Orca Spread Out
Cover Image:
Transient Biggs Killer Whales surfacing near shore!
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
During the past 2 weeks, Orca have been observed near Victoria and Nanaimo, as well as in Howe Sound, upper Georgia Strait, and its adjacent waterways. Most of the Orca reported were Transient Biggs Orca, which feed on other marine mammals such as seals, sea lions, and porpoises. Southern Resident Orca were observed in upper Georgia Strait on the morning of May 30 between Mitlenatch Island and Quadra Island, but where they went later that day is unknown. Southern Resident Orca feed on fish, mainly salmon and are endangered as their population hovers between 70 to 75 individuals. If you are a boater and on the water, please follow the guidelines outlined in the paragraph below to help protect the Southern Resident Orca and other Cetaceans around B.C. A number of Humpback whales were sighted and many were mother-calf pairs. On one occasion on June 6th, Humpback whales were interacting with Pacific White-Sided dolphins. Our report also includes sightings of dolphins, Harbour porpoises, and two sightings of sea otters which were near Quadra Island.
PLEASE NOTE: Our links currently show as broken, but they DO work. We apologize for any confusion as we continue to wait for a fix.
The Federal Government (DFO) issued the following statement about watching Orca in the wild: “Vessels must stay 400-m away and may not position a vessel in the path of killer whales in southern BC coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet until May 31, 2025.” 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
Donatons:
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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 will be updated again soon.
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: 2024-008
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Wed May 29 2024
10:30 • Biggs Orca off the Breton Islands, Sutil Channel.
11:23 • Biggs Orca towards Rebecca Spit heading up along Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
12:40 • 10+ Biggs Orca heading north by the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
13:00 • 3 Biggs Orca breaching, heading south-west off Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site of Canada towards Albert Head Lagoon, Strait of Juan de Fuca. 1 mama, 2 calves. Travelled from Fisgard Lighthouse area, moving SW across the Esquimalt Lagoon, towards Albert Head Lagoon. Frequently breaching. Boats in area, whale watching and other, Navy Frigate as well. Observed for about an hour, with binoculars, from Colwood Peninsula. Could see clearly without binos. Beautiful. Lost sight near Albert Head. ▫ Observed from Shore
JD, Victoria, BC
13:10 • est. 10 Biggs Orca ◦T019B Galiano◦ heading south off Willow Point, Georgia Strait. 3 big fins.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales heading south off Willow Point, Georgia Strait
Wed, 29 May 2024 – 3 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales heading south off Willow Point, Georgia Strait
Wed, 29 May 2024 – 3 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:50 • Biggs Orca heading south, Oyster Bay, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
15:30 • Biggs Orca travelling, heading south at Oyster River, Georgia Strait. 7 knots.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Thu May 30 2024
09:30 • est. 3-4 Biggs Orca playing, off Copeland Islands, Malaspina Strait. The Orcas were seen off the northern most island. A juvenile was sighted with the pod.
John Hermsen, Footprint Kayak and Hike Explorations
10:30 • 5 Biggs Orca between Powell Islets and the top of the Copeland Islands, Malaspina Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
10:58 • 2 Biggs Orca heading south from Powell River Westview Harbour, Malaspina Strait. The two Orcas were described as being very large in size. They were both seen swimming very close to the shore.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales heading south from Powell River Westview Harbour, Malaspina Strait
Thu, 30 May 2024 – 2 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales heading south from Powell River Westview Harbour, Malaspina Strait
Thu, 30 May 2024 – 2 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
11:30 • Biggs Orca heading into Malaspina Inlet.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:17 • 2 Biggs Orca heading south by Van Anda, Texada Island, Malaspina Strait.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
12:42 • Biggs Orca by Neville Islet coming out of Malaspina Inlet. The Orcas were observed having small dorsals fins, most likely female. At 13:35, they were moving slowly outbound (heading north) out of Malaspina Inlet. Departing the scene at 13:35.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Sat Jun 01 2024
08:00 • 10+ Biggs Orca by Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.
