https://www.cetussociety.org/current-events daily 0.75 2024-08-31 https://www.cetussociety.org/current-events/feedback-for-marine-mammal-regulation-commentary-period monthly 0.5 2024-08-31 https://www.cetussociety.org/current-events/2024-management-measures monthly 0.5 2024-05-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/335e5784-1452-4ab2-84a8-71f2d3c9f63d/Screen+Shot+2024-05-08+at+11.06.57+AM.png Whales Up! Current Events - 2024 Management Measures - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/11941a3d-746e-4087-961f-e39f7c590a0c/Screen+Shot+2024-05-08+at+11.06.46+AM.png Whales Up! Current Events - 2024 Management Measures - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.cetussociety.org/current-events/t046-wake monthly 0.5 2023-08-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/783ee163-090d-4d03-b2ab-396ba4d94679/Wake+%28T46%29+_+Loki+%28T46F%29+06192022_Emily.jpg Whales Up! Current Events - T046 Wake & The Budd Inlet Six- Whale Feature - Make it stand out T046 Wake (left) and her son T046F Loki (right). Image credit: Emily Perkovic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1677709753071-UNEJ7O5UTIB1U2GYDB0S/DYW0oaMU8AAyHJx.jpg Whales Up! Current Events - T046 Wake & The Budd Inlet Six- Whale Feature - The Budd Inlet Six Capture in March 1976. Photo Credit: Washington State Archives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1677709752736-YB5B15L0WVM9AQRV8URF/DYW01VBV4AAvk92.jpg Whales Up! Current Events - T046 Wake & The Budd Inlet Six- Whale Feature - The Budd Inlet Six Capture in March 1976. Photo Credit: Washington State Archives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/6ffc96dc-6682-4026-923c-58f6eb8abfd0/Screen+Shot+2023-03-01+at+2.13.11+PM.png Whales Up! Current Events - T046 Wake & The Budd Inlet Six- Whale Feature - Make it stand out The presumed extended family of T046. Sex is denoted by colour: pink=female, blue=male, green=unknown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1677710734025-P5JCFZ74IA6DHMYI3ANZ/Thor%2B%2528T46E%2529%2B_%2BCenteki%2B%2528T122%2529%2B06192022_Emily.jpg Whales Up! Current Events - T046 Wake & The Budd Inlet Six- Whale Feature - T046's offspring: T122 Centeki (left) and T046E Thor (right). Photo credit: Emily Perkovic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1677710426122-9F31HNKKP0VPC3JXIE4J/Thor%2B%2528T46E%2529%2B06192022_Emily.jpg Whales Up! Current Events - T046 Wake & The Budd Inlet Six- Whale Feature - T046's son: T046E - Thor Photo credit: Emily Perkovic https://www.cetussociety.org/current-events/j38-cookie monthly 0.5 2023-08-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/e82a5c2a-ab33-4356-b71e-040763519acc/Cookie%2B%2528J38%2529%2BBreach%2B08072022_Emily.jpg Whales Up! Current Events - J38 Cookie - Whale Feature - Make it stand out Photo credit: Emily Perkovic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/0541b255-848a-423f-96ce-1ce5ce90b8ad/Screen+Shot+2023-01-01+at+3.05.35+PM.png Whales Up! Current Events - J38 Cookie - Whale Feature - Make it stand out J38’s older brother J34 (Doublestuf) died in 2016 of blunt force trauma from a vessel strike, making J38 and his mother the only two whales left in their matriline. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1672615653070-66T899H7KKV9TFJZYY60/Cookie%2B%2528J%2B38%2529Pod%2B08072022_Emily.jpg Whales Up! Current Events - J38 Cookie - Whale Feature Photo credit: Emily Perkovic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1672618026085-M94RAC72N9T86LN5RCK9/J38-Cookie.jpg Whales Up! Current Events - J38 Cookie - Whale Feature Photo credit: Lindsay kolb https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1672619829733-LTHRNUVKXOPTWEUNBKJZ/DSC_0333.jpg Whales Up! Current Events - J38 Cookie - Whale Feature Photo credit: Lindsay Kolb https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1672618597416-YSI8V1T0ZB7WPZISYSFZ/DSC_0332.jpg Whales Up! Current Events - J38 Cookie - Whale Feature Photo credit: Lindsay Kolb https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1672615695001-VTDUQMT21G1C9CCHHRTN/Cookie%2B%2528J38%2529%2B08072022_Emily.jpg Whales Up! Current Events - J38 Cookie - Whale Feature Photo credit: Emily Perkovic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1672618532638-UEOBRFOMNAEP6YU3MSVS/DSC_0320.jpg Whales Up! Current Events - J38 Cookie - Whale Feature Photo credit: Lindsay Kolb https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1672615718623-QHE1939Q96W2CLZF053G/DSC_0394.jpg