The Blows of Cetaceans!
Cover Image:
Transient Biggs Killer Whale blowing mid channel
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
One obvious sign that there are Cetaceans close by are their blows (or spouts) which can be seen and heard. Blows of whales and dolphins vary in shape and sizes. For example, the blows of an Orca tend to be round and not more than 1.5-meters tall, while the blows of a Humpback whale tend to be slim and reaches 3-4 meters in height. One can see blows of Humpback whales and other larger whales from quite a distance (i.e. a few kilometers away) even without the use of binoculars. The blows of porpoises are not visible but can be heard, such as the blows of Harbour porpoises. In the past, Harbour porpoises were nicknamed “puffing pigs” because of the sound that they make as they breathe. Keep your eyes and ears open when you are out on the water or near the sea, and hopefully you can observe Cetaceans and see their unique blows.
The Federal Government (DFO) issued the following statement about watching Orca in the wild: “Vessels must stay 400m away from all killer whales in southern BC coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet until May 31, 2024.” 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 OR while viewing any Cetaceans that are resting or with a calf. When viewing whales, dolphins, and porpoises under other circumstances not described above, 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.
Ivan Ng, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Society News & Events
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Sightings Update
SIGHTINGS MAP – ISSUE: 2023-010
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Wed Jun 07 2023
10:10 • Biggs Orca south of Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
10:24 • Biggs Orca headed towards Center Islet north-west of Subtle Islands from mid Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
11:00 • 10+ Biggs Orca ◦T018s◦ heading north off the Quadra Island Scallop Farm south of Heriot Bay, Sutil Channel.
Reuben Buerge, Wild Waterways Adventures
12:15 • 10+ Biggs Orca heading north between Hoskyn Rock and Breton Islands, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales between Hoskyn Rock and Breton Islands, Sutil Channel.
Wed, 7 Jun 2023 – 6 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales between Hoskyn Rock and Breton Islands, Sutil Channel.
Wed, 7 Jun 2023 – 6 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
13:00 • 10+ Biggs Orca ◦T018s,T046Cs◦ moving slowly, heading north at Village Bay, Quadra Island, Hoskyn Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:20 • Biggs Orca off Conville Point, Quadra Island, Hoskyn Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Thu Jun 08 2023
10:35 • 4 Biggs Orca heading south, Oyster River, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:32 • 4+ Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading south off the Pinnacles, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales -T002Cs – heading south off the Pinnacles, Georgia Strait.
Thu, 8 Jun 2023 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales -T002Cs – heading south off the Pinnacles, Georgia Strait.
Thu, 8 Jun 2023 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
21:07 • est. 2 Biggs Orca heading north off Van Anda, Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. One big Orca plus another smaller one.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
Fri Jun 09 2023
17:45 • 2 Biggs Orca around Coho (Kiddie) Point at the NW tip of Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. ▫ From Ferry
John Hermsen, Footprint Kayak and Hike Explorations
Sat Jun 10 2023
10:50 • 3 Biggs Orca hunting, south-west side of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
11:05 • Biggs Orca at the Spoil Grounds south of Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait. this is a second group of Bigg’s.
11:55 • est. 2-3 Biggs Orca off Marina Island, Sutil Channel. this is a third group of Bigg’s.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:24 • Biggs Orca ◦T100s◦ heading north between Francisco Point and Marina Island, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
12:30 • 2 Biggs Orca ◦T019B Galiano◦ off Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
13:06 • Biggs Orca ◦T018s◦ spread out, heading north approaching Whaletown, Cortes Island, Sutil Channel. Travelling in pairs.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales travelling together close to shore
Sat, 10 Jun 2023 – 6 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales travelling together close to shore
Sat, 10 Jun 2023 – 6 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Sun Jun 11 2023
12:35 • 2 Biggs Orca ◦T019,T019B Galiano◦ heading south approaching Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Tue Jun 13 2023
11:17 • est. 5 Biggs Orca off Junction Point, Lewis Channel. 1 big fin, 3 small, and a possible youngster.
12:07 • Biggs Orca heading north up Lewis Channel.
Graham Evans, Stowaway Adventures
Wed Jun 14 2023
12:34 • Biggs Orca ◦T018s◦ heading south at Kellsey Point off Stuart Island, Yuculta Rapids. Lots of small fins.
