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Whale Blitz 2023 was a success!

Read the 2023 Whale Blitz Report

Join a Whale Blitz event and help us collect important information about whales in our waters

In British Columbia, many cetacean (whale, dolphin, and porpoise) species are endangered or threatened. The Ocean Wise Whale Blitzes are a fun way for us to connect within our communities while collecting important information on species distributions and habitat use throughout the coastal waters of Southern B.C. and Northern Washington State.

By participating and reporting whale sightings to the Ocean Wise WhaleReport app, you can help collect information that is vital for their protection and recovery while learning more about these wonderful species. Read all about our 2022 Whale Blitz in our Summary Report.

2023 Whale Blitz locations

July 14Sidney, BC – Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, Sidney Waterfront1:00pm – 3:00pm
July 14Campbell River, BC – Discovery Passage Aquarium, Discovery Passage Pier3:00pm – 7:00pm
July 14Quadra Island, BC – Rebecca Spit Marine Provincial Park
Presented with the Cetus Research and Conservation Society
10:00am – 2:00pm
July 16West Vancouver, BC – Whytecliff Park
Presented with Parks Canada
10:00am – 2:00pm
July 16Salt Spring Island, BC – Ruckle Provincial Park
Presented with Ocean Networks Canada
11:30am – 3:30pm
July 16Sidney Island, BC – Gulf Islands National Parks Reserve, day-use area on Sidney Island11:00am – 2:00pm
July 17 Campbell River, BC – Discovery Passage Aquarium, Discovery Passage Pier3:00pm – 7:00pm
July 17Mayne Island, BC – Georgina Point Heritage Site
Presented with the Cetus Research and Conservation Society and Mayne Island Conservancy
12:00pm -3:30pm

About the Whale Blitz

Land-based whale watching is an inclusive and non-invasive way to collect important information about the whales in our waters. Whale Blitz participants will have the chance to learn species ID skills, contribute to citizen science, and hopefully see spot some marine mammals in their natural habitats!

The Ocean Wise Whale Blitz consists of numerous whale BioBlitz events. These events will run from the 14-17 July 2023 to coincide with both the anniversary of northern resident killer whale A73 “Springer” being re-released back to her pod after rehabilitation and World Orca Day (14th).

About the Ocean Wise Sightings Network

The Ocean Wise Sightings Network (formerly known as the BC Cetacean Sightings Network) was established by Ocean Wise in 2000 and is one of Canada’s most enduring and successful citizen science programs. The OWSN has built a diverse and dedicated network of coastal community members who regularly report their cetacean and sea turtle sightings via the WhaleReport app. The OWSN regularly conducts community events throughout BC to educate coastal citizens about everyday actions they can take to become stewards of the marine environment.

The OWSN maintains a database of over 300,000 verified sighting reports from approximately 7,700 observers and shares this valuable information with government organizations, ENGOs, marine industry, and researchers. These sighting reports are an important means of identifying and protecting critical habitat, highlighting areas of high risk, and organizing outreach and mitigation efforts that reduce anthropogenic threats to at-risk species.

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