ḰENES - Olympus and Calf

July 09, 2025

Olympus (left) and calf (right)

Olympus’ calf

Olympus showing off her fluke

Olympus

On July 09 our team set out to survey potential aerial kelp mapping sites and count pinnipeds on haul outs. After completing our final kelp survey near
XEXÁṮEM (Comet Isl.) we were greeted by two approaching humpbacks! These two ḰENES approached from the south, past XELEXÁṮEM (Rum Isl.) and headed north. These two were identified as Olympus with a calf! We monitored marine mammal regulation compliance, flew our whale flag, radio’d vessels approaching their path, and liased with other on-water monitoring personnel. During this encounter we observed a vessel position in their path and get too close, humpbacks with a calf get double the distance of adults, in BC. As our day came to a close, we headed to the boat ramp to haul our vessel for scheduled maintenance.

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