Pods of Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Cover Image:
Pacific White Sided Dolphins leaping through the air!
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
A number of pods of Pacific White-Sided dolphins were observed during the past couple of weeks. Two of the pods were quite large, numbering around 100 individuals per pod. Pacific White-Sided dolphins can be exciting to watch as they can swim quickly in front of boats (bow-riding) and they can jump 3 to 4 meters out of the water. On occasion, one might see a pod of these dolphins just traveling extremely slow because they need to rest from their other high-energy activities.
Transient Orca and Humpback whales continue to be seen in many areas in Georgia Strait and adjacent waterways. Pods of Dall’s porpoises and Harbour porpoises round out our report. Of note was a pod of Dall’s porpoises that appeared to include some hybrid porpoises (half Dall’s porpoise and half Harbour porpoise). Hybrid porpoises have been observed in B.C. and resemble more like Dall’s porpoises without the white patch on its sides.
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.
Ivan Ng, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Society News & Events
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Websites:
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Sightings Update
SIGHTINGS MAP – ISSUE: 2023-022
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Sat Sep 16 2023
11:00 • Biggs Orca ◦T063 Chainsaw◦ by Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait. And others.
12:03 • Biggs Orca ◦T090s◦ right inside Teakerne Arm.
14:50 • Biggs Orca heading north by Campbell River, Discovery Passage.
14:50 • Biggs Orca ◦T090s◦ outside of Refuge Cove, West Redonda Island, Lewis Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Sun Sep 17 2023
11:15 • Biggs Orca across from Elizabeth Island along the West Redonda Island shore Pryce Channel.
15:50 • Biggs Orca heading east from Prideaux Haven, Homfray Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Mon Sep 18 2023
15:00 • 7 Biggs Orca heading west towards Cape Mudge from Baker Passage, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
Wed Sep 20 2023
14:30 • 3 Biggs Orca ◦T101s◦ heading south at the south end of the Copeland Islands, Malaspina Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
15:52 • Biggs Orca ◦T101s◦ heading south off Mace Point, Savary Island, Malaspina Strait.
Jen Smalley, Wild Waterways Adventures
19:10 • est. 7 Biggs Orca heading south close to shore by Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait. Two big males in the pod.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
Thu Sep 21 2023
09:00 • Biggs Orca ◦T049s◦ by Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
09:30 • Biggs Orca ◦T049s◦ heading north-east from Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
11:29 • Biggs Orca ◦T049s◦ heading south towards Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
12:47 • Biggs Orca ◦T049s◦ heading east heading towards Hernando Island, Georgia Strait.
12:47 • est. 6-7 Biggs Orca another group on a sealion kill at Mace Point, Savary Island, Malaspina Strait.
13:50 • 7 Biggs Orca along the south side of Savary Island, Malaspina Strait.
14:07 • est. 16 Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs, T049s◦ between Mitlenatch Island and Hernando Island, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:15 • est. 12-14 Biggs Orca heading north between Hernando Island and Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Fri Sep 22 2023
13:55 • est. 7 Biggs Orca off South Beach Savary Island, Malaspina Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
15:30 • Biggs Orca ◦T090s◦ heading west out of Toba Inlet.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
16:12 • est. 2+ Biggs Orca heading north passing Powell River, Malaspina Strait. 2 big fins.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Sat Sep 23 2023
10:25 • est. 8-9 Biggs Orca heading south off Sarah Point, Malaspina Strait.
Sonje Boyd, Footprint Kayak and Hike Explorations
11:20 • est. 8 Biggs Orca outside of Finn Cove, Malaspina Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
15:35 • 3 Biggs Orca moving quickly, heading south passing Beach Gardens Marina, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales heading south passing Beach Gardens Marina, Malaspina Strait
Sat, 23 Sep 2023 – 4 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales heading south passing Beach Gardens Marina, Malaspina Strait
Sat, 23 Sep 2023 – 4 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Sun Sep 24 2023
–:– • Biggs Orca at the top of Toba Inlet.