Whales Up! Current Events - J38 Cookie - Whale Feature Photo credit: Lindsay Kolb https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1672615796657-UY016C6X24A7M6NUWIES/DSC_0395.jpg Whales Up! Current Events - J38 Cookie - Whale Feature Photo credit: Lindsay Kolb https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1672618812201-8HC7VSC9UG6NUZOXLKNI/DSC_0364.jpg Whales Up! Current Events - J38 Cookie - Whale Feature Photo credit: Lindsay Kolb https://www.cetussociety.org/current-events/hjr5wvfibemfvjqq9ivo89ynueyj4s monthly 0.5 2022-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/d146c3ed-2147-433a-b232-3a1a3901d235/DSC_8778.jpg Whales Up! Current Events - SRKW 2022 Calves - Make it stand out J59 breaching with mom (Hy’Shqa J37) Photo by: Emily Perkovic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/5f9f1b7e-607a-4f1e-b136-89ca72b93a3d/DSC_8765.jpg Whales Up! Current Events - SRKW 2022 Calves - Make it stand out J59 breaching with mom (Hy’Shqa J37) Photo by: Emily Perkovic https://www.cetussociety.org/current-events/zjjjsjplxzinhsftemtn4k1bnaogt2 monthly 0.5 2022-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1631119849143-VAAWE9E8180BPRUTEBZT/240502638_4576946165648836_1457705888915148120_n.jpg Whales Up! Current Events - Tofino(56) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1631119977535-O8DUIECY94XFQL17TD4N/240612780_4576946168982169_6251764121820261420_n.jpg Whales Up! Current Events - Tofino(56) - Make it stand out Photos of J Pod making their way to the mouth of the Fraser River Photos by: Zoe Molder & Izzy Deutsch https://www.cetussociety.org/current-events/cappuccino-k21 monthly 0.5 2022-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1631119018944-SKIFIN01ZET2PDRWZNFG/tc-308977-web-j-pod-4-jpg.jpg Whales Up! Current Events - Cappuccino (K21) - Make it stand out Photo of K21 labouring in the current with a collapsed dorsal fin. https://www.cetussociety.org/current-events/southern-residents-are-back monthly 0.5 2022-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1625592932856-7GI5UD9HBZH7JJ4B7E72/srkw-measures-mesures-ers-overview-apercu-2021-eng.jpg Whales Up! Current Events - Southern Residents are back! - With the SRKW confirmed back in the Salish Sea, Salmon fishing closures have been implemented in the Gulf Islands and the West side of Vancouver Island as noted by the yellow map areas. https://www.cetussociety.org/current-events/2es6gqbpgvld9sl227q78hwleamxz6 monthly 0.5 2021-05-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1621532836370-QUDHOMZHFHUNZGIH7N27/Capture.JPG Whales Up! Current Events - New SRKW Measures - Click here for the full Government of Canada press release. https://www.cetussociety.org/current-events/blog-post-title-two-kjght monthly 0.5 2021-03-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1616732196433-OG6MT72WPCKP3JHGBNHV/Screen+Shot+2021-03-25+at+9.13.13+PM.png Whales Up! Current Events - Another baby for J pod! https://www.cetussociety.org/current-events/blog-post-title-three-ttdnl monthly 0.5 2021-03-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1616732333575-6LNZDG8X14R1J9IWEZ3O/Screen+Shot+2021-03-25+at+9.18.13+PM.png Whales Up! Current Events - Have you heard about the whale police? https://www.cetussociety.org/current-events/blog-post-title-four-cnwsk monthly 0.5 2021-03-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1616732503555-6PT6VLSHRXQRTL9A4VW6/Screen+Shot+2021-03-25+at+9.21.29+PM.png Whales Up! Current Events - Critical habitat for Northern Resident Killer Whales https://www.cetussociety.org/current-events/blog-post-title-one-7n6jr monthly 0.5 2021-05-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1616731812998-VG5HARPCR831P7TKQVX5/Screen+Shot+2021-03-25+at+9.09.38+PM.png Whales Up! Current Events - J35 has a baby! https://www.cetussociety.org/home daily 1.0 2025-07-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/025d72f9-520c-4489-896a-234374808a2e/DSC_0876.jpg Home Straitwatch Straitwatch is a stewardship program operating on the Salish Sea focusing primarily in the waters around Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands. This area is the habitat of the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales of which only 73 remain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/22b41284-b40d-4c61-be66-992ec8e080ed/Nicola_Rammell_+wardens_on_Nimpkish.jpg Home Robson Bight Warden Program The Robson Bight Warden Program operates on the waters surrounding the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve on northeastern Vancouver Island. The Reserve itself is protected as critical habitat for the threatened Northern Resident Killer Whales. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/be058a01-6a91-40ae-aece-995a302dfe85/J+Pod+5+08072022.jpg Home - SOUTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES J Pod Image by Emily Perkovic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/ff35de18-72c2-4c58-9f52-abfe6f634548/TheA50s_A84%2CA50%2CandA123_%40wildforwhales+%281%29.jpg Home - NORTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES A84, A50, and A123 Image by Grace Guiney https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/874da644-36c8-48fb-a4de-b6428321612a/T36bs+%26+T99s+2+08142022.jpg Home - TRANSIENT (BIGG’S) KILLER WHALES T36bs & T99s Image by Emily Perkovic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/55c3c3d9-a0da-4729-895f-3d3702b5820f/IMG_0772.jpg Home - HUMPBACK WHALES Callahan and Calypso Image by Alex Friedman https://www.cetussociety.org/straitwatch daily 0.75 2022-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/a1d8f37e-a292-4e84-a37c-465bd3ff836d/Screenshot+2022-10-31+221240.jpg Straitwatch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/aab45b30-d6c2-4671-8be4-163940499a9b/Straitwatch+Vessel.jpg Straitwatch - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.cetussociety.org/warden daily 0.75 2023-08-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/51dded14-663b-4614-b3c7-73a494d1a098/IMG_0773.PNG Warden Program https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1620418105923-KU45D0CFQSEIY3P3LW24/robson+bight+map+cut+out.jpg Warden Program https://www.cetussociety.org/whalewise daily 0.75 2025-07-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/b32ab577-204a-4e06-83dd-9582069d9364/2025-srkw-ers-overview-apercu-eng.jpg Be Whale Wise https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/e58b3b6a-1e76-45ec-9ebc-242f77720662/wdfw_bww-target-new2-11-1.jpg Be Whale Wise https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1621533956081-EJJGUJ27KWBK2QDAKRT8/Whale+Flag_EmilyP.jpg Be Whale Wise - Make it stand out Whale Warning Flag (Top) & Purple AV Flag (Bottom) Whale Warning flags are used to let other mariners know that whales are in the area and to slow down. You can get one here. The AV flag is flown by vessels that have an exemption to the 400 m distance regulation from Transient Killer Whales and may view from 200 m. https://www.cetussociety.org/killer-whales daily 0.75 2025-07-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1616714537653-LLU8Z1DIYJHVTG10Q62X/unsplash-image-iyVSCp0ZUj0.jpg Killer Whales - Southern Residents The Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKWs) are a specific ecotype of killer whales whose territory comprises the Salish Sea around southern Vancouver Island, extending from Georgia Strait in the east and along the pacific coast to the west. The North Pacific resident killer whale population was originally listed as threatened under the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). In 2001 the population was subdivided into three populations and the SRKWs were added as a Schedule 1 species under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) and listed as endangered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1616725041667-CHJ0JW4W5UYW2NVMOLHI/unsplash-image-p5nDU-d3Y0s.jpg Killer Whales - Northern Residents The Northern Resident Killer Whales (NRKWs) are a specific ecotype of killer whales whose territory comprises northern Vancouver Island, along the sheltered inlets of the British Columbia’s central and north coasts and have been seen in southeast Alaska in the winter. The North Pacific resident killer whale population was originally listed as threatened under COSEWIC. In 2001 the population was subdivided into three populations and the NRKWs were added as a Schedule 1 species under SARA and maintained their threatened status. