Whales

Whales (including dolphins and porpoises) 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.

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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.

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.