Whale Behaviours!

A publication of Wild Ocean Whale Society (WOWs)

Whale Behaviours!


Cover Image:
Humpback Whale near Powell River
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC

Different behaviours were displayed by Cetaceans. Many Humpback whales were observed breaching, lunge feeding, and doing pectoral slaps. Some Humpbacks were milling with a few of them observed swimming in circles. Humpbacks were also seen resting; when they rest, the whales will be at the surface or just under the surface of the water and be quite still. A notable behaviour observed was a large pod of Pacific White-Sided dolphins (approx. 200 dolpins) foraging. Pacific White-Sided dolphins were also seen interacting with sea lions on one occasion and with Dall’s porpoises on another occasion.

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.
A great resource for up to date Canadian or US regulations: Be Whale Wise Guidelines

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

Society News & Events
Donatons:
Thank you all for your kind donations. Your support is greatly appreciated to keep us going. 
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. Information on our Feral Cat Initiative has been updated.
Instagram and Twitter: Instagram at Wildoceanwhalesociety and Twitter (on hold for now) at WhalesDolphins 

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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.
Review our previous Volunteer Job Postings Job Postings are slowly being revamped (we're volunteers too, so sorry for the delays) and not yet on our web sites. 

Data For Research:
For research access to 33,000+ sightings in our database in a downloadable csv file for use in a spreadsheet, please Click Here. to fill in your request.
Sightings Update
SIGHTINGS MAP – ISSUE: 2023-019
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Mon Aug 21 2023
06:30 • 7 Biggs Orca heading north passing Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
09:02 • Biggs Orca ◦T101s◦ in Lewis Channel. ▫ Second Hand
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
12:47 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading north just north of Dunsterville Islet, Hoskyn Channel.
13:30 • Biggs Orca ◦T101s◦ heading north-east between Twin Islands and Sutil Point, Baker Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Tue Aug 22 2023
10:50 • est. 5 Biggs Orca moving quickly, heading north-west mid-channel at Carlson Point, Sechelt Inlet. ▫ Observed from Shore
RT
10:53 • Biggs Orca off Rebecca Spit Marine Park headed towards Drew Harbour, . Many Orca.
Jen Smalley, Wild Waterways Adventures
13:45 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs,T101s◦ heading south past Hoskyn Rock and Read Island, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Tue, 22 Aug 2023 – 3 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Tue, 22 Aug 2023 – 3 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Wed Aug 23 2023
10:10 • est. 20+ Biggs Orca southeast of the Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait. Heard over VHF. ▫ Second Hand
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
10:13 • 9 Biggs Orca heading north just south of Big Rock, Campbell River, Georgia Strait. Close to shore.
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:00 • est. 8 Biggs Orca heading north right in front of Discovery Harbour Marina, Campbell River, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:00 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs, T037s◦ heading north passing the mill at Duncan Bay, Campbell River, Discovery Passage.
13:15 • est. 9-10 Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs, T037s◦ heading north approaching Browns Bay, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:00 • Biggs Orca heading north heading towards Kanish Bay, Discovery Passage. Heading towards the dolphins.
Radio, overheard or call out
Thu Aug 24 2023
07:16 • est. 4 Biggs Orca frolicking, heading north, Mill Bay, Saanich Inlet. Travelled across Sannich inlet and then playing near a point. ▫ Observed from Shore
KS, Mill Bay, BC
08:33 • Biggs Orca off Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel. ▫ Second Hand
10:30 • Biggs Orca north of Bold Point, Hoskyn Channel. Two or three families.
Jen Smalley, Wild Waterways Adventures
Fri Aug 25 2023
09:42 • Biggs Orca west of Bowyer Island, Howe Sound.
Ivan Ng, North Vancouver, BC
10:00 • Biggs Orca by Elk Bay, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:45 • est. 5-6 Biggs Orca approaching Walcan Seafood Plant, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
14:40 • Biggs Orca ◦T065As◦ south of Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
16:15 • 15 Biggs Orca ◦T018s,T023s,T065As◦ heading south off Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait.
Jen Smalley, Wild Waterways Adventures
Mon Aug 28 2023
12:47 • Biggs Orca ◦T101s◦ heading north between Marina Island and Smelt Bay, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Mon, 28 Aug 2023 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Mon, 28 Aug 2023 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:35 • Biggs Orca ◦T018s◦ heading north approaching Marina Reef, Sutil Channel. T019B was not with the group.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Tue Aug 29 2023
11:25 • 3 Biggs Orca ◦T063 Chainsaw◦ in Young Passage, Nodales Channel. With other Orca.
11:25 • Biggs Orca ◦T023s, T101s◦ in Teakerne Arm.
Radio, overheard or call out
Wed Aug 30 2023
11:30 • est. 3 Biggs Orca heading south by Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait. ▫ Second Hand
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
T036Bs off VanAnda Aug. 16th.
Wed, 16 Aug 2023 – 1 items
Brenda Currie, VanAnda, BC

SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
T036Bs off VanAnda Aug. 16th.
Wed, 16 Aug 2023 – 1 items
Brenda Currie, VanAnda, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales seen on tours around August 21st
Mon, 21 Aug 2023 – 7 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales seen on tours around August 21st
Mon, 21 Aug 2023 – 7 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales seen on tours
Thu, 24 Aug 2023 – 7 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales seen on tours
Thu, 24 Aug 2023 – 7 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
NORTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
Tue Aug 22 2023
19:30 • NRKW Orca heading west out of Nodales Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Wed Aug 23 2023
09:45 • NRKW Orca in Frederick Arm. VHF report from Eagle Master. ▫ Second Hand
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
Thu Aug 24 2023
12:24 • NRKW Orca ◦A35s◦ heading north, Okisollo Channel.
Jen Smalley, Wild Waterways Adventures
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whales seen on tour
Fri, 25 Aug 2023 – 5 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Northern Resident Killer Whales
Northern Resident Killer Whales seen on tour
Fri, 25 Aug 2023 – 5 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
Sat Aug 26 2023
12:15 • 1 Orca in Davis Bay, Sechelt, Georgia Strait. One male. ▫ Observed from Shore
Terry Brown, Otter Be Good Productions
Wed Aug 30 2023
08:10 • 10 Orca heading west off Yorke Island, Johnstone Strait.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
HUMPBACK WHALES
Fri Aug 18 2023
15:00 • 1 Humpback Whales tail lobs, heading south around Forbes Bay, Homfray Channel. Fin slapping and breaching. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
JH
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales
Fri, 18 Aug 2023 – 3 items
JH
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales
Fri, 18 Aug 2023 – 3 items
JH
Mon Aug 21 2023
06:30 • 5 Humpback Whales spread out in strait Van Anda, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
Tue Aug 22 2023
10:15 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south, south of Teakerne Arm in Lewis Channel. 1 large bulbous dorsal fin.
Jude Abrams, Otter Be Good Productions
Wed Aug 23 2023
11:41 • 1 Humpback Whales mid channel in front of the Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
11:41 • est. 2+ Humpback Whales west of Rebecca Rocks, Georgia Strait.
Sherri Wretham, Powell River, BC
12:05 • Humpback Whales breaching, heading north just north of Penn Islands, Sutil Channel.
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters
12:15 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south by Mystery Reef, Malaspina Strait. Mom and calf.
12:48 • 2 Humpback Whales by Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
16:00 • 1 Humpback Whales bucking tide, in Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
17:39 • Humpback Whales breaching, off Coho (Kiddie) Point at the NW tip of Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
Sherri Wretham, Powell River, BC
Thu Aug 24 2023
10:10 • 1 Humpback Whales at the north tip of North Rendezvous Island, Calm Channel.
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:25 • 2 Humpback Whales at the south entrance to Teakerne Arm.
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters
14:30 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north-east off Blubber Bay at the north end of Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. One was up breathing at the surface and not moving around. The second was breaching in circles around it. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
HH, Texada Island, BC
15:40 • 1 Humpback Whales breaching, heading south between Harwood Island Sandbanks (Bluffs) and Harwood Island Spit, Malaspina Strait. Active, breaching and slaps.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Fri Aug 25 2023
08:35 • Humpback Whales on Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
08:45 • 1 Humpback Whales travelling, heading south between Blubber Bay and Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait. ▫ From Ferry
Myrt Brewster, Powell River, BC
09:11 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north off Dogfish Bay at the southeast end of Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
09:11 • Humpback Whales off Marina Island, Sutil Channel.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:30 • 4 Humpback Whales between Hernando Island and Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:00 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north, north of Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:00 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south past Powell River Westview Harbour, Malaspina Strait.
Jude Abrams, Otter Be Good Productions
15:30 • 2 Humpback Whales doing circles, off Sarah Point, Malaspina Strait.
16:48 • 2 Humpback Whales at Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters
17:32 • 2 Humpback Whales off Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
17:49 • 2 Humpback Whales lunge feeding, off Francisco Point, Quadra Island. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
18:20 • 2 Humpback Whales off Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.
19:08 • 1 Humpback Whales west of Marina Island shack, Sutil Channel.
