were observed. As the spring season becomes warmer and warmer, more Humpbacks will appear in upper Georgia Strait and inland waterways. Some of them may be mother and calf pairs, which are always a delight to see. Many Transient Orca were observed over the same time period. One group of Transient Orca was significantly large, which included about 30 individuals. A number of other sightings reported pods of 10 to 15 individuals. Rounding our report are a few sightings of Pacific White-Sided dolphins. Keep your eyes open when you are out boating or on shore looking over a waterway because whales and dolphins may appear! Let us know what you see!
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.
Ivan Ng, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Society News & Events
Annual Fundraiser:
Due to continuing COVID uncertainties, this will be the third year our April fundraising dinner gala will be cancelled. The funds raised at this event have always been instrumental to maintain our programs and online presence. We've tightened our belts, but your donations are greatly needed and appreciated.
We thank you greatly for your support!
We thank you greatly for your support!
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Thank You to our Volunteers and Contributors!
Our team of online Volunteers continue to do a great job in making sure all your sightings reports are mapped and published regularly. Would you like to join us? Updates on current availabilities and revised links will be posted here in the new year.
Review our previous Volunteer Job Postings Job Postings are slowly being revamped and not yet on our web sites.
Sightings Update
SIGHTINGS MAP – ISSUE: 2022-007
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Thu Apr 07 2022
11:23 • 2 Biggs Orca heading north past Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait. One big fin.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
12:00 • 3 Biggs Orca ◦T018s,T019s◦ heading north mid channel between Rebecca Rocks and Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait. Two big fins and one small one.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales – T018s, T019s – between Rebecca Rocks and Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait
Thu, 7 Apr 2022 – 2 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales – T018s, T019s – between Rebecca Rocks and Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait
Thu, 7 Apr 2022 – 2 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
17:35 • 5 Biggs Orca off Kingfisher Inn/ Royston now angling toward Texada Island, Georgia Strait. Being harassed by a boat. ▫ Second Hand
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
20:00 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ breaching, out in front of Blind Channel Resort on the east side of West Thurlow Island, Blind Channel. Came within a few feet of the docks.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Fri Apr 08 2022
07:00 • est. 3-4 Biggs Orca heading north near Howe Island, Nodales Channel.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
07:45 • est. 3+ Biggs Orca ◦T125A,T128◦ heading south past Grief Point, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
08:40 • 2 Biggs Orca ◦T125A,T128◦ heading south past Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
14:50 • Biggs Orca heading south near Turn Island, Johnstone Strait.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
18:50 • Biggs Orca heading south at Whiskey Point on Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Observed from Shore
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Sat Apr 09 2022
11:01 • Biggs Orca ◦T063 Chainsaw◦ off Hernando Island, Malaspina Strait. Large group.
11:30 • est. 15 Biggs Orca ◦T063 Chainsaw,T090s◦ heading north, Baker Passage.
Jen Smalley, Wild Waterways Adventures
13:00 • 30 Biggs Orca ◦T034s,T037,T037Bs,T063 Chainsaw,T065,T086As,T087,T124A1,T124A2s,T124As,T125A,T128◦ between Cape Mudge and Marina Island, Sutil Channel. Very cool group of whales socializing!.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
14:37 • 15+ Biggs Orca ◦T063 Chainsaw,T065,T090s,T125A,T128◦ near Cortes Island, Sutil Channel. Plus more unidentified.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
16:21 • est. 5-8 Biggs Orca heading south by Cape Mudge Village on Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Elvis Chikite, Campbell River, BC
Sun Apr 10 2022
10:29 • est. 2+ Biggs Orca heading south close to Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. One big fin and a smaller blow. Lots around Cortez and Mittlenatch yesterday.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
13:00 • est. 15-20 Biggs Orca ◦T063 Chainsaw◦ heading south past Davis Point, Nodales Channel.
Jen Smalley, Wild Waterways Adventures
14:00 • Biggs Orca ◦T049A1,T049Bs◦ heading north below Kye Bay, Comox, Georgia Strait. Running along close to shore.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
Mon Apr 11 2022
09:45 • est. 5-6 Biggs Orca heading south outside Menzies Bay, Discovery Passage.
