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: January 29, 2020

    The A30 Orca Family

    It’s around 5 am when I begin to stir. The faint sounds of the resident orca family known as the  A30s filling the small, six-by-four meter cabin perched on the rocks, brings me into consciousness. The world’s greatest alarm clock. I am alone on this island as I wriggle out of my cosy nest, switch on my lamp and fumble around for my glasses. The whispers of light from the start of the day hover faintly above Vancouver Island as I peer out of the cabin, adjusting my eyes.

    BC Whales

  • Published On: January 15, 2020

    Calving rate decline in humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) of northern British Columbia, Canada

    AUTHOR: JANIE WRAY, ERIC KEEN (2020) PUBLICATION: Marine Mammal Science ABSTRACT: The population dynamics of large mammals are characterized by highly variable and relatively poor juvenile survival. Changes in the rates of juvenile [...]

    Janie Wray

  • Published On: December 31, 2019

    Automated localization of whales in coastal fjords

    Localization and tracking of vocalizing marine mammals are powerful tools for understanding and mitigating the impacts of anthropogenic stressors such as vessel noise on habitat use of cetaceans.

    Ben Hendricks

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