Jen Smalley, Wild Waterways Adventures
13:40 • est. 8+ Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading south just past Mushkin 5, Sonora Island, Calm Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales moving slowly together
Wed, 14 Jun 2023 – 7 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales moving slowly together
Wed, 14 Jun 2023 – 7 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Thu Jun 15 2023
12:20 • 2 Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading north off the log sort at Brooks Bay, Cordero Channel. Including one big fin.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
14:35 • Biggs Orca heading west off Chatham Point into Johnstone Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales hunting Pacific White Sided dolphins!
Sat, 17 Jun 2023 – 5 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales hunting Pacific White Sided dolphins!
Sat, 17 Jun 2023 – 5 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whale travelling mid channel
Sat, 3 Jun 2023 – 1 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whale travelling mid channel
Sat, 3 Jun 2023 – 1 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
HUMPBACK WHALES
Wed Jun 07 2023
11:10 • 3 Humpback Whales ◦BCX1705 Ocular,BCY0324 Big Mama◦ off Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.
14:20 • Humpback Whales off Rebecca Spit, Sutil Channel.
14:25 • 5 Humpback Whales between Breton Islands and Viner Point, Sutil Channel. 3 together then another two close together.
15:27 • 3 Humpback Whales on the ferry line off Whaletown, Cortes Island, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
15:30 • 5 Humpback Whales off Viner Point, Read Island, Sutil Channel.
Reuben Buerge, Wild Waterways Adventures
Thu Jun 08 2023
10:45 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north, Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
11:29 • 3 Humpback Whales heading south-west off the Spoil Grounds south of Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:05 • Humpback Whales between Marina Island and Francisco Point, Sutil Channel.
14:08 • 4 Humpback Whales between Center Islet and Viner Point, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:15 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south-west about 2 miles north of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
14:39 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south-west off Viner Point, Read Island, Sutil Channel.
15:23 • 3 Humpback Whales heading east between Burdwood Bay and Hill Island, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:45 • 2 Humpback Whales in front of Burdwood Bay, Read Island, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
16:08 • 3 Humpback Whales off the north-east side of Hill Island, Sutil Channel.
Jim Rogers, Campbell River Whale Watching
Fri Jun 09 2023
09:25 • Humpback Whales ◦BCY0291 KC◦ off Race Point, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
09:42 • 2 Humpback Whales between Marina Reef and Cape Mudge, Sutil Channel. More puffs farther north.
Bradden Kiley, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:55 • 4 Humpback Whales heading north in 2 groups of 2, between Mitlenatch Island and Cortez Reef, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
13:10 • 2 Humpback Whales off Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
13:20 • 3 Humpback Whales heading east towards Marina Reef, Sutil Channel. in addition to the two by Francisco Pt.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:34 • 1 Humpback Whales doing circles, 1.5 nm off Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
14:58 • 2 Humpback Whales doing circles, east of the Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
16:53 • 2 Humpback Whales on the Spoil Grounds south of Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait. Appears to be heading south.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
Sat Jun 10 2023
10:00 • Humpback Whales off Viner Point, Read Island, Sutil Channel. ▫ Second Hand
Reuben Buerge, Wild Waterways Adventures
10:06 • 1 Humpback Whales foraging, south-west of Center Islet north-west of Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel.
10:06 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north about 1-NM off of Dogfish Bay at the southeast end of Quadra Island, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
10:12 • 2 Humpback Whales heading towards Viner Point, Read Island, Sutil Channel.
10:45 • 2 Humpback Whales south-west of Viner Point, Read Island. ▫ Leaving the Scene
10:45 • 1 Humpback Whales breaching, off Rebecca Spit, Sutil Channel. View from a distance.
Jen Smalley, Wild Waterways Adventures
11:20 • Humpback Whales breaching, north-east side of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
11:50 • 2 Humpback Whales south of the Spoil Grounds south of Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait.
13:45 • 3 Humpback Whales heading south off the Quadra Island Scallop Farm south of Heriot Bay, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:00 • 2 Humpback Whales at Dogfish Bay at the southeast end of Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Sun Jun 11 2023
14:43 • 1 Humpback Whales between Copper Bluffs and Race Point in the middle of Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jim Rogers, Campbell River Whale Watching
19:35 • est. 2 Humpback Whales mid channel on ferry line between Powell River Ferry Terminal and Comox (Little River) Ferry Terminal, Georgia Strait.