13:05 • Biggs Orca heading south in Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
13:23 • est. 8-10 Biggs Orca heading north on the Vancouver Island side above Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales heading north on the Vancouver Island side above Browns Bay, Discovery Passage
Sat, 1 Jun 2024 – 4 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales heading north on the Vancouver Island side above Browns Bay, Discovery Passage
Sat, 1 Jun 2024 – 4 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:00 • Biggs Orca heading north past No Name Creek close to the shore of Vancouver Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:00 • Biggs Orca heading north at Eagles Cove, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Jen Smalley, Wild Waterways Adventures
Wed Jun 05 2024
11:00 • 2 Biggs Orca by the Penn Islands, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:55 • 2 Biggs Orca ◦T019 Mooyah,T019B Galiano◦ heading south between Francisco Point and Marina Reef, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
16:11 • 3 Biggs Orca heading south off Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait. The Orcas were observed as being large in size.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
Sat Jun 08 2024
09:35 • 3 Biggs Orca heading north in Departure Bay, Nanaimo Harbour.
John Hermsen, Footprint Kayak and Hike Explorations
Sun Jun 09 2024
21:00 • est. 5 Biggs Orca milling, heading south-west between Keats Island and Bowen Island, Collingwood Channel. A pod of Orcas were observed from shore, 100-200 meters away on the west side of Bluewater, Bowen Island, mid-channel. The pod spent an estimated 45 minutes miling in the area slapping their fins and tails on the water, and making large circles and diving down into them. They did multiple times. The Orcas were heard blowing too. One Orca was observed to have a very tall dorsal fin, bigger than the others. The pod ended up swimming south-west of the channel. ▫ Observed from Shore
MD, Bowen Island, BC
SOUTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES
Thu May 30 2024
09:00 • SRKW Orca ◦K Pod◦ breaching, heading north between Mitlenatch Island Nature Park and Marina Reef, Georgia Strait.
11:30 • SRKW Orca ◦K Pod◦ still on Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
HUMPBACK WHALES
Wed May 29 2024
09:30 • Humpback Whales south of the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
09:45 • Humpback Whales at Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait. A second whale.
10:20 • Humpback Whales by the Big Rock, Georgia Strait. Mom and calf.
Radio, overheard or call out
11:30 • 2 Humpback Whales south end of Whiskey Point, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. Mom and calf.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
12:55 • Humpback Whales in front of Discovery Harbour Marina, Campbell River, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
15:53 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south between Willow Point and Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Thu May 30 2024
09:15 • Humpback Whales by Hernando Island pointed at Baker Passage, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
Fri May 31 2024
09:30 • 3 Humpback Whales by the Cape Mudge Lighthouse on Quadra Island, Georgia Strait.
11:30 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCX0565 Nick◦ breaching, by the Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait. Mom and this year’s calf.
Radio, overheard or call out
11:45 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCX0565 Nick◦ heading south, southwest of Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy. Nick and calf.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:45 • Humpback Whales in Redonda Bay then headed towards Raza Island, Deer Passage. Entangled in what looks like prawn gear!.
Radio, overheard or call out
15:50 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north off Dogfish Bay at the southeast end of Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Sat Jun 01 2024
10:00 • Humpback Whales by Race Point, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
10:15 • 1 Humpback Whales bucking tide, off Walcan Seafood Plant, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
11:15 • 1 Humpback Whales still in front of Walcan Seafood Plant, Quadra Island.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
12:03 • 2 Humpback Whales off the southeast end of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
13:24 • Humpback Whales heading north on the Vancouver Island side abeam Race Point, Discovery Passage.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:25 • 2 Humpback Whales just north of Whytecliff Park, West Vancouver, Queen Charlotte Channel. ▫ From Ferry
Ivan Ng, North Vancouver, BC
Mon Jun 03 2024
13:55 • 2 Humpback Whales off Copper Bluffs, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
14:40 • 2 Humpback Whales by Venture Point, Okisollo Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:48 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south off Duncan Bay, Campbell River, Discovery Passage.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
Wed Jun 05 2024
15:35 • 1 Humpback Whales swimming along the route between Comox (Little River) Ferry Terminal, and Powell River Ferry Terminal, Georgia Strait. The Humpback was observed as being small in size.
John Hermsen, Footprint Kayak and Hike Explorations
17:00 • Humpback Whales south of Cape Mudge Lighthouse on Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
Thu Jun 06 2024
12:35 • est. 1-2 Humpback Whales between Rebecca Rocks and Harwood / Ahgykson Island, Malaspina Strait.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
13:45 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north-west between Granite Point and Vancouver Island, Discovery Passage.
15:05 • 5 Humpback Whales between Pinnacles and south of Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait. 3 in one group and 2 in the other.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
16:50 • Humpback Whales at Oyster Bay, Georgia Strait. With some Pacific White Sided Dolphins.