19:55 • 1 Humpback Whales off Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
Sat Aug 26 2023
10:00 • 3 Humpback Whales off Wilby Shoals and towards Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:16 • 3 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0864 Canuck,BCY1025 Jackson◦ north of Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
12:30 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north between Bliss Landing and Sarah Point, Malaspina Strait. Left the whales at 12:46pm. They were still northbound off Sarah Point with lots of boats around.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:11 • 3 Humpback Whales at Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jen Smalley, Wild Waterways Adventures
13:28 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north-west, to the south of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:18 • est. 2-3 Humpback Whales on the south side of Mace Point, Savary Island, Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales
Sat, 26 Aug 2023 – 7 items
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales
Sat, 26 Aug 2023 – 7 items
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
14:38 • 3 Humpback Whales ◦BCX0380 Zed / Zorro◦ north of Mink Island, Desolation Sound.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:40 • est. 6-7 Humpback Whales ◦BCX Scuba,BCX1068 Split Fluke,BCY1108 Mogul◦ foraging, on the shoals by Mace Point, Malaspina Strait. Others were too distant to be able to ID. Scuba’s number is now BCY1225.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
15:04 • 4 Humpback Whales foraging, near the Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
16:26 • 4 Humpback Whales ◦BCX1068 Split Fluke,BCY0864 Canuck,BCY1025 Jackson◦ resting, south of Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait. The forth one stayed too far below the surface to ID.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales Sleeping
Sat, 26 Aug 2023 – 5 items
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales Sleeping
Sat, 26 Aug 2023 – 5 items
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
20:30 • est. 5 Humpback Whales foraging, heading north-east, Teakerne Arm. Group of large whales, slowly working up the south shoreline of teakerne arm. About a dozen loud blows (very clearly heardfrom 3/4 mile.), then they’d all dive for about 5 minutes. A few audible long cries, some breaches. Over an hour of activity. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
MC, Eugene, OR
Sun Aug 27 2023
09:35 • 3 Humpback Whales heading south just to the south of Harwood Island Sandbanks (Bluffs), Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
09:45 • Humpback Whales lunge feeding, in front of Quathiaski Cove, Discovery Passage.
09:45 • Humpback Whales lunge feeding, by Whiskey Point, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
11:00 • Humpback Whales breaching in Teakerne Arm.
13:40 • est. 5-6 Humpback Whales ◦BCX1845 Harlequin◦ below Ajax Bank west of Texada Island, Georgia Strait.
13:52 • est. 2 Humpback Whales by Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:20 • 2 Humpback Whales heading east between the Quadra Island Scallop Farm and the north end of Marina Island, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
16:14 • Humpback Whales at the top of Thulin Passage, Malaspina Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
Mon Aug 28 2023
08:32 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south by Westview, Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Micheline Macauley, Texada Island, BC
09:32 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south a third of the way out from Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
10:25 • 2 Humpback Whales breaching, east of Grilse Point near Blubber Bay, Malaspina Strait.
Sherri Wretham, Powell River, BC
12:00 • 3 Humpback Whales heading south-west a half-mile offshore of Quadra Island cell tower, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Tue Aug 29 2023
12:44 • 1 Humpback Whales near Texada Ferry coming out of Blubber Bay, Malaspina Strait.
Brenda Currie, VanAnda, BC
13:10 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦T101s,T223s◦ turned down towards Bullock Bluff, Cortes Island, Calm Channel.
15:31 • 5 Humpback Whales milling, south of red can on Cortez Reef, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Wed Aug 30 2023
07:00 • Humpback Whales hanging outside of Van Anda, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
08:30 • Humpback Whales breaching, heading north mid-channel between Harwood Island and Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Sherri Wretham, Powell River, BC
08:40 • 4 Humpback Whales bottom of Cortez Reef in front of Baker Passage, Georgia Strait.
09:45 • Humpback Whales in Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
10:08 • Humpback Whales in Big Bay, Stuart Island, Yuculta Rapids. In the current.
Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters
11:51 • 6 Humpback Whales east of the Spoil Grounds south of Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales
Wed, 30 Aug 2023 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales
Wed, 30 Aug 2023 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
13:01 • est. 2 Humpback Whales breaching, heading south between Powell River and Grilse Point, Malaspina Strait. Counted seven breaches.
Heather Harbord, Powell River, BC
Thu Aug 31 2023