20:05 • 1 Humpback Whales heading west from Rebecca Rocks, Georgia Strait. ▫ From Ferry
20:15 • 1 Humpback Whales heading west between Rebecca Rocks and Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait. ▫ From Ferry
John Hermsen, Footprint Kayak and Hike Explorations
Mon Jun 12 2023
11:49 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south, just south of Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait.
12:45 • 6 Humpback Whales in 3 groups of 2, south east of Sentry Shoal.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpbacks surfacing near Sentry Shoal, Georgia Stait
Mon, 12 Jun 2023 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpbacks surfacing near Sentry Shoal, Georgia Stait
Mon, 12 Jun 2023 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Tue Jun 13 2023
09:41 • 2 Humpback Whales between Marina Island and Francisco Point, Sutil Channel. More blows NW.
12:11 • 2 Humpback Whales off the Breton Islands, Sutil Channel.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
Wed Jun 14 2023
10:35 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north between Francisco Point and Cortes Island, Sutil Channel.
10:35 • 2 Humpback Whales about mid channel on a line from Francisco Point to Cortes Island.
10:41 • Humpback Whales close ashore along the shoreline of Quadra Island, Sutil Channel. Second group.
11:03 • est. 5 Humpback Whales mid channel of Marina Island shack, Sutil Channel. Third group.
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters
12:45 • est. 7-8 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading south in different groups between Marina Island shack and Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpback showing off its fluke!
Wed, 14 Jun 2023 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpback showing off its fluke!
Wed, 14 Jun 2023 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:45 • Humpback Whales heading north a third of the way from Powell River Viewpoint to Blubber Bay, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Thu Jun 15 2023
09:53 • Humpback Whales off the Powell River Ferry Terminal, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
10:05 • Humpback Whales at Quathiaski Cove, Discovery Passage.
12:10 • 2 Humpback Whales off Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.
12:40 • 2 Humpback Whales near the Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
14:26 • Humpback Whales off Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. many in the area.
15:35 • 2 Humpback Whales between Francisco Point and Marina Island, Sutil Channel.
16:20 • est. 4-5 Humpback Whales out from Dogfish Bay, Sutil Channel. There’s about 20 Humpbacks total in Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Fri Jun 16 2023
09:34 • 3 Humpback Whales doing circles, south of the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:50 • 2 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading south south of the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy.
12:00 • est. 3-4 Humpback Whales heading north between Marina Island and Francisco Point, Sutil Channel.
12:30 • 2 Humpback Whales breaching; pec slapping, mid channel off Marina Island shack, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpbacks slapping their fins!
Fri, 16 Jun 2023 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpbacks slapping their fins!
Fri, 16 Jun 2023 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
13:45 • 1 Humpback Whales breaching, heading south-east north east side of Ahgykson Island/ Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait. Flying above Ahgykson Island on helicopter. ▫ Observed from Shore
CG
15:00 • est. 6-7 Humpback Whales between the Quadra Island Scallop Farm Viner Point and the north end of Marina Island, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback taking a big dive!
Sat, 3 Jun 2023 – 1 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback taking a big dive!
Sat, 3 Jun 2023 – 1 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Wed Jun 07 2023
10:00 • PWS Dolphins at the top of Nodales Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Fri Jun 09 2023
11:20 • PWS Dolphins off Horn Point, Dent Rapids.
13:14 • PWS Dolphins at Horn Bay, Dent Rapids.
Radio, overheard or call out
13:16 • est. 50 PWS Dolphins in Horn Bay.
Bradden Kiley, Campbell River Whale Watching
Sun Jun 11 2023
15:26 • est. 30 PWS Dolphins milling, in 1.2 metre waves north of Dogfish Bay, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Tue Jun 13 2023
11:11 • est. 12 PWS Dolphins feeding on Herring near Walcan Seafood Plant, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Thu Jun 15 2023
15:44 • PWS Dolphins off Venture Point, Okisollo Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Fri Jun 16 2023
14:38 • est. 20 PWS Dolphins milling, mid channel off Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
HARBOUR PORPOISE
Wed Jun 07 2023
08:05 • 2 Harbour Porpoise moving slowly, heading north-west approximately 500-m off Logan Creek northwest of Port San Juan, Strait of Juan de Fuca. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
Mike Nedzelski, Victoria, BC
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