Feeding Strategies

A publication of Wild Ocean Whale Society (WOWs)

Feeding Strategies


Cover Image:
Humpback Whale
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours

Whales and dolphins use various strategies to capture their prey and to feed. Humpback whales are known for a few methods, such as bubble-net feeding. Humpbacks will swim in a circle below their prey (schooling fish) and while doing so, they would release air from their blowholes to create a net of bubbles that surround the fish. The Humpbacks would swim up through the bubble net and engulf the fish. Humpbacks also use the lunge-feeding method and unique to some of the Humpback whales along the north-east side of Vancouver Island is the trap-feeding method. To see a Humpback foraging would be amazing as you might see their baleen hanging from their upper jaw or you might see how much water they would engulf as their ventral throat pleats expand.

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.

Society News & Events
Data For Research:
For research access to 31,000+ sightings in our database in a downloadable csv file for use in a spreadsheet, please Click Here. to fill in your request.
Websites:
Whales and Dolphins BC is our educational website where these reports are also published and our Wild Ocean Whale site is our Society website.
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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: 2022-028
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Mon Sep 19 2022
06:45 • 4 Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading north-east towards Victoria inner harbour from Clover Point, Strait of Juan de Fuca. Taking shallow dives. ▫ Observed from Shore
EP, Victoria, BC
07:40 • Biggs Orca off Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
15:30 • 4 Biggs Orca travelling, heading south-east, north of Sansum Narrows by Maple Bay, Stuart Channel. They were traveling slowly through Samson Narrows. The 2 young orcas were spy hopping. tail slapping and breaching. They took their time and played around in the water. They explored both sides of the coast. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
Del Morgan, Shawnigan Lake
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales in Stuart Channel
Mon, 19 Sep 2022 – 5 items
Del Morgan, Shawnigan Lake, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales in Stuart Channel
Mon, 19 Sep 2022 – 5 items
Del Morgan, Shawnigan Lake, BC
Thu Sep 22 2022
19:19 • 2 Biggs Orca heading north just south of the Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait. Large Orca. ▫ Observed from Shore
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Fri Sep 23 2022
08:30 • est. 4 Biggs Orca near Center Islet north-west of Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel.
11:25 • Biggs Orca ◦T101s, T100Bs◦ off Redonda Bay, Deer Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
11:36 • Biggs Orca in Deer Passage.
Tyler Bruce, Campbell River Whale Watching
12:30 • Biggs Orca ◦T101s, T100Bs◦ in Deer Passage. T101s goin into the passage and T100Bs split off angling back out of the passage.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales in Deer Passage
Fri, 23 Sep 2022 – 1 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales in Deer Passage
Fri, 23 Sep 2022 – 1 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
13:00 • 3 Biggs Orca milling, at Tibbs Point, Raza Island, Pryce Channel.
Josh Grin, Discovery West Adventures
14:22 • Biggs Orca heading south in Lewis Channel.
14:59 • Biggs Orca milling in Lewis Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:44 • 4 Biggs Orca off Bullock Bluff entering Sutil Channel.
Quinn Kuschel-Ross, Campbell River Whale Watching
20:45 • est. 5 Biggs Orca heading north, Gillies Bay, Georgia Strait.
Vicki McLaughlin, Texada Island, BC
Sat Sep 24 2022
09:10 • 2 Biggs Orca ◦T100Bs◦ heading south, Yuculta Rapids.
Radio, overheard or call out
09:45 • 2 Biggs Orca heading south near entrance to Hole in the Wall, Calm Channel. Small fins.
10:18 • 2 Biggs Orca heading south at the north end of North Rendezvous Island, Calm Channel. Heading into Drew Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:50 • Biggs Orca ◦T100Bs◦ heading south approaching Marina Island shack, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:16 • Biggs Orca ◦T100Bs◦ heading south 1 NM off the end of Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:40 • 2 Biggs Orca near Whaletown, Cortes Island, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:58 • Biggs Orca ◦T100Bs◦ heading south off Marina Reef, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
HUMPBACK WHALES
Sun Sep 18 2022
16:00 • est. 1 Humpback Whales lunge feeding, heading south off Shelter Point, Texada Island, Georgia Strait. Apparently alone, making some large splashes with tail up, big sprays. ▫ Observed from Shore
SM, Gillies Bay, BC
Mon Sep 19 2022
08:20 • Humpback Whales off Hill Island, Sutil Channel.
08:25 • 2 Humpback Whales in Whale Passage, Sutil Channel.
08:35 • 2 Humpback Whales off Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
09:10 • 4 Humpback Whales off Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy.
Radio, overheard or call out
09:36 • 2 Humpback Whales off Francisco Point heading towards Dogfish Bay, Sutil Channel.
Jim Rogers, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:57 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north-west between Grilse Point and Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Second Hand