Radio, overheard or call out
Wed Sep 27 2023
12:45 • 4 Biggs Orca by the Brem River, Toba Inlet.
12:50 • 3 Biggs Orca heading north by the Big Rock, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
15:00 • 3 Biggs Orca heading north at April Point, Discovery Passage. Small finned. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales heading north at April Point, Discovery Passage
Wed, 27 Sep 2023 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales heading north at April Point, Discovery Passage
Wed, 27 Sep 2023 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
16:18 • Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading north-west by Race Point, Discovery Passage.
17:45 • Biggs Orca heading west about half way between McMullen Point, Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
Thu Sep 28 2023
10:40 • est. 5-6 Biggs Orca at Kinghorn Island, Lewis Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
11:01 • 12 Biggs Orca heading north-east off Davis Point, Nodales Channel.
Reuben Buerge, Wild Waterways Adventures
11:48 • Biggs Orca between Kinghorn Island and Mary Point, Malaspina Strait.
Graham Evans, Stowaway Adventures
12:10 • Biggs Orca another group by Greensea Bay on the west side of Sonora Island, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:23 • Biggs Orca heading north in Lewis Channel.
Graham Evans, Stowaway Adventures
12:42 • 4 Biggs Orca heading south, south of Denham Islet, Dent Rapids.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whale – Galiano – at the surface
Thu, 28 Sep 2023 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whale – Galiano – at the surface
Thu, 28 Sep 2023 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
12:45 • est. 5-6 Biggs Orca heading north up Lewis Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
13:12 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ approaching Tugboat Passage, Dent Rapids.
15:00 • Biggs Orca ◦T018s◦ heading south off Middle Point, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:50 • 3 Biggs Orca ◦T018s◦ heading north by Middle Point.
Radio, overheard or call out
Fri Sep 29 2023
08:40 • est. 5 Biggs Orca travelling, heading west off Kitsilano Beach, Burrard Inlet. ▫ Observed from Shore
ES, Vancouver, BC
09:20 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading south-west through Plunger Passage, Sutil Channel.
10:10 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ along the Cortez Reef angling towards Baker Passage, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
13:15 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ hunting, heading south approaching Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales – T002Cs – hunting by Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait
Fri, 29 Sep 2023 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales – T002Cs – hunting by Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait
Fri, 29 Sep 2023 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales travelling close to shore
Wed, 20 Sep 2023 – 1 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales travelling close to shore
Wed, 20 Sep 2023 – 1 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales leaping by a BC ferry!
Tue, 19 Sep 2023 – 3 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales leaping by a BC ferry!
Tue, 19 Sep 2023 – 3 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales – T101s, T124D, T090s, T049A1 – travelling close to shore
Mon, 18 Sep 2023 – 5 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales – T101s, T124D, T090s, T049A1 – travelling close to shore
Mon, 18 Sep 2023 – 5 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
SOUTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
Sat Sep 16 2023
14:50 • est. 20 SRKW Orca ◦J Pod◦ heading north heading towards Cape Mudge from the west side of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
HUMPBACK WHALES
Sat Sep 16 2023
–:– • est. 5-6 Humpback Whales ◦BCY1059 Cirque,BCY1104 Checkmate,BCY1109 Columbia◦ tail lobs, spread out in twos in front of Powell River to Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales – BCY1059 Cirque, BCY1104 Checkmate, BCY1109 Columbia – in front of Powell River to Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait
Sat, 16 Sep 2023 – 8 items
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales – BCY1059 Cirque, BCY1104 Checkmate, BCY1109 Columbia – in front of Powell River to Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait
Sat, 16 Sep 2023 – 8 items
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
08:30 • 2 Humpback Whales by Channe Island, Cordero Channel.
09:10 • est. 3-4 Humpback Whales lunge feeding, south side of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
09:10 • 2 Humpback Whales around Indian Point to Manson Passage, Malaspina Strait.