Radio, overheard or call out
Fri Jun 07 2024
14:00 • 3 Humpback Whales heading south, Denham Bay, Dent Rapids.
Radio, overheard or call out
Sat Jun 08 2024
05:00 • 2 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading north off Hopkins Landing north of Gibsons, Collingwood Channel. Heading towards Langdale ferry terminal. ▫ Observed from Shore
07:15 • 2 Humpback Whales travelling, heading south near the docks at Hopkins Landing, Collingwood Channel. Heading towards Gibsons. Believe it was the two whales I observed heading towards Langdale at 5:00am. ▫ Observed from Shore
DN, Gibsons, BC
09:30 • Humpback Whales off Cinque Islands, Discovery Passage.
10:00 • Humpback Whales in front of Discovery Harbour Marina, Campbell River, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
10:04 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCX0380 Zed / Zorro,BCY0057 Niagara◦ heading south along the Vancouver Island shore at Eagles Cove, Discovery Passage. Left them at 10:44. They were still southbound above the old For Sale Sign.
11:39 • 1 Humpback Whales in front of Quathiaski Cove, Discovery Passage. In the rip tide. Not much surface time.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
12:40 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCX0380 Zed / Zorro,BCY0057 Niagara◦ off Ripple Rock, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
13:30 • 2 Humpback Whales taking long dives, heading south approaching Middle Point, Discovery Passage. Eight minute dives.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Mon Jun 10 2024
16:15 • 1 Humpback Whales heading west off Rebecca Rocks, Georgia Strait. ▫ From Ferry
John Hermsen, Footprint Kayak and Hike Explorations
Tue Jun 11 2024
14:25 • 1 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading south off Grouse Island, Discovery Passage. The whale was off Quathiaski Cove at 15:00 when we left the scene.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales fluking!
Sun, 9 Jun 2024 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales fluking!
Sun, 9 Jun 2024 – 2 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Wed May 29 2024
09:45 • 50+ PWS Dolphins heading south at the bottom of Homfray Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Sat Jun 01 2024
11:20 • 4 PWS Dolphins bow riding, off Scotch Fir Point, Malaspina Strait.
11:50 • PWS Dolphins by Steep Island, Discovery Passage.
Radio, overheard or call out
12:08 • est. 8 PWS Dolphins milling, off Grouse Island, Discovery Passage.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:00 • PWS Dolphins heading north near April Point, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Thu Jun 06 2024
16:50 • PWS Dolphins at Oyster Bay, Georgia Strait. With a couple of Humpbacks.
Radio, overheard or call out
HARBOUR PORPOISE
Mon Jun 03 2024
14:40 • est. 3-4 Harbour Porpoise near Bjerre Rock, Okisollo Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
SEA OTTERS
Wed May 29 2024
12:00 • Sea Otters out from Quadra Island Scallop Farm south of Heriot Bay, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Mon Jun 03 2024
10:03 • 1 Sea Otters over the pinnacles near Rebecca Spit, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
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:
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Archive Explorer Help Page explains many advanced functions
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The Magazine
REGIONAL & NATIONAL
CBC News
Some people who wanted to ride the tidal bore of a Nova Scotia river got more than they bargained for on Sunday, when they came across a minke whale beached on a sandbar….
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CBC News
The federal government has announced salmon fishery closures and mandatory speed limits in areas where southern resident killer whales forage and travel in the ongoing effort to protect the endangered species.
A statement from Transport Canada says the measures off Vancouver Island are aimed at protecting the whales from noise, contaminants and improving their access to prey….
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RESEARCH & CONSERVATION
ABC News (Australia)
Scientists are hoping young people in the Kimberley with an interest in conservation can help preserve one of Australia’s healthiest remaining snubfin dolphin populations….
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The Guardian
Centuries of industrial whaling left only a few hundred Antarctic blue whales alive, making it almost impossible to find them in the wild.
New research suggests the population may be recovering. Australian scientists and international colleagues spent two decades listening for their distinctive songs and calls, and have found the whales – the largest animals ever to have lived – swimming across the Southern Ocean with growing regularity….
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PHYS ORG
When large numbers of gray whales began washing up along North America’s Pacific Coast nearly six years ago, marine scientists could only speculate on the reason: Was it disease? Ocean pollution? Increasing ship collisions?…
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