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1616725084166-XGXHND524ZQKXUHFUKMS/unsplash-image-4Oc_CxCBhSA.jpg Killer Whales - Transient (Bigg’s) Killer Whales Transient killer whales, also known as Biggs killer whales, range from Alaska to southern California and can be found in B.C. waters year-round. Transient killer whales were assessed as threatened by COSEWIC and SARA listed as Schedule 1 with the same status in 2003. Transient killer whales do not interbreed with the resident populations, and recent evidence has shown they have at least 750,000 years of separation. https://www.cetussociety.org/board daily 0.75 2026-02-17 https://www.cetussociety.org/pinnipeds daily 0.75 2021-07-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1616726129794-40TIICONF1YB2KTT498B/Sea%2BLion%2Bfrom%2Babove%2B.jpg Seals, Sea Lions and Otters - Common Pinnipeds & Otters In addition to Cetaceans, the Salish Sea is home to many other marine mammals including, otters, seals, and sea lions. There are five species of Pinnipeds found in BC, including 2 species of sea lion and 3 species of seal, as well as two species of otter. There are two species of otter found in BC waters, sea otters and river otters. Sea otters spend their whole lives at sea and were heavily hunted during the fur trade. In the 1900 they were considered extirpated in Canada; a small population was reintroduced to the west coast of Vancouver Island and they have slowly repopulated but are still considered at risk. River otters only spend part of their time in water and are much more common in BC. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1621460441897-ZWYIKM4J4UPNQ7AC2EBL/DSC_0531.JPG Seals, Sea Lions and Otters - Make it stand out Stellar Sea Lion https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1621460693180-IMQENWTKEXYMSYD3YIE6/DSC_0545.JPG Seals, Sea Lions and Otters - Make it stand out Harbour Seal https://www.cetussociety.org/whales daily 0.75 2021-07-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1616725442169-2GIOG66HO1NS7PTYSYSI/unsplash-image-kkXDhAUnxYI.jpg Humpbacks, Whales, Dolphins - Humpbacks Humpback whales are one of the largest baleen whales commonly seen in the Salish Sea, measuring 15 meters long and weighing 40 tonnes. Humpbacks were originally designated as threatened in 1982 by COSEWIC and SARA listed as endangered in 2003. In May of 2011, the species was re-examined and down-listed to species of special concern. Although the population is recovering and no longer considered to be threatened, they are not without threats. Noise disturbance, habitat degradation, entanglement and vessel strikes still pose a risks to the population. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1616725804466-5PC2JNCH9DVVACPVC4ZS/minke-IMG_5580.jpg Humpbacks, Whales, Dolphins - Common Whales & Dolphins Grey whales are large baleen whales that range from 11-14 meters in length. They are a mottled grey colour, and lack a dorsal fin, in its place they have a series on knuckles on their backs. Grey whales are also often covered with barnacles and whale lice. At the surface grey whales are very unobtrusive and are often called breathing rocks. Minke whales are the smallest of the baleen whales in the North Pacific growing up to 10 meters in length. They are black or dark grey with a white belly and white bands on their pectoral flippers. Minke’s are even more conspicuous at the surface, rarely fluking before a dive and rarely exhibit surface activity. https://www.cetussociety.org/get-involved daily 0.75 2022-02-01 https://www.cetussociety.org/partners daily 0.75 2026-02-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/43f3dd6b-c277-4d3a-b067-485993e9e7f4/Partnerships+new+%282%29.jpg Partners - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.cetussociety.org/outreach daily 0.75 2022-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/94ece285-3e2a-44d2-85f6-1c3325285709/IMG_0776.jpg Outreach and Education - Some of the many different events we attends include: Boat Shows Farmer’s Markets World Ocean’s Day Intertidal Safaris School Presentations Community Events Summer Camps https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1621554090150-1RNPPE7W8FEDI1Z2J8XN/187776493_559977372074080_3851217962290203930_n.jpg Outreach and Education - During the field season, Cetus staff conduct dock talks at local marinas to distribute educational materials to boaters and ensure that they are aware of the Marine Mammal Regulations and Be Whale Wise guidelines. You may see one of our staff educating at a marina near you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/3d32f609-40ad-4c06-b527-7a0a5e16569e/IMG_5912.jpg Outreach and Education - Year round our team works to distribute and install metal signage at marinas to educate boaters about the Marine Mammal Regulations and Be Whale Wise guidelines . We