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
10:40 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north out from Marina Reef, Sutil Channel. mom and calf.
Radio, overheard or call out
10:58 • Humpback Whales lunge feeding, in the shallows Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel. T-Rex is the Humpback’s name.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
12:05 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCZ Stingray,BCZ0338 Geometry◦ north of Spoil Grounds, south of Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jen Smalley, Wild Waterways Adventures
12:15 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCY T. Rex◦ lunge feeding, close to Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
13:45 • 5 Humpback Whales south of Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait. Within 2 miles of one another.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:17 • Humpback Whales ◦BCX Raza◦ foraging, off Kellsey Point, Yuculta Rapids. 8-10 minute dives.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale, Raza
Mon, 19 Sep 2022 – 1 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale, Raza
Mon, 19 Sep 2022 – 1 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
14:21 • Humpback Whales off Kents Beach and Saltery Bay, Jervis Inlet. ▫ Second Hand
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
15:00 • Humpback Whales between Viner Point and Rebecca Spit, Sutil Channel.
15:00 • Humpback Whales heading west from Francisco Point towards Rebecca Spit, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
15:23 • 3 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading south by Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait. With a calf.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
15:38 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0649 Barracuda◦ just west of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. With a calf.
Quinn Kuschel-Ross, Campbell River Whale Watching
16:30 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north at Kellsey Point, Yuculta Rapids.
Damien Dawson, Campbell River Whale Watching
16:50 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north by the reef off Willow Point, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
18:51 • 5 Humpback Whales foraging, north of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Jude Abrams, Otter Be Good Productions
18:53 • Humpback Whales ◦BCY T. Rex◦ bubble netting, off Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jen Smalley, Wild Waterways Adventures
Tue Sep 20 2022
07:59 • 4 Humpback Whales at Francisco Island, Okisollo Channel.
Tyler Bruce, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:26 • 2 Humpback Whales heading west, south of Marina Island, Sutil Channel.
Zoe Hasenfratz, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:34 • Humpback Whales heading north in Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
13:26 • 3 Humpback Whales between Harwood Island Sandbanks (Bluffs) and Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper), Malaspina Strait. One is small. ▫ Second Hand
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
14:35 • 2 Humpback Whales resting, between Marina Reef and Francisco Point, Sutil Channel. Mom and calf.
14:35 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north between Marina Reef and Francisco Point. Now moving northbound.
14:35 • 2 Humpback Whales resting, out from Marina Reef, Sutil Channel. Mom and calf.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:10 • 2 Humpback Whales off Center Islet north-west of Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
15:12 • 1 Humpback Whales doing circles, at Kellsey Point, Yuculta Rapids.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:25 • 2 Humpback Whales breaching, off Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.
15:40 • Humpback Whales Cortez Island side of Penn Islands, Sutil Channel.
16:25 • Humpback Whales bubble netting, in front of the lodge at Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
16:29 • 3 Humpback Whales in Sutil Channel.
Tyler Bruce, Campbell River Whale Watching
17:45 • est. 1+ Humpback Whales north of Saltery Bay Ferry Terminal, east of Powell River, Jervis Inlet. Saw blows. ▫ Observed from Shore
Myrt Brewster, Powell River, BC
Wed Sep 21 2022
08:32 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north-east between Hill Island and Center Islet, Sutil Channel. Heading towards Penn Islands.
Jim Rogers, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:01 • 4 Humpback Whales spread out, between Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy and Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
Nova Tulloch, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:22 • 1 Humpback Whales foraging, at the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
09:35 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north off the turning rock at the reef near Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:46 • est. 5-6 Humpback Whales off Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.
Nova Tulloch, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:48 • est. 1-2 Humpback Whales at the Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
10:00 • Humpback Whales across from Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
10:18 • 4 Humpback Whales at the Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
10:23 • 3 Humpback Whales by Harwood Island Sandbanks (Bluffs), Malaspina Strait.