10:10 • est. 5-6 Humpback Whales on Grant Reefs, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
Sun Sep 17 2023
07:20 • Humpback Whales heading north by Marble Bluff, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
09:30 • 2 Humpback Whales on Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
11:30 • 2 Humpback Whales in Raza Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
17:27 • 3 Humpback Whales foraging, out from Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
Mon Sep 18 2023
07:30 • 1 Humpback Whales in front of the Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
07:50 • est. 2 Humpback Whales between Coho (Kiddie) Point and Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Sherri Wretham, Powell River, BC
08:25 • 2 Humpback Whales close to the Cape Mudge Lighthouse on Quadra Island, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:50 • Humpback Whales breaching and pectoral slaps, out from the Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales breaching out from the Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait
Mon, 18 Sep 2023 – 3 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales breaching out from the Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait
Mon, 18 Sep 2023 – 3 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
14:45 • 1 Humpback Whales east of the Saltery Bay Ferry Terminal, Jervis Inlet. It blew as well as flapped it’s fin against the surface repeatedly.
Johan Axen, New Westminster, BC
14:50 • 3 Humpback Whales playing, approaching Quatam River, Ramsay Arm. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales playing, approaching Quatam River, Ramsay Arm
Mon, 18 Sep 2023 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales playing, approaching Quatam River, Ramsay Arm
Mon, 18 Sep 2023 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Tue Sep 19 2023
10:24 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north between Coho (Kiddie) Point and Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Sherri Wretham, Powell River, BC
10:30 • 4 Humpback Whales heading north off the Grant Reefs, Georgia Strait.
10:35 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north off the north side of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
10:59 • Humpback Whales breaching, one-third the way from Rebecca Rocks to Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
Sherri Wretham, Powell River, BC
12:10 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCX0565 Nick◦ heading north off Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
13:07 • est. 2-4 Humpback Whales breaching, mid strait out from Raven Bay, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
Wed Sep 20 2023
09:48 • 2+ Humpback Whales out from between Harwood Island and Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
11:05 • Humpback Whales between Rebecca Rocks and Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
13:54 • Humpback Whales heading north west side of Rebecca Rocks, Georgia Strait.
Sherri Wretham, Powell River, BC
14:29 • 2 Humpback Whales just south of Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
14:38 • Humpback Whales right over Ripple Rock, Discovery Passage.
14:40 • Humpback Whales ◦BCY1203 Callahan◦ by Connis Point, Pryce Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Thu Sep 21 2023
09:15 • Humpback Whales out from Rebecca Spit, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:40 • 3 Humpback Whales heading north approaching Cape Mudge Lighthouse on Quadra Island, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
21:00 • est. 1-2 Humpback Whales by Raven Bay, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
Fri Sep 22 2023
09:20 • 4 Humpback Whales close to the Spoil Grounds south of Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
13:45 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south by Raven Bay, Malaspina Strait.
16:50 • 3 Humpback Whales heading south by Van Anda, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
Sat Sep 23 2023
09:00 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north-west off Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
09:50 • 2 Humpback Whales by North Rendezvous Island, Calm Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
10:18 • 2 Humpback Whales breaching, to the east of Grilse Point at the north end of Texada Island mid Malaspina Strait. Whales breaching in unison.
10:18 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north-west off Grief Point, Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Sherri Wretham, Powell River, BC
16:59 • Humpback Whales heading south at Raven Bay, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
Sun Sep 24 2023
11:12 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south off Stuart Island, Calm Channel.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:44 • 2 Humpback Whales milling, off Kellsey Point, Stuart Island, Yuculta Rapids.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales milling off Kellsey Point, Stuart Island, Yuculta Rapids
Sun, 24 Sep 2023 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales milling off Kellsey Point, Stuart Island, Yuculta Rapids
Sun, 24 Sep 2023 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:57 • est. 4 Humpback Whales breaching, near Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Barry Rice, Powell River, BC
15:30 • 2 Humpback Whales by Kellsey Point, Stuart Island, Yuculta Rapids.
