2024 Research
Orca Survey & Aerial Observation
Introducing a new way to explore our on-the-water Encounters
This interactive map invites you to journey alongside our whale researchers. Discover where we encountered orcas and immerse yourself in the stories and photographs from these memorable days on the water.
An Encounter refers to any time we observe killer whales (orcas) from one of our research boats or land, where at least one individual is identified and photographed. Typically, 2-4 staff are involved in an encounter. Once we come into contact with whales (i.e., within a distance of identifying individuals by sight), we have begun our encounter. Our main goal during an encounter is to photograph every individual present from both the left and right sides.
Encounter Map: Please be patient as it may take a moment to load.
2023 BEST of the BEST
Photo Gallery
By CWR Researchers, Students, and Interns
Our 2023 BEST of the Best Photo Gallery includes are forty-eight (48) of the best photographs taken by the Center for Whale Research’s on-the-water research staff, students, and interns during the year, in addition to the left- and right-side Orca IDENTIFICATION shots captured of the Southern Resident and Bigg's orcas seen in the Salish Sea.
We hope you enjoy your browse through these images.
All photographs were taken under NMFS permit #21238/27038 and DFO SARA 388.