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: October 4, 2024

    For What’s to Come

    The results were harrowing, even for our own scientists leading this investigation. Numbers were double checked, triple checked, and came back the same. By the year 2030, up to 2 fin whales and 18 humpback whales are predicted to be killed annually from being hit by large ships.

    Grace Baer

  • Published On: May 19, 2024

    Arriving with Whales

    The humpback whales we have known for decades are beginning to arrive back to our region after the long migration from either Mexico or Hawaii, hopefully a few with new calves! Fin whales have rebounded in this region over the last decade, and we are now beginning to recognize familiar individuals from year to year.

    Janie Wray

  • Published On: April 15, 2024

    Collecting baleen whale blow samples by drone: A minimally intrusive tool for conservation genetics

    In coastal British Columbia, Canada, marine megafauna such as humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus velifera) have been subject to a history of exploitation and near extirpation. While their populations have been in recovery, significant threats are posed to these vulnerable species by proposed natural resource ventures in this region, in addition to the compounding effects of anthropogenic climate change.

    Éadin O'Mahony

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