World Whale Day on February 18th!

World Whale Day will be celebrated on February 18. It is a day to appreciate the beauty, size, and intelligence of all whales, dolphins, and porpoises (Cetaceans). Cetaceans are extremely important in the ocean ecosystems. Since they are at the top of the food chains, they control the populations of their prey species which affects population sizes of species further down the chain. At the same time, the waste that they release are vital nutrients used by phytoplankton and algae which form the base foundation of food chains.

Concern and conservation efforts for Cetaceans have continuoulsy increased globally from year-to-year because of various threats, such as pollution, climate change, by-catch in fishing nets, and vessel strikes. Many Cetacean populations are classified as endangered. A few species are even classified as critically endangered, such as the North Atlantic Right whale with a population size of around 350 individuals and the Southern Resident Killer whales here in B.C. numbering around 70 individuals. Further south in the Gulf of California off Mexico, there may be ten Vaquita porpoises left!

What can you do to support conservation of Cetaceans? Perhaps, you can discuss with family and friends your concern for Cetaceans and raise awareness about threats to them. You can contact Government officials and support stronger laws that would protect Cetaceans. If you are a boater, follow regulations when your vessel is close to any whales, dolphins, or porpoises, such as maintaining at least 100-m from them (see the full regulations in the paragraph BELOW). Finally, you can ensure the seafood that you eat comes from a sustainable fishery that does not harm Cetaceans or the environment. Happy World Whale Day!

PLEASE NOTE: Our links currently show as broken, but they DO work. We apologize for any confusion as we wait for Google’s fix.

Go to our Magazine section to learn about Northern Resident Orca seen along the Sunshine Coast and see dolphins swimming at night in bioluminescent waters.

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.