Fact Sheet

BC Whales uses research to protect the Douglas Channel from industries that want to invade.

BC Whales’ New Fundraising Event and Opening of Two Research Station Facts

About BC Whales

• was founded in 2003 as non-profit whale-research organization
• is committed to researching and protecting whales, dolphins, and porpoises along the northern coast of British Columbia
• currently monitoring populations of humpback whales, fin whales and orca and their habitat
• strives for non-invasive habitat research using land and boat-based whale observation, and acoustic monitoring
• does research to find threats to whales, shape conservation policy, and monitor changes in whale populations in British Columbia

Whales and the World Gala

• Theme is inspired by the whales that BC Whales has been researching for 18 years.
• Hopes to raise awareness about the Douglas Channel, the whales, and the current threats to habitat
• Includes lectures by Janie Wray, and Hermann Meuter, performances, live auction, and a raffle
• Fundraising goal of 1 million CAD
• The gala’s goal is to fund the research houses maintenance, and new projects.

Research Houses

• The newest house locations will help to double the current research network
• Four of five proposed houses are now built
• Construction on the fifth house will start in spring 2023
• Research houses are points of connection for underwater hydrophone network
• The focus of the research at these houses is on humpback whales, fin whales and orca, while passively monitoring other marine animals
• Has been tracking and leading research of the impact of noise from boats and tankers

Life of the Douglas Channel

• Kitimat fiord system is a unique and quiet location perfect for whales
•  Whales come to the Douglas channel to bubble feed because there is an abundance of food available for them
• Humpback whales, orca, fin whales, and porpoises all come through the Douglas Channel
• Only within recent years (2013) have humpback whales returned to the area
• Each whale pod has different acoustic traditions, even within the same species