KELŁOLEMEĆEN and ḰENES

August 28, 2025

KELŁOLEMEĆEN

KELŁOLEMEĆEN

ḰENES

On August 28 our team was completing monthly Baited Underwater Video surveys and Towed Camera in the Saanich Inlet to observe and monitor the delicate underwater ecosystem of our shared waters. After these surveys were complete, we noticed whale watching activity near ŚÁ,NES (turn point). We quickly headed that way to monitor commercial vessel compliance with regulations for whale watching. Upon our arrival we identified the whales being viewed as the T049A’s minus two of the male members of this pod Jude and Noah. While we were present the T049As were being viewed by 4 whale watching vessels as well as 9 recreational vessels. The whales traveled northward into the S,DÁYES (Pender Island) vessel restricted area where they were afforded some space and peace from the noise of the surrounding vessels.

Right after the encounter with the T049A’s we heard over VHF chatter that a humpback was spotted near ŚÁ,NES. We turned the QENTOLYEN1 around to also document vessel interactions around this whale. We quickly identified the humpback a Strike based on her distinct white mark on her fluke. She was being watched by 3 of the same tour vessels who were keeping good distance as she travelled west into the shipping lanes. Before we knew it our busy day on the water was over, and it was time to return to shore.

All photos are taken with a 200-600 zoom lens.