Whales

Whales play a vital role in maintaining a healthy and resilient ocean but are vulnerable to human impacts. Our vision is safer, more plentiful waters for whales.

1 in 4

Cetacean species is classified as "at risk" of extinction

20,000

Whales are struck annually by ships (estimated)

7000

North Pacific humpback whales died between 2013-2021, resulting in a 20% population decline

74

The number of Southern Resident Killer Whales remaining

Sentinels of the Sea

The recovery of at-risk whale populations requires solutions to minimize the anthropogenic impacts that impede their ability to communicate, navigate, forage, and reproduce. Commercial fishing, coastal development, and shipping form the basis of many global economies; thus, cessation of these activities is not a feasible solution. Instead, adaptive management, based on the best available knowledge, enables industry and governments to effectively mitigate their impacts on whales and enact measures to protect populations and their habitats.

The Ocean Wise Whales Initiative uses cutting-edge technology, citizen science, and non-invasive collection methods to monitor the health of whales reduce threats through evidence-based solutions. Learn more about how Ocean Wise is protecting whales.

Our Work

Sightings Network

Through the Ocean Wise Sighting Network and Whale Report App you can contribute to conservation-based research by submitting sightings of whales, dolphins, and porpoises and sea turtles in and around Northern Washington, British Columbia, and Southeast Alaskan waters.

Whale Health and Monitoring

The Whale Health and Monitoring Program uses cutting-edge research techniques, including drones, bioacoustics, artificial intelligence, and environmental DNA, to monitor whale health and develop innovative conservation tools that support the population recovery of whales across the globe.

Whale Report Alert System

The Whale Report Alert System provides large commercial vessels with real-time alerts to whale presence. This allows them to slow down or alter course in the presence of whales to reduce the risk of collision and disturbance. Information on whale presence is obtained by partner hydrophones and infrared cameras, and from real-time observations reported to the Whale Report App.

Adopt a Killer Whale!

Since 1992, The Ocean Wise Killer Whale Adoption Program has supported conservation-oriented research on wild killer whales. Your symbolic adoption will support efforts that safeguard these iconic ocean ambassadors.

Learn More!