Whales

Whales play a vital role in maintaining a healthy and resilient ocean. Where we see healthy and abundant whales we will find a healthy ecosystem

Sentinels of the Sea

Building on 30 years of conservation-based research, the Whales Initiative helps protect and conserve cetacean (whale, dolphin or porpoise) populations. We do this by finding ways to minimize the negative effects of human activities, such as commercial fishing and shipping, on their ability to communicate, navigate, forage, and reproduce. The initiative uses research, monitoring, education, and conservation tools to provide important information to decision makers. Focusing on key threats such as habitat quality, prey availability, genetic fitness, contaminants, and underwater noise. We work in collaboration with other organizations and much of the field and laboratory work is funded by the Wild Killer Whale Adoption Program.

Megafauna like whales appear so strong and resilient, but the truth is they are vulnerable to human impacts. People can help create quieter waters that enhance echolocation capabilities by reporting sightings to the Ocean Wise Sightings Network via the WhaleReport app

Jessica Scott

Ocean Wise

Our Work

Sightings Network

Through Ocean Wise’s Cetacean Sighting Network you can contribute to conservation-based research by submitting sightings of cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) and sea turtles in and around northern Washington, British Columbia (B.C.), and southeast Alaskan waters.

Research

Ocean Wise's whales team conducts research using cutting-edge monitoring techniques, including aerial-based photogrammetry and environmental DNA (eDNA), to monitor at-risk whale, dolphin, and porpoise populations. Learn more about the work they are conducting.

WhaleReport Alert System

With the WhaleReport Alert System, vessels recieve real-time alerts to whale presence, allowing them to undertake adaptive mitigation measures, such as slowing down or altering course in the presence of cetaceans, to reduce the risk of collision and disturbance.