It was a bit of a drizzly day here on the Island, but that wouldn’t stop us! We decided to brave the waves and headed out to the Straight. We soon came across a pair of Humpbacks near Entrance Island, travelling close together. These two whales took us a few minutes to identify, but eventually we determined it was Tag (BCX0429) and Manta (BCZ0155). These two are large, mature humpbacks who have been visiting our region for a very long time! Both animals make the long trek to our food rich waters from the warm waters of Mexico year after year, to rebuild the precious fat stores that diminish over the winter months. Because Humpbacks exhibit site fidelity, meaning they return to the same area repeatedly, we are able to the same animals each season. It was great to see Mantis and Tag!

As the wind picked up, we decided to head south to find more sheltered water. Lucky for us, the water calmed in the protected area near Porlier Pass, and even luckier, we found a ton more whales! Each boat had their own experience with a different assortment of humpbacks. As Keta travelled south, we soon spotted the blows of three humpbacks travelling together. Quickly, we determined it was Fader (BCY0195), Butterfly Wings (BCX1658 calf 2021), and Snoopy (BCY0770). All three of these whales hail from Hawaii, but that’s not their only connection: They’ve each survived traumatic encounters with humans, including entanglements and vessel strikes. Over 50% of the humpbacks in the Salish Sea have suffered similar fates, and the scars that this trio possess is an all too stark reminder of this grim fact. All three animals are at varying points in their healing journey. While it’s not entirely clear what caused Snoopy’s signature crescent moon scar on his fluke, entanglement is likely the culprit. Today, it has healed into an identifiable marker, but was likely quite gruesome at the point of injury.

A clear example of just how gruesome these wounds can be can be found in the young whale Butterfly Wings. Content warning: The photos show a healing, but severe propeller injury (as seen below). Butterfly wings were found in August earlier this year with a severely damaged fluke, likely from a propeller strike. Seeing them on tour allowed us to get clear, updated images of their injury, which appears to be healing well.

And Fader is an all too familiar whale to us, having spent multiple hours with him after we spotted him with severe entanglement a few weeks earlier. Fader also appears to be healing well from his injuries, which can also be seen in the photos below. To see him again today, free and healing, was incredibly heartening.

Injuries like these are, unfortunately, all too common for humpbacks in the Salish Sea. As whale populations recover and human activity on the water increases, so does the risk of entanglement in fishing gear and collisions with vessels. Entanglements can wrap tightly around a whale’s body, mouth, or flukes, cutting into tissue and restricting movement, while vessel strikes can cause deep lacerations or even break bones. Many whales manage to survive these incidents, but the healing process is long and painful, often leaving permanent scars. These visible reminders are important, helping researchers track individual whales and tell their stories, while also highlighting the urgent need for responsible boating practices and safer marine operations to protect these incredible animals. As we continue to share the waters of the Salish Sea with these magnificent animals, every boater has a role to play in their protection. Slowing down when whales are nearby, keeping a respectful distance, and reporting any injured or entangled whales to the BC Marine Mammal Response Network can make a real difference. The more we learn about these animals and the challenges they face, the better equipped we are to ensure their future in our waters. Every safe and considerate choice on the water helps keep the Salish Sea a place where humpbacks like Tag, Mantis, Fader, Butterfly Wings, and Snoopy can continue to thrive.

Nearby, Cascadia spent time with their own trio of Humpbacks. This time it was Velvet (BCY1186), travelling with Zephyr (BCZ0414) and Poptart (BCY1014). These three were enjoying the calm waters in the area, and likely enjoying the good food as well! Due to the natural current caused by the tide patterns between the islands, Porlier pass has been a very productive area for the humpbacks to feed this year.

Finally both boats finished the day with a great viewing of the Pinnipeds at Stinky Rocks. The harbour seals are always a delight to watch lounging in the surf, relaxing on the warmth of the rocks. The Steller Sea Lions are also super active this time of year, taking full advantage of the beginning of Salmon season!

All the photos from the day can be seen below, from Naturalists Desarae Poier and Jordan Robinson.

October 11, 2025 - Humpbacks, Humpbacks everywhere!