EncDate:25/06/24 

EncSeq:1

Enc#:59

ObservBegin:01:48 PM

ObservEnd:02:57 PM

Vessel:KCB III

Staff:Michael Weiss

Other Observers:Alondra Caro Ruiz, Taylor Redmond, Arlene Vargas, Rachel John

Pods:Bigg's killer whales

LocationDescr:Haro Strait

Start Latitude:48 33.24

Start Longitude:123 10.69

End Latitude:48 36.43

End Longitude:123 11.92

 

EncSummary:

The team had received reports of several Bigg's killer whales making their way up Haro Strait, potentially with some whales that had not yet appeared in the CWR's 2024 dataset. With clear weather and calm seas, the team decided to head out to get photos and drone observations, leaving the dock at 1335.

The team headed down island and quickly arrived on scene at 1348 with the T075Bs, and quickly got the drone in the air. When they arrived, the whales were spread out and travelling up island. They quickly grouped up, stopping to socialize in a large kelp mat before continuing north.

After passing Mitchell Bay, the whales cut into Open Bay, swimming close to the rocks along the Henry Island shoreline, apparently looking for seals but not finding anything.

The whales continued moving along the Henry shoreline, passing Kellet Bluff and angling for Battleship. After one close photo-ID pass, the team decided to head back down island for a second group of whales that were making their way north. The team ended the encounter at 1457 and headed back south.