provide signs free of cost to the marinas, and have placed over 60 signs all across Vancouver Island and the lower mainland. https://www.cetussociety.org/volunteer daily 0.75 2022-11-01 https://www.cetussociety.org/job-postings daily 0.75 2026-03-13 https://www.cetussociety.org/staff daily 0.75 2025-07-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/d837ad54-8930-40e4-9fea-0d0ee303350e/DSC_5572.jpg Staff - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/3c367c26-5978-4803-88a2-57945449d48e/QUADRA_team-5.jpg Staff - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/897435b5-92d9-4bc5-ba6a-2923abc24508/SWS_0206.jpg Staff - Lindsay Kolb - Straitwatch South Coordinator Lindsay started working with Cetus in 2021 doing data work, then as a crew member for Straitwatch South. Originally from Richmond BC, she moved to Vancouver Island in 2016; having always lived on the coast of the Salish Sea, Lindsay has been passionate about marine biology and conservation for as long as she can remember. Lindsay holds a B.Sc. in Biology and Biological Anthropology from the University of Victoria, focusing primarily on Marine Biology. She is grateful to be able to spend her time working to protect local cetacean species from human impacts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/bfe170e3-5689-4eed-b017-70ae0ab3e902/CETUS_SWS_-2+copy.jpg Staff - Neil Saxvik - Vessel Operator Neil joined the Straitwatch team in 2021 as a vessel operator for Straitwatch South. Neil grew up sailing and boating through the coastal waters of BC, learning the ins and outs of the local seas. Through his explorations and post finishing his degree in biology, he has gained a huge appreciation and gratefulness to the sheer mass of diversity of life that the Salish Sea supports and the importance and power it holds in our everyday life. In contributing to Straitwatch’s work, Neil hopes to reduce the threats that our cetacean populations are facing and ensure that our local ocean ecosystem continues to thrive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/3e878c4b-4565-474c-82fb-534f6340947a/SWS_0208.jpg Staff - Natalie Rae - Data Crew This is Natalie’s first year with Cetus as a crew member with the Straitwatch South team. She moved to Vancouver Island four years ago to study marine ecosystems firsthand and is currently completing her B.Sc. in Marine Biology. Natalie has a strong interest in all marine life, from invertebrates to marine mammals, and is dedicated to fostering public awareness about the importance of ocean conservation. She previously worked as a marine educator at the Whale Interpretive Centre, where she informed visitors on marine wildlife, conservation, and the North Pacific ecosystem. This role enhanced her science communication skills and sparked her passion for marine conservation work. She is excited to spend the season on the water with Cetus, working to protect local cetaceans from vessel impacts while contributing to the collection of valuable data to support conservation efforts across the Salish Sea. Natalie looks forward to supporting Cetus’s mission while gaining further experience in marine conservation work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/f65e290f-698e-42b3-8a39-a882a897e623/SWS_0355.jpg Staff - Carmen Murphy - Data Crew Carmen has spent the last four field seasons working on marine vessels and has a great passion for whale conservation. Having recently acquired her undergraduate degree from the University of Victoria in Marine Biology, she is excited to be a part of the Cetus team. Having grown up on the island, Carmen is really looking forward to contributing to meaningful data supporting whales in the Salish Sea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/026f8807-9d40-479b-91fe-d34a35e801ef/EmmaImage.jpg Staff - Emma Shuparski - Straitwatch Quadra Coordinator Emma, a resident of Quadra Island, has been dedicated to Straitwatch for five years, serving as a coordinator and vessel operator. She holds a B.Sc. in Geography with Honours from the University of Victoria, where she specialized in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to enhance the understanding of cetacean habitat use. Inspired by her upbringing along the shores of the Salish Sea, Emma pursued a degree aimed at protecting British Columbia's unique ecosystems. Her academic and professional aspirations are rooted in environmental justice and marine conservation, reflecting her