Quinn Kuschel-Ross, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:30 • Biggs Orca heading south passing Quathiaski Cove Ferry Terminal on Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Tyler Bruce, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:36 • 6 Biggs Orca heading south at Quathiaski Cove Ferry Terminal on Quadra Island. One small baby.
Jen Smalley, Wild Waterways Adventures
Tue Apr 12 2022
12:00 • Biggs Orca Discovery Harbour Marina, Campbell River, Discovery Passage. ▫ Second Hand
17:30 • Biggs Orca heading north, Rotary Beach Park in Campbell River, Discovery Passage. ▫ Second Hand
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Wed Apr 13 2022
09:27 • 3 Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading south in front of Browns Bay, Discovery Passage. One big male.
Esther Hollink, Brown’s Bay Resort
15:14 • 4 Biggs Orca hunting, between Maud Island and Yellow Island, Discovery Passage. Two juveniles, one big fin, one medium. Circling.
Lorill Vining, Campbell River Whale Watching
16:00 • 3 Biggs Orca foraging, heading north, Ripple Rock, Discovery Passage. One male and two females directly below Ripple Rock lookout, and again 2 hours later foraging in Menzies Bay. ▫ Observed from Shore
Gerry Palmer, Black Creek, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales travelling off Ripple Rock and Menzies Bay, Discovery Passage
Wed, 13 Apr 2022 – 2 items
Gerry Palmer, Black Creek, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales travelling off Ripple Rock and Menzies Bay, Discovery Passage
Wed, 13 Apr 2022 – 2 items
Gerry Palmer, Black Creek, BC
Thu Apr 14 2022
13:30 • est. 3 Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading north mid Inlet near Egmont, Jervis Inlet. ▫ Observed from Shore
Beverly Saunders, Jervis Inlet, BC
Fri Apr 15 2022
09:10 • Biggs Orca heading north by Rotary Beach Park in Campbell River, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
09:17 • Biggs Orca heading north by Campbell River Fishing Pier, Discovery Passage. A couple further ahead.
Elvis Chikite, Campbell River, BC
11:40 • 4 Biggs Orca ◦T049Bs◦ milling, in Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales – T49Bs & T49A1 travelling in Discovery Passage
Fri, 15 Apr 2022 – 3 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales – T49Bs & T49A1 travelling in Discovery Passage
Fri, 15 Apr 2022 – 3 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:13 • 4 Biggs Orca heading south at Cape Mudge Village on Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. 4 Small fins.
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:17 • 1 Biggs Orca ◦T049A1◦ heading north at Eagles Cove, Discovery Passage. Lone male orca.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:42 • 4 Biggs Orca moving quickly, heading south off Willow Point pointed at Texada Island, Georgia Strait. 4 Small fin.
15:38 • 1 Biggs Orca heading south at Separation Head, Discovery Passage. Lone male orca.
16:08 • 1 Biggs Orca at Race Point, Discovery Passage. Lone male orca. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
Sat Apr 16 2022
09:48 • Biggs Orca heading north off Eastwest Bay, Maurelle Island, Calm Channel. ▫ Second Hand
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
19:56 • 4 Biggs Orca headed into Phillips Arm. Via VHF fron a tug. ▫ Second Hand
Jen Smalley, Wild Waterways Adventures
Mon Apr 18 2022
14:52 • Biggs Orca heading north, Ripple Point, Johnstone Strait.
Eliot Richter, Blind Channel Resort
18:26 • 2+ Biggs Orca heading east, Greene Point, Cordero Channel.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
Tue Apr 19 2022
08:50 • est. 9 Biggs Orca heading south off the campsite at Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait.
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
10:52 • Biggs Orca ◦T046s◦ heading south between Mitlenatch Island and Salmon Point, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
11:01 • est. 4+ Biggs Orca heading south, Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.
Devon Andersen, Brown’s Bay Resort
11:42 • est. 10 Biggs Orca heading south, Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait.