10:23 • 1 Humpback Whales out from Willingdon Beach, Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
10:37 • est. 5+ Humpback Whales foraging, between Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper) and Gibsons Beach, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales near Powell River
Wed, 21 Sep 2022 – 3 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales near Powell River
Wed, 21 Sep 2022 – 3 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
10:42 • est. 8 Humpback Whales between the cell tower, Francisco Point and Marina Island shack, Sutil Channel.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
10:44 • 2 Humpback Whales off the north side of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Nova Tulloch, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:18 • 6 Humpback Whales off Dogfish Bay at the southeast end of Quadra Island, Sutil Channel. Awesome viewing.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:40 • Humpback Whales heading north between Marina Reef and Cortez Reef, Sutil Channel.
15:40 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north between Cortes Island and Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
16:35 • 2 Humpback Whales lunge feeding, off Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Thu Sep 22 2022
08:29 • Humpback Whales heading south close to shore just south of the Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
08:32 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north at the Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
08:41 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north, north of the Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy. Two more.
09:02 • 3 Humpback Whales in the shallows off Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel. Two groups have joined.
Nova Tulloch, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:34 • 3 Humpback Whales at the Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
10:23 • 2 Humpback Whales west of Cortez Reef, Georgia Strait. Mom and calf.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:50 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCZ0338 Geometry◦ off shore near the older Quadra Island cell tower, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
11:50 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0649 Barracuda◦ off Marina Reef, Sutil Channel. and her calf.
11:50 • Humpback Whales ◦BCX0565 Nick◦ off Hill Island, Sutil Channel. and her calf.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
12:00 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north close to Dogfish Bay at the southeast end of Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
13:25 • 2 Humpback Whales between Centre Islet and Coulter Island, Sutil Channel. Mom and calf.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:24 • 2 Humpback Whales between Powell River Ferry Terminal and the Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
SW, Powell River, BC
15:52 • 2 Humpback Whales taking long dives, between Centre Islet and Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel. Mom and calf. Taking five – six minute dives.
Jim Rogers, Campbell River Whale Watching
16:00 • 5 Humpback Whales between Francisco Point and Marina Island, Sutil Channel.
Jude Abrams, Otter Be Good Productions
17:53 • 1 Humpback Whales lunge feeding, off Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Georgia Strait.
Zoe Hasenfratz, Campbell River Whale Watching
18:04 • 1 Humpback Whales off the ferry line between Powell River Ferry Terminal and Comox (Little River) Ferry Terminal, Malaspina Strait. ▫ From Ferry
Darcy, Campbell River, BC
Fri Sep 23 2022
10:15 • 2 Humpback Whales off Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
10:20 • Humpback Whales south side of Hardwicke Island, Johnstone Strait.
11:00 • Humpback Whales, Raza Passage.
11:10 • 2 Humpback Whales at Dogfish Bay at the southeast end of Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:00 • est. 6-8 Humpback Whales travelling, heading south south of the quarry in Malaspina Strait. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
GB, Bend, Oregon, USA
15:30 • 1 Humpback Whales between Stuart Island and Mushkin 5, Calm Channel.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
20:00 • Humpback Whales in Blubber Bay, Malaspina Strait.
Vicki McLaughlin, Texada Island, BC
Sat Sep 24 2022
08:06 • 2 Humpback Whales lunge feeding, at Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Stan Novotny, Stan Novotny Productions
08:44 • 2 Humpback Whales near shore at We Wai Kai Village, Cape Mudge, Discovery Passage.
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:46 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north at Quathiaski Cove Ferry Terminal, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
10:20 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north towards Vanada on Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
10:30 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north at Copper Cliffs, Discovery Passage.
Josh Grin, Discovery West Adventures
12:15 • 2 Humpback Whales lunge feeding, off Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
12:53 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south at Cape Mudge Lighthouse on Quadra Island, Georgia Strait.
13:09 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south-east abeam Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:00 • 2 Humpback Whales between Marina Reef and Francisco Point, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:45 • Humpback Whales off Henrietta Point, Stuart Island, Bute Inlet.