Radio, overheard or call out
15:50 • 4 Humpback Whales breaching, heading south below Van Anda, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
Mon Sep 25 2023
09:20 • est. 2 Humpback Whales close to Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
Sherri Wretham, Powell River, BC
15:20 • 2 Humpback Whales breaching, off Van Anda, Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. Putting on a show.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
17:40 • 2 Humpback Whales between Powell River Viewpoint and Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait. Resting until ferry came along at 17:40. Possibly mother-calf pair.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Tue Sep 26 2023
10:09 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south a quarter of the way out from the Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
10:50 • 1 Humpback Whales breaching, just south of Van Anda, Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. Breaching multiple times.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
11:00 • est. 4-6 Humpback Whales milling, heading south-east at Davis Bay, Georgia Strait. ▫ Observed from Shore
Heather Pellerin, Davis Bay, BC
Wed Sep 27 2023
11:40 • 2 Humpback Whales heading east south of the red can at Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
13:04 • 2 Humpback Whales by the Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
13:18 • 1 Humpback Whales playing, just south of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. Playing with a small log.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale by Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait
Wed, 27 Sep 2023 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whale by Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait
Wed, 27 Sep 2023 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:27 • Humpback Whales a third of the way from the Powell River Viewpoint to Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait. Taking a dive.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Thu Sep 28 2023
08:45 • 2 Humpback Whales by the Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
09:35 • 2 Humpback Whales off the Marina Island shack, Sutil Channel.
11:00 • Humpback Whales just above Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
Fri Sep 29 2023
08:30 • 2 Humpback Whales by the Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
10:10 • 2 Humpback Whales on the Spoil Grounds south of Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
11:44 • est. 2-3 Humpback Whales between Rebecca Rocks and Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait. Pec slapping.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
12:08 • 2 Humpback Whales tail lobs, between Powell River Viewpoint and Grilse Point, Malaspina Strait. Mom and calf.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
13:00 • est. 6-7 Humpback Whales out from Blubber Bay, Malaspina Strait.
13:00 • 2 Humpback Whales tail slaps, close to Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
14:53 • est. 6 Humpback Whales off Blubber Bay, Malaspina Strait.
Graham Evans, Stowaway Adventures
15:45 • 2 Humpback Whales milling, off Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback blowing & diving in a quiet bay
Wed, 20 Sep 2023 – 4 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback blowing & diving in a quiet bay
Wed, 20 Sep 2023 – 4 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpbacks blowing
Mon, 18 Sep 2023 – 5 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpbacks blowing
Mon, 18 Sep 2023 – 5 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback blowing a rainbow!
Sat, 30 Sep 2023 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback blowing a rainbow!
Sat, 30 Sep 2023 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Sun Sep 17 2023
14:30 • est. 50 PWS Dolphins close to Bjerre Rock, Okisollo Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Mon Sep 18 2023
08:00 • PWS Dolphins by the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
13:23 • est. 20 PWS Dolphins resting near Arran Rapids.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Tue Sep 19 2023
14:20 • PWS Dolphins at the entrance to Hole in the Wall in Calm Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Sun Sep 24 2023
10:09 • est. 50 PWS Dolphins milling at the back of Frederick Arm.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:00 • est. 50 PWS Dolphins heading south at the mouth of Frederick Arm. Travelling at 12 knots. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins heading south at the mouth of Frederick Arm
Sun, 24 Sep 2023 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins heading south at the mouth of Frederick Arm
Sun, 24 Sep 2023 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Tue Sep 26 2023
09:43 • est. 100 PWS Dolphins heading south, Kanish Bay.
Tyler Bruce, Campbell River Whale Watching
Thu Sep 28 2023
11:01 • est. 100 PWS Dolphins heading north-east off Davis Point, Nodales Channel.
Reuben Buerge, Wild Waterways Adventures
16:28 • PWS Dolphins by Grouse Island, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Group of Pacific White Sided Dolphins leaping together
Wed, 20 Sep 2023 – 6 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Group of Pacific White Sided Dolphins leaping together
Wed, 20 Sep 2023 – 6 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins diving
Mon, 18 Sep 2023 – 1 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins diving
Mon, 18 Sep 2023 – 1 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins in Bute Inlet
Sat, 23 Sep 2023 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific White Sided Dolphins in Bute Inlet
Sat, 23 Sep 2023 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
DALLS PORPOISE
Sun Sep 17 2023
12:30 • 6 Dalls Porpoise playing in Dent Rapids.
