With just our open boat, Cascadia, off the dock this afternoon, we were eager to head out and see who we could find. We headed across the water to Halibut Bank, an area known for it’s rich biodiversity. The underwater ocean shelf located here creates a hotspot of activity due to the rigorous mixing of the water column caused by the shelf. As nutrients get swept upwards, a variety of species will flock to the area to feed. This often attracts the Humpbacks, who move into this area to feed as bait becomes more available. This region is also home to a variety of species including, Salmon, Octopus and Rockfish, who are protected in this area. As we got closer, we started to see the telltale blows of Humpbacks, and quite a few of them! We had found a group of four humpbacks, all associating with each other. This group of four consisted of Divot (BCX1057), Split Fin (BCZ0298), Nalu (BCY1072), and Orion (BCX1251)

Humpback whales were once thought to be largely solitary, but recent research has revealed that they often form temporary associations with one another. These bonds aren’t as structured as the complex family groups seen in orca, yet they can last anywhere from a few hours to several months. Humpbacks may join together for cooperative feeding, social interaction, or even playful behavior, and it’s not uncommon to see the same individuals reunite across different seasons. These shifting associations highlight the adaptability and social flexibility of humpbacks, giving us a deeper glimpse into their dynamic lives and the importance of ongoing research to better understand their social dynamics.

Soon, we started seeing some of this playful behaviour from another Humpback Moresby (KEY0055), who demonstrated their best cartwheels to the guests! As the Humpback season starts to wind down, it’s not uncommon to see more surface activity from the humpbacks, as they have boundless energy from feeding all summer. Coupled with the excitement of other whales present, it’s no wonder Moresby was so excited! Also spotted hanging in the vicinity was another young humpback, Slice (BCX2487). Funnily enough, Slice is actually Divot’s 2021 calf! Although humpbacks don’t associate with their calves long term, we have seen cases of humpbacks forming relationships with other whales that continue for great periods of time. So while there is still lots of research to be done surrounding humpback recognition habits, it’s plausible that Divot would recognize her calf, even all these years later.

After hanging out with these majestic giants for a while, we continued on to investigate a report of Orca nearby. We soon saw three familiar fins; it was the T101s!

T101 Reef ♀ (1969)
T101A Rush ♂ (1993)
T101B Lagoon ♂ (1997)

These whales are regulars here in the Salish Sea. This matriline is led by Reef, the mother and matriarch of the group. Alongside her are her two boys, Rush and Lagoon, who, like all Bigg’s killer whales, will remain with their mother for life. Together, they hunt seals, porpoises, and sea lions, relying on stealth and cooperation to make their living in these coastal waters.

What makes families like the T101s especially fascinating is the role of the matriarch. Female orcas are one of the very few species on Earth (alongside species like humans and pilot whales) that go through menopause. At 56 years old, Reef has likely gone through menopause, and will spend the rest of her life with her bys. Once a mother like Reef stops having calves, her role within the family only grows more important. Post-reproductive females act as leaders and teachers, guiding their families to reliable hunting grounds and passing down survival knowledge gathered over decades at sea. For Rush and Lagoon, Reef’s experience is invaluable, and she is the glue that holds this tiny pod together!

In the dimming evening light, we finished off the day checking out the sweet Harbour seals on the way home. All the photos from the day can be found below, taken by Marine Naturalist Val Watson.

August 31, 2025, 3:30 PM - Spending time with Humpback Whales and the T101s