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.
News & Publications
Collecting baleen whale blow samples by drone: A minimally intrusive tool for conservation genetics
Collecting exhaled breath condensate, or respiratory ‘blow’ samples, from baleen whales using an unoccupied aerial system (UAS) plays a vital role in informing conservation efforts.
Collecting baleen whale blow samples by drone: A minimally intrusive tool for conservation genetics
Collecting exhaled breath condensate, or respiratory ‘blow’ samples, from baleen whales using an unoccupied aerial system (UAS) plays a vital role in informing conservation efforts.
Collecting baleen whale blow samples by drone: A minimally intrusive tool for conservation genetics
Collecting exhaled breath condensate, or respiratory ‘blow’ samples, from baleen whales using an unoccupied aerial system (UAS) plays a vital role in informing conservation efforts.
We’re in the News
Our research is featured by many international reputable sources.
Whale Tales from the West Coast
Family Ties
The BC Whales field team hear the A-clan resident orca family in Squally Channel and head to find them.
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.
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.
Transient Orca Food Sharing
The BC Whales field team observe transient orca from land, from a boat, and from the air.
Resting Whales
At the Fin Island Research Station, the team awakens to the sound of Yoda the humpback whale.
Getting ready for whales
The research team arrives on Fin Island, our remote research station.
Fjordic Fin Whales
The mystery of Fin Whale presence within the inner fjordic waterways of the BC Coast.
The A30 orca family
Listening to whale vocalizations in the early morning at Orcalab.
Whale snot for conservation
Blow samples can be used to research the DNA of whales.
Whales and Drones: A New Perspective
BC Whales uses drone technology to observe and record whale activity.