Radio, overheard or call out
Mon Sep 18 2023
15:38 • Dalls Porpoise playing, off Kellsey Point, Stuart Island, Yuculta Rapids.
Jen Smalley, Wild Waterways Adventures
Wed Sep 20 2023
14:15 • Dalls Porpoise by the Twin Islands, Malaspina Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
Sat Sep 23 2023
09:15 • Dalls Porpoise by Quathiaski Cove, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
Wed Sep 27 2023
09:30 • Dalls Porpoise foraging in Kanish Bay. Including some Dalls / Harbour porpoise hybrids.
09:45 • Dalls Porpoise by Howe Island, Nodales Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
15:10 • 8 Dalls Porpoise milling, at Copper Bluffs, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Dalls Porpoise
Dall’s porpoise breaking the surface
Wed, 27 Sep 2023 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Dalls Porpoise
Dall’s porpoise breaking the surface
Wed, 27 Sep 2023 – 1 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Fri Sep 29 2023
08:20 • Dalls Porpoise by Quathiaski Cove, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
HARBOUR PORPOISE
Tue Sep 19 2023
10:05 • Harbour Porpoise off the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
Sun Sep 24 2023
14:00 • est. 7 Harbour Porpoise heading north off Whytecliff Park, West Vancouver, Queen Charlotte Channel. ▫ Observed from Shore
Ivan Ng, North Vancouver, BC
Archive Explorer
Archive Explorer navigates 25,000+ Cetacean Sightings, images, videos and audio recordings. Please use the the funnel in our Map for access to our huge range of filters. Those wishing Research information in a spreadsheet format, please Click Here
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Archive Explorer dives into the Coastal Cetacean world. View Cetacean sighting locations, photos and videos:
- All species including Orca, Humpback, Grey Whale or Dalls Porpoise
- Follow the endangered Southern Residents Orca in the Salish Sea
- Search for encounters with T002C2 Tumbo
- Witness a close-up Orca encounter video in Port Alberni harbour
- Follow the T010s Transients as they hunt and travel the inside passage
- Track "KC", the ever popular Humpback's movements
- Locate any of 12,000+ named locations on the BC and WA State coast
- Print custom sighting reports and maps (Coming Soon)
Archive Explorer Help Page explains many advanced functions
Send your Comments and Questions to: Archive Explorer Feedback
To access 25,000+ sightings in our database in a downloadable csv file for use in a research spreadsheet, please Click Here.
The Magazine
REGIONAL & NATIONAL
Popular Science
Despite only eating fish, the Southern Resident orcas of the Pacific Northwest’s Salish Sea are known for a perplexing behavior. They harass and even kill porpoises without eating them and scientists are not really sure why. A study published September 28 in the journal Marine Mammal Science looked at over 60 years of data to try and solve this ongoing mystery….
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SPECIAL SIGHTINGS
Miami Herald
A boat full of whale watchers in Maine had a busy day recently. The Bar Harbor tour watched "amazing" fin whales lunge feeding and caught glimpses of Atlantic white-sided dolphins. But then things got even better, according to a Sept. 24 Facebook post from the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company. A "rare" sperm whale made an appearance, the tour agency said….
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RESEARCH & CONSERVATION
SciTechDaily
An international team of scientists, led by Egyptian researchers, has made a remarkable find: a new species of extinct whale, Tutcetus rayanensis, that once roamed the ancient waters that blanketed modern-day Egypt some 41 million years ago. This new whale is the smallest basilosaurid whale discovered to date and ranks among the earliest documented members of this family in Africa. Despite its tiny size, Tutcetus has provided unprecedented insights into the life history, phylogeny, and paleobiogeography of early whales….
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LiveScience
Humpback whales may enjoy rolling around in seaweed as a form of play, but “kelping” could also help maintain their skin health by removing parasites and bacteria….
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