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Whale Reporter Recognition Program

Send a sighting, save a whale!

Report your sightings and be acknowledged as an outstanding citizen scientist through our Whale Reporter Recognition Program!

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Celebrating outstanding cetacean reporters

The Whale Reporter Recognition Program acknowledges the outstanding citizen scientists who report their sightings of cetaceans to the Ocean Wise Sightings Network (or OWSN), formerly known as the BCCSN. These sightings support numerous research and conservation initiatives in BC and Washington State.

Your Sightings Protect Whales

By sharing cetacean sightings, OWSN reporters help protect whales by supporting a variety of research, management, and conservation initiatives. Using these citizen-provided reports, the OWSN can better understand how at-risk cetacean species use our coastal waters and evaluate the health of these populations. It also allows us to contribute to effective conservation solutions including helping to inform the establishment of marine protected areas, identifying areas of high risk for cetaceans, and guiding targeted outreach and mitigation efforts. Finally, sighting reports help to create safer waters for cetaceans and sea turtles. Reports submitted into the OWSN’s WhaleReport app are used to inform the WhaleReport Alert System (WRAS). The WRAS alerts Captains and Pilots of large commercial vessels about whales in their vicinity to reduce the risk of vessel strike and disturbance.

Congratulations to the OWSN’s Top Whale Reporters

The OWSN sincerely appreciates the effort and dedication demonstrated by every one of our cetacean reporters in support of cetacean conservation. Starting in 2019, we annually recognize reporters that stand out as exceptionally dedicated and consistent. The OWSN would like to recognize the following dedicated reporters for their high number of submitted sightings in the previous year.

Our Top Reporters receive social media and media exposure, a Top Reporter certificate, and exposure here on the Ocean Wise website.

(Listed by alphabetical order)

Government and Industry

BC Ferries
Canadian Coast Guard
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Transport Canada
Washington State Ferries

Conservation Groups

Mitlenatch Island Stewardship Team
Orca Network
Soundwatch – The Whale Museum
Southern Gulf Island Whale Sightings Network
Straitwatch – Cetus Research & Conservation Society

Ecotourism Companies

Bluewater Adventures
Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Tours
Five Star Whale Watching
Prince of Whales
Vancouver Island Whale Watch

ENGO & Research

Cetus Research and Conservation Society
Laskeek Bay Conservation Society
Orca Network
Saturna Island Marine Research and Education Society – Gulf Island Sighting Network
The Whale Museum – Soundwatch

Ecotourism