15:00 • Humpback Whales breaching, off Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
15:18 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north at the north side of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Tyler Bruce, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:56 • 2 Humpback Whales between Mitlenatch Island and Spoil Grounds, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
16:00 • Humpback Whales bubble netting, at Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
18:30 • 2 Humpback Whales lunge feeding, off Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
19:03 • 1 Humpback Whales near Francisco Point, Quadra Island.
Jude Abrams, Otter Be Good Productions
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales seen around September 20th, 2022
Tue, 20 Sep 2022 – 8 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales seen around September 20th, 2022
Tue, 20 Sep 2022 – 8 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales
Fri, 23 Sep 2022 – 2 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales
Fri, 23 Sep 2022 – 2 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Tue Sep 20 2022
08:45 • PWS Dolphins heading east off Hkusam, 45 Point, Johnstone Strait. Small group.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
10:00 • 100 PWS Dolphins at Greensea Bay on the west side of Sonora Island, Discovery Passage.
10:35 • 100 PWS Dolphins frolicking, off Turn Island, Johnstone Strait. with some Steller sealions. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Bradden Kiley, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:30 • PWS Dolphins heading north towards Frederick Arm.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:20 • 60 PWS Dolphins foraging, just east od Denham Islet, Dent Rapids.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins near Dent Rapids
Tue, 20 Sep 2022 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins near Dent Rapids
Tue, 20 Sep 2022 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
12:22 • est. 60 PWS Dolphins foraging, just east of Denham Islet. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
12:55 • est. 75 PWS Dolphins playing, off Denham Bay, Dent Rapids.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
Wed Sep 21 2022
09:00 • PWS Dolphins near Turn Island, Johnstone Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
10:40 • est. 100+ PWS Dolphins milling, off Greensea Bay on the west side of Sonora Island, Discovery Passage.
Quinn Kuschel-Ross, Campbell River Whale Watching
12:25 • est. 75 PWS Dolphins milling, off Cinque Islands, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
19:30 • est. 100 PWS Dolphins heading west near Chatham Point, Discovery Passage.
Josh Grin, Discovery West Adventures
Thu Sep 22 2022
14:07 • est. 100 PWS Dolphins milling, off Venture Point, Okisollo Channel.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:30 • est. 100 PWS Dolphins milling, west of Venture Point. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Fri Sep 23 2022
13:34 • est. 100+ PWS Dolphins off Granite Point, Discovery Passage.
16:27 • PWS Dolphins heading south off Separation Head, Discovery Passage. Surfing the cruise ship wake at 12 knots.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Fri, 23 Sep 2022 – 3 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Fri, 23 Sep 2022 – 3 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
DALLS PORPOISE
Tue Sep 20 2022
10:25 • 25 Dalls Porpoise in Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
HARBOUR PORPOISE
Mon Sep 19 2022
18:55 • 2 Harbour Porpoise north of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Jude Abrams, Otter Be Good Productions
OF SPECIAL NOTE
Mon Sep 19 2022
14:00 • 1 Other Species off Powell River Westview Harbour, Malaspina Strait. Elephant Seal. ▫ Observed from Shore
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Tue Sep 20 2022
15:15 • 1 Other Species milling, at Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait. Elephant Seal.
Radio, overheard or call out

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The Magazine
REGIONAL & NATIONAL
Southern resident killer whale population falls to 73
CTV News
The Center for Whale Research’s (CWR) annual census of the southern resident killer whale (SRKW) population shows a decrease in the number of the endangered orcas that seasonally live in B.C. waters….
read on

RESEARCH & CONSERVATION
In the Mind of a Whale
Hakai Magazine
Brains are complex and delicate organs-and whale brains especially so. Few whales are in good condition when they beach. Fewer still are reached in time to extract the brain before it decomposes. It’s the first organ to go because the sensitive tissues are pressure-cooked deep inside the dying animal’s skull by body heat the whale cannot release. And rare are the people with the skills to extract and preserve them….
read on

Sperm whales use distinct vocalizations to identify different whale clans
Newport News-Times
Sperm whales in the Pacific Ocean make distinct vocalizations that help them identify whales in different clans, a new study from a team including an Oregon State University researcher found.

These vocalizations, called "identity codas," are unique sequences of Morse code-like clicking sounds that function as symbolic markers of different social groups and are indicative of whale culture, researchers say….
read on

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