KELȽOLEMEĆEN and ḰENES

July 23, 2025

ḰENES

On July 23 our team was conducting drone flight surveys off ĆTÍSU (Little D’arcy Isl.) to monitor canopy kelp beds. This is a new initiative for our program to deepen our understanding of the threats facing the marine ecosystem and all of it’s inhabitants. After mapping kelp and trolling with a dummy flasher and troll pro camera, to investigate salmonid presence, our team headed north where there were reports of killer whales. Upon arrival, a parade of whale watchers followed a group of 4 KELȽOLEMEĆEN. In almost no time, this group of vessels increased to about 20 boats, whale watchers and pleasure crafts that were enticed by the magnet effect of whale watching. Many pleasure crafts committed marine mammal infractions, following as closely as whale watching vessels who have permission from the government of Canada to get closer to our marine relatives than the general population. This day was clear demonstration of the fault of the Sustainable Whale Watching Agreement, which creates confusion for mariners. Working in tandem with Straitwatch, we educated and intercepted at least 5 vessels from watching too closely.

Throughout this interaction, these whales were displaying signs of irritation and aggravation, with continuous tail slapping and breaching in an effort to communicate for vessels to back off, give them more space and leave them alone. Of course, these whales were not left alone, and were followed for hours with no peace or quiet. These whales were the T065Bs who have been spending lots of time in our traditional waters lately.

While heading home from a heavy day of witnessing our relatives of the deep in distress, we observed a ḰENES in the distance. We took a few photos and continued home. We believe this humpback was Crater based on their unique dorsal fin.

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