Orca, Humpbacks, Dolphins and Porpoise

A few of the Northern Resident Orca pods have been coming into Johnstone Strait and working their way down towards Nodales Channel, but not staying for too long. They are checking on the fish runs. Transient Bigg’s Orca, the meat eaters, have been hunting close to shore in popular places such as Drew Harbour, and Lang Bay (for photos see issue -022), giving everyone quite a show. They’ve even gone right into Gorge Harbour which has a narrow entrance. The Pacific White Sided Dolphin and Dall’s Porpoise reports have them staying clear of the Orca.

Humpback whales are in huge numbers around Sutil Channel to Mitlenatch Island. These larger whales also usually stay clear of the Transient Bigg’s Orca, but every once in a while there appears to be a bit of confrontation or standoff. In some instances the Humpbacks appear aggresive after the Orca have taken a seal, sealion or other marine mammal. Other times, the Orca are seen nipping at Humpbacks’ tails and appearing to be the aggressor while using caution to avoid the powerful Humpback tail and pectoral flipper which could cause them serious injury.

The Federal Government (DFO) issued the following statement about watching Orca in the wild: “Vessels must stay at least 400 m away from all killer whales in southern British Columbia coastal waters between Campbell River and Ucluelet, including Barkley and Howe Sound. This is in effect year-round until May 31, 2023. If killer whales approach any vessel, boaters should place their engine in neutral and wait for the animals to pass.”

For all other areas of B.C. outside of the area indicated above, a minimum distance of 200-m must be maintained when viewing Orca. When viewing other species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, a minimum distance of 100-m must be kept.

WOWs works throughout the year, so please continue to keep your eyes open, and report your sightings to us.