Partners in Conservation
Parks Canada
Parks Canada is responsible for maintaining and restoring the ecological integrety of national parks. In the coastal waters of BC, there are three national parks: Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve and Haida Heritage Site, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, and the Gulf Islands National Park . Parks Canada is responsible for establishing National Marine Conservation Areas. Park wardens and researchers also participate in monitoring programs and public education about cetacean and sea turtle species in BC.
BC Parks
BC Parks is responsible for establishing and maintaining parks, ecological reserves, and protected areas in British Columbia. Park wardens and researchers also participate in monitoring programs and public education about cetacean and sea turtle species in BC. The Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve was established to provide a sanctuary for killer whales. The reserve protects key habitas for killer whales and prevents disturbance, and also provides a unique opportunity for killer whale research.
Straitwatch
Straitwatch is a marine mammal monitoring and education program operated by Cetus Research and Conservation Society. Straitwatch monitors the activities around local marine mammals (especially killer whales) and provides boaters with information on local marine mammal species and marine mammal viewing guidelines. They operate in Johnstone Strait, Haro Strait, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
BC Marine Mammal Response Network
The BC Marine Mammal Response Network is a network of researchers, conservation groups, and coastal residents who respond to reports of dead or distressed marine mammals. The BC Marine Mammal Response Network responds to incidents of vessel strike, entanglement, disturbance, injury, and disease throughout BC’s vast coastline and works to gain a better understanding of the threats facing marine mammals and sea turtles.
Please report all sick, injured, dead, or disturbed marine mammals and sea turtles to 1-800-465-4336.
The Whale Trail
The Whale Trail is a Seattle-based organization that inspires appreciation and stewardship of whales and our marine environment by establishing a network of viewing sites along the Salish Sea and the Pacific Coast. The Whale Trail is a series of sites, marked with interpretive panels and trail markers, where the public may view marine mammals from shore. In 2015, the BC Cetacean Sightings Network Partnered with the Whale Trail to create 12 whale trail sites througout BC. More sites are planned for 2018!
The Whale Interpretive Centre
Based in the remote coastal community of Telegraph Cove on northern Vancouver island, the Whale Interpretive Centre increases public awareness about the biology of marine mammals and the anthropogenic threats facing their populations . This non-profit interpretive centre is home to one of the best collections of marine mammal skeletons in British Columbia .
