Prince of Whales Contributes $30,000 to Ocean Wise's Initiative to Promote the Recovery of Endangered Whale Populations
Vancouver, BC - February 28th, 2023 - Prince of Whales Whale and Marine Wildlife Adventures, BC’s leading whale watching company, is proud to announce a contribution of $30,000 to support Ocean Wise’s winter field study in the Salish Sea. The study will focus on the habitat use and diet of at-risk whale species, including Southern Resident Killer Whales, Northern Resident Killer Whales, Bigg’s Killer Whales, and North Pacific Humpback Whales.
Recent changes in the use of the Salish Sea by at-risk whale species have sparked concern among conservationists, with some species spending less time in the area during the summer months. This has created a critical knowledge gap in understanding the winter habitat use and diet of these populations.
“The generous funding contribution from Prince of Whales will allow Ocean Wise researchers to help address a critical knowledge gap about how whales use our winter waters,” says Jessica Scott, Senior Manager with the Whales Initiative. “This information is critical for establishing effective protection measures for these iconic creatures so that their populations are able to recover and thrive.”
To address these gaps, Ocean Wise is launching a pilot vessel-based winter field study under a DFO research permit to help assess the winter distribution and abundance of these populations. The study will use a combination of sightings data, environmental DNA, and prey samples to gain a deeper understanding of the winter habitat use and diet of these species. The winter field study is expected to run until April 2023, with approximately 25 days of fieldwork, but could be extended if needed.
Funding from Prince of Whales will directly support the conservation and recovery of at-risk whale species by providing baseline data on their winter distribution, abundance, and diet. This information will be made available for the purpose of informing fisheries management decisions and recovery actions, as well as prioritizing targeted salmon conservation efforts. The results of this study will aid in future conservation efforts in the hope of protecting and recovering the amazing cetaceans of the Salish Sea.
About Prince of Whales
Founded in 1993, Prince of Whales Whale & Marine Wildlife Adventures has operations in Victoria, Vancouver, and Telegraph Cove. The company operates more than 15 vessels, including high-speed catamarans, Zodiacs, and custom-built cruisers. Prince of Whales is a Climate Positive marine adventure company, certified by Ostrom Climate, and is committed to offsetting at least 110% of their emissions annually. As an industry leader, Prince of Whales is supports organizations such as the Pacific Salmon Foundation, Ocean Wise, 1% for the Planet, Centre for Whale Research, and the Peninsula Streams Society.
About Ocean Wise
Ocean Wise is a globally focused conservation organization on a mission to restore and protect our oceans. Through research, education, public engagement, and international collaborations, we empower communities to fight three major ocean challenges: ocean pollution, overfishing and climate change. By equipping and empowering individuals, communities, industries, and governments, we can create a future where people and our oceans can thrive. Ocean Wise is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia with staff across Canada, Mexico, and Chile, and operates conservation projects that make national and international impact.
Media Contacts:
Alan McGillivray President and Owner, Prince of Whales Whale & Marine Wildlife Adventures, Sea Vancouver and North Island Kayak: alanmcgillivray@shaw.ca
Nic Schulz Director of Communications and Engagement, Ocean Wise: nic.schulz@ocean.org
Credits:
Prince of Whales