09:45 • est. 4 Humpback Whales between Harwood Island and Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Sherri Wretham, Powell River, BC
11:10 • Humpback Whales from Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait. Doing pectoral slaps. Ferry did a good job of dancing around him/her.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
12:01 • 2 Humpback Whales Spoil Grounds south of Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
12:04 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south out from Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
12:52 • 3 Humpback Whales heading south, Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
14:04 • 12+ Humpback Whales Grant Reefs, Georgia Strait. Animals were spread out in a 3 mile radius around the reefs.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:50 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north-west from the north end of North Thormanby Island, Malaspina Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
15:50 • 1 Humpback Whales breaching, heading north, Grilse Point at the north end of Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. Breaching and slaps.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales
Thu, 31 Aug 2023 – 2 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales
Thu, 31 Aug 2023 – 2 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
18:10 • Humpback Whales heading south just south of Van Anda, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales seen on tour on August 29th
Tue, 29 Aug 2023 – 4 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales seen on tour on August 29th
Tue, 29 Aug 2023 – 4 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales on tour August 31st
Thu, 31 Aug 2023 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales on tour August 31st
Thu, 31 Aug 2023 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales near Powell River on August 30th
Wed, 30 Aug 2023 – 8 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales near Powell River on August 30th
Wed, 30 Aug 2023 – 8 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales seen on tours
Thu, 24 Aug 2023 – 2 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales seen on tours
Thu, 24 Aug 2023 – 2 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Mon Aug 21 2023
09:41 • est. 20 PWS Dolphins between Walkem Islands and Turn Island, Johnstone Strait.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Tue Aug 22 2023
19:00 • est. 200 PWS Dolphins foraging in Frederick Arm.
Radio, overheard or call out
Wed Aug 23 2023
12:04 • PWS Dolphins at Bliss Landing, Malaspina Strait.
Sonje Boyd, Footprint Kayak and Hike Explorations
15:00 • PWS Dolphins just outside of Kanish Bay. Just ahead of the Transient Biggs Orca.
Radio, overheard or call out
15:15 • est. 70 PWS Dolphins milling, near Elk Bay, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins near Elk Bay
Wed, 23 Aug 2023 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins near Elk Bay
Wed, 23 Aug 2023 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Fri Aug 25 2023
09:45 • PWS Dolphins at the bottom of the Copeland Islands, Malaspina Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
16:09 • 12 PWS Dolphins milling west of Arran Rapids. With sea lions.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
Sat Aug 26 2023
10:20 • PWS Dolphins by Copeland Islands, Malaspina Strait.
12:01 • PWS Dolphins at the north end of Thulin Passage, Malaspina Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:13 • est. 22 PWS Dolphins moving slowly, at the north end of Thulin Passage. Initially, the dolphins were heading south. At 12:18, they turned back to the north end.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
Tue Aug 29 2023
13:20 • PWS Dolphins moving quickly, heading south bound, abeam of Bear Bight, Johnstone Strait.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Wed Aug 30 2023
08:55 • PWS Dolphins at the mouth of Loughborough Inlet. Big pod.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins seen on tours
Thu, 24 Aug 2023 – 2 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins seen on tours
Thu, 24 Aug 2023 – 2 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
DALLS PORPOISE
Tue Aug 22 2023
19:00 • Dalls Porpoise foraging in Frederick Arm. With the dolphins.
Radio, overheard or call out
Mon Aug 28 2023
09:40 • 6 Dalls Porpoise by Separation Head, Discovery Passage.
09:40 • Dalls Porpoise across from Chatham Point, Nodales Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
HARBOUR PORPOISE
Wed Aug 23 2023
10:57 • est. 3-4 Harbour Porpoise by Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out

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The Navy began dropping the blocks into the Gulf of California last year, in hopes it may help save the world’s most endangered marine mammal….
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Sperm and northern bottlenose whales observed swimming behind deep-sea trawler net to feed on escaping fish
Phys Org
Sperm and northern bottlenose whales were frequently observed following a trawler off the coast of Newfoundland to feed on fish escaping from the net as it was hauled in, according to a study published August 23, 2023 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Usua Oyarbide from Plentzia Marine Station-Univ Basque Country, Spain, and colleagues….
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