13:35 • est. 12+ Biggs Orca ◦T018s◦ heading south in two groups with one group approaching Race Point, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales north & south of Campbell River
Tue, 19 Apr 2022 – 8 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales north & south of Campbell River
Tue, 19 Apr 2022 – 8 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:37 • 12+ Biggs Orca heading south, Hidden Harbour, Discovery Passage.
14:51 • 12+ Biggs Orca heading south almost at Willow Point, Georgia Strait. Closer to Vancouver Island.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:37 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading south in Cordero Channel. Travelling towards Mayne Passage.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Sat Apr 23 2022
10:45 • 4 Biggs Orca heading west at Picton Point, Cordero Channel.
Hans Lammers, Blind Channel Resort
13:00 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ entering Loughborough Inlet. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales travelling north off Willow Point, Georgia Strait
Mon, 11 Apr 2022 – 1 items
Gerry Palmer, Black Creek, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales travelling north off Willow Point, Georgia Strait
Mon, 11 Apr 2022 – 1 items
Gerry Palmer, Black Creek, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales – T065as & T049A2 – harrassing sealions in Discovery Passage
Wed, 6 Apr 2022 – 4 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales – T065as & T049A2 – harrassing sealions in Discovery Passage
Wed, 6 Apr 2022 – 4 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales – T002Cs near Channe Island
Sat, 23 Apr 2022 – 6 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales – T002Cs near Channe Island
Sat, 23 Apr 2022 – 6 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
HUMPBACK WHALES
Fri Apr 08 2022
10:35 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south abeam Fawn Bluff, Bute Inlet.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
12:20 • 2 Humpback Whales off Fawn Bluff. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
Thu Apr 14 2022
14:31 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north, south of the Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpback heading north of Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait
Thu, 14 Apr 2022 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpback heading north of Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait
Thu, 14 Apr 2022 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Wed Apr 20 2022
14:20 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south off Church House, Calm Channel.
Quinn Kuschel-Ross, Campbell River Whale Watching
Thu Apr 21 2022
11:45 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north between Johnstone Bluff and Stuart Island, Calm Channel.
Jack Springer, Campbell River Whale Watching
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Fri Apr 08 2022
07:35 • est. 30 PWS Dolphins just south of Fawn Bluff, Bute Inlet.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Sat Apr 09 2022
10:40 • PWS Dolphins heading north from Grief Point, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Second Hand
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Fri Apr 15 2022
17:10 • 6 PWS Dolphins at Steep Island, Discovery Passage.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
Sat Apr 16 2022
19:30 • est. 20 PWS Dolphins April Point, Discovery Passage. ▫ Second Hand
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Thu Apr 21 2022
11:40 • PWS Dolphins off Lee Islands, Nodales Channel. Small group.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Sat Apr 23 2022
14:00 • est. 20 PWS Dolphins milling, at the north end of Channe Island close to East Thurlow Island, Cordero Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins milling near Channe Island, Cordero Channel
Sat, 23 Apr 2022 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins milling near Channe Island, Cordero Channel
Sat, 23 Apr 2022 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Archive Explorer
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The Magazine
SPECIAL SIGHTINGS
CBC News
A scientist who set out with a group of tourists for a whale-watching tour on the Salish Sea was thrilled by a rare sight last Tuesday – a humpback whale following and then confronting a pod of transient orcas….
read on
read on
CTV News
A group of transient orcas, or Bigg’s killer whales, came startlingly close to moored boats in Comox, B.C. this weekend, which thrilled onlookers on the docks….
read on
read on
RESEARCH & CONSERVATION
Digital Camera World
Picture a scene that’s synonymous with the climate crisis. Maybe your mind jumped to the Amazon rainforest or the polar ice caps, where deforestation and rapid melting have long been rallying points for conservation efforts. But the latest research suggests it’s oceans that are key to tempering climate change….
read on
read on
Radio New Zealand (RNZ)
A group of researchers from New Zealand at Scott Base have had a rare sighting of Arnoux’s beaked whales. The group spotted the pod of whales last month, but the species was not confirmed until today after extensive review of video footage that was taken….
read on
read on