Researching & Protecting Whales

We are devoted to protecting all whales & the environments essential to their survival

Over the past two decades, we have worked to learn all that we can about the lives and needs of whales through dedicated research projects, coast-wide initiatives, and long-term partnerships.

The more we understand about whales, the better we can advocate for positive measures of protection that are rooted in science. Here we unite research, conservation efforts, and public education.

Research

From hydrophones and drone technology to coastal marine and land based surveys, BC Whales conducts comprehensive research and studies the nutritional, acoustic, and social needs of whales. We are grateful for the support of our research partners.

Connect

Our work began over two decades ago with two people, a boat, and the philosophy of immersing to learn. We live among whales in remote regions of the BC coast to understand their unique needs, behaviours, and acoustic traditions.

Protect

Join us in our mission to preserve the natural habitats of our ocean’s most magnificent creatures. Together, we hope to build a future where whales thrive in a healthy and balanced marine environment, ensuring their presence in BC waters for generations to come.

BC Whales Research Projects

BC Whales conducts research using non-invasive approaches including acoustic monitoring, drones, land-based and coastal marine surveys. Our research spans the entire BC coast from the Great Bear Rainforest to the Salish Sea.

Support BC Whales

Preserve the natural habitats of our oceans most magnificent creatures. With your generous contribution, you directly support crucial research and protection initiatives for whales in British Columbia.

As a Whale Sponsor, you will receive a personalized sponsor certificate, access to migration and audio data as well as a special gift.

Support BC Whales

Preserve the natural habitats of our oceans most magnificent creatures. With your generous contribution, you directly support crucial research and protection initiatives for whales in British Columbia.

Become a one-time donor or make your donation monthly & receive a BC Whales Thank-You Package!

News & Publications

We’re in the News

Our research is featured by many international reputable sources.

Whale Tales from the West Coast

Jun 14 2023

Family Ties

The BC Whales field team hear the A-clan resident orca family in Squally Channel and head to find them.

Aug 24 2022

To Wake a Sleeping Whale

In Lewis Passage, the BC Whales team discover a sleeping humpback whale in the path of a large cruise ship.

Apr 21 2022

Lost in the Moment

The BC Whales field team awaken to bubble net feeding calls from Humpback whales right in front of the Fin Island Research Station.

Sep 06 2021

Transient Orca Food Sharing

The BC Whales field team observe transient orca from land, from a boat, and from the air.

Dec 15 2020

Resting Whales

At the Fin Island Research Station, the team awakens to the sound of Yoda the humpback whale.

Aug 15 2020

Getting ready for whales

The research team arrives on Fin Island, our remote research station.

Jul 27 2020

Fjordic Fin Whales

The mystery of Fin Whale presence within the inner fjordic waterways of the BC Coast.

Jan 29 2020

The A30 orca family

Listening to whale vocalizations in the early morning at Orcalab.

Nov 05 2019

Whale snot for conservation

Blow samples can be used to research the DNA of whales.

Aug 29 2019

Whales and Drones: A New Perspective

BC Whales uses drone technology to observe and record whale activity.