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

For over 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.

Research Projects & Collaborations

BC Whales conducts collaborative non-invasive research spanning the entire coast of British Columbia from the Great Bear Rainforest to the Salish Sea. Learn more about our acoustic monitoring, land-based, and coastal marine surveys research below.

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Support Our Work

Your generous donation directly support our research and conservation efforts.

Media & Publications

  • Published On: July 27, 2025

    Freeing Marble

    I had to slow the boat and ask Cam to repeat his message, for fear that I heard him correctly. His message came through loud and clear: they were with a whale, and it was entangled.

    Grace Baer

  • Published On: July 3, 2025

    A Changing Habitat

    To see so many together utterly took my breath away. The feeling of drifting alongside beings who can be more than 13 times my own length is difficult to describe. I feel the vibrations from the sound of their breath in my chest, and I’m constantly in awe of their ability to glide seamlessly through the water – seldom revealing their true size.

    Grace Baer

  • Published On: June 15, 2025

    Quantifying vessel noise and acoustic habitat loss in marine soundscapes

    Quantifying underwater vessel noise in marine ecosystems is challenging, due to difficulties in accounting for small, not publicly tracked boats, creating a knowledge gap in marine management.

    Ben Hendricks

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