Collaborating with Ecotourism Operators
The return of BCY0324 “Big Momma” to the Salish Sea is our signal that summertime is just around the corner. It also means that whale watching season in British Columbia is underway as humpback whales return to the Salish Sea to feed in our nutrient-rich waters all summer long.
BCY0324 “Big Momma” is one of the most frequently sighted whales in the Salish Sea.
Photo credit: Vancouver Island Whale Watch
Did you know that we collaborate with local whale watching operators? In fact, many whale researchers in our region have also worked for whale watching companies in the Salish Sea at some point in their careers, including us! This makes a lot of sense, because whale watching IS whale research, and ecotourism operators have unparalleled access to the whales we study. By simply observing these individuals, we can uncover a wealth of information, so working with our local whale watchers is a natural fit.
Photo Credit: Wild Whales Vancouver
It might be surprising, but the majority of our catalog photos come from Vancouver Island Whale Watch and Wild Whales Vancouver ecotours! These companies employ marine naturalists onboard who photograph individual whales while out on the water. Guests love learning about a whale’s story, and the ID photos taken during the tours are shared with us and added to our catalog. It’s a win-win situation.
Here’s BCZ0298 Split Fin. Can you tell which body markings are natural and which are scars?
Photo credit: Vancouver Island Whale Watch
Whale photos also serve other purposes beyond identification and cataloging. They offer crucial insights into the challenges faced by whales. For instance, sometimes we spot scars on whales when we review their photos. By comparing these images to earlier ones of the same individual, we can estimate where and when these injuries occurred.
One of the most significant threats humpback whales encounter in our waters is entanglement in fishing gear. Monitoring photos of individual whales over time can help us understand when, where, and how these injuries occur, and is essential for addressing this issue effectively.
So, if you decide to go whale watching this summer, remember that your ticket not only provides an incredible experience but also supports whale research and monitoring efforts in the Salish Sea!