T101s and BCX1358 at TEḴTEḴSEN

June 10, 2026

Photo by: Lauren Laturnus (SFU)

June 10 was a unique day for our team as we hit the water towards Saturna island for a day of land based observations with researchers from Simon Fraser University’s Dr. Joy lab. QENTOL,YEN has a long standing collaboration with Ruth and her lab and our own marine biologist has also worked with Ruth since 2022 so this was an exciting cross-over day for our team!

First thing when we arrived, the T101s had just passed TEḴTEḴSEN (East Point) and were heading behind Tumbo Island. We left them on their way and proceeded into Shell Beach. Once we were stationed at the research platform we spent the day connecting about research, receiving training on using a theodolite for land based observations and mysticetus software. Mid day we were greeted by BCX1358 AKA Frankenstein the Humpback whale who passed by TEḴTEḴSEN close to shore in the Saturna Island Vessel Restricted Zone heading east.

Watching and studying whales from land is zero impact. Vessels impact whales through physical and acoustic disturbance. We always operate our vessels with respect for our relatives at the forefront, but adding land based monitoring into our program is just another way for us to tread lightly in our homeland.
We urge you to watch whales from shore to help keep boats away from whales.

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