Happy World Orca Day! Today was made extra special by the return of the Southern Resident Killer Whales to the Salish Sea after 74 days of being absent. While we rejoice in their return, their absence has been a stark reminder that they are an endangered population of just 73 individuals, facing many threats in these waters including lack of available prey and vessel disturbance. In WA state, boaters must keep a minimum of 1000yds away from SRKW, and in Southern BC a minimum of 400m, although we recommend boaters give them as much space as possible so they can live and forage in quieter seas. This World Orca Day we encourage everyone to take the time to consider their impact and how you can help advocate for and support the survival of the SRKWs and all orcas. Photo of J27 from 2022, taken with a telephoto lens and cropped, and in accordance with the MMR and BWWG. (fb)

The Whale-Safe Boating course is NOW available! Whether you paddle, sail, or motor in coastal British Columbia, this course is for YOU. 🛶⛵️🚤 This free, online course is a comprehensive, one-stop resource that fulfills a critical need by addressing the safety of BOTH marine mammals and boaters. It helps recreational boaters stay safe and legal around marine mammals —while also enhancing their enjoyment of our spectacular coast and contributions to marine mammal conservation. 🐋 Please take the course and help spread the word! www.WhaleSafeBoating.org ✅ Details: • The dynamic, online course is 90 minutes long • Made possible by Transport Canada’s Boater Safety Contribution Program and developed with input from an advisory committee of experts in boating, paddling, education, marine mammals, and regulatory policy • Narrated with the option of close captioning Can be paused, resumed, and referred back to at any time • Certificate of completion 🎓 • Downloadable resources • Optional supplemental module includes details about marine mammal species in coastal BC, plus Basking Sharks and Leatherback Turtles #bewhalewise #whale #boat #safeboating (fb)