commitment to safeguarding the natural world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/c39382fb-7714-4785-b9c9-24aeb3dbad09/IMG_3396.jpg Staff - Megan Hockin-Bennett - Vessel Operator Megan is an award winning filmmaker, podcast producer and conservationist. This is her second summer working for Straitwatch. She grew up near London, England and currently lives on Vancouver Island. After finishing her degree in film she traveled to Canada in search of a life lived amongst wildlife and to make films about the natural world. She has spent the last 13 years making short films and working with OrcaLab. These last 13 years have instilled an inherent passion for maintaining a respectful relationship with whales. Megan is dedicated to the belief that through education, creativity, positive energy and conversation we can inspire people to create long lasting change to help sustain a healthier planet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/c45c1906-99df-476e-a9f3-3b56374fc47e/image_67196161.jpg Staff - Sophie Early - Data Crew Sophie was raised around the coastal waters of Banks Peninsula, on the East Coast of New Zealand. This upbringing fostered a love for the unrestrained, natural beauty of the ocean, and the array of marine life it contains. Banks Peninsula is home to the endangered Hector’s Dolphin, a species by which through policy change and implementation of marine protected areas, has bolstered its numbers in recent years. It has shown Sophie that the change of human behaviour can impact the welfare of decimated wildlife for the better. After a few years of working as a medic, it is this drive that led her to change vocations and study a BSci in Conservation and Ecology at Lincoln University. Working for Cetus, an organization led by those same values, is a privilege that Sophie intends to use as an opportunity to learn, help, and lead by example. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/7ea27fa7-9b9a-4643-a721-cfc1dd95c970/image0.jpg Staff - Juliette Champsaur - Data Crew Juliette joined Cetus in 2025 to support field operations in the Straitwatch Quadra team. Originally from France, she holds a Master’s degree in Ecology and Biostatistics from the University of Burgundy and has worked on several international projects focused on reducing bycatch of marine megafauna. Passionate about marine mammals and dedicated to protecting ocean ecosystems, Juliette is excited to be part of a team that works directly to safeguard marine mammals from human threats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/db818469-104d-46df-b2f3-79fc22b06054/Astrid.jpg Staff - Astrid Waite - Straitwatch North Coordinator Astrid started with the Cetus Warden Program in 2022, falling in love with the North Island and the efforts of the organization. She combines her background in science and data collection with positivity and compassion for the natural world. She is a dedicated environmental steward with various field work experiences and a BSc in Environmental Science. Astrid is looking forward to another season in the Johnstone Strait, learning from the thriving ecosystem and its community members. She believes that by promoting education, sharing knowledge, and fostering positivity, we can improve the environment for all creatures, ultimately working towards a better world for all. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/269f2643-7e08-4892-9fd4-148131b7b666/Steph.jpg Staff - Stefani Cruickshank - Warden Program Coordinator Stefani began her time at Cetus in 2022 and is returning for her fourth field season this year as a Warden. She has a very strong connection to the oceans, forests, and biota of the Pacific Northwest and hails from the unceded, traditional territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. She feels very privileged to be working on and learning from the ancestral lands of the Kwakwaka’wakw nations again this summer. She holds a BSc in Applied Animal Biology with Honours having focussed primarily on animal welfare and conservation. Stefani has worked with and advocated for the rights of a wide array of animals ranging from harbour seals and amphibians to research rodents and is enamoured by most everything in the marine world. Her strongest traits lie in her passions for environmental advocacy, and decreasing anthropogenic impacts on wildlife throughout BC. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/8b166ffd-2046-4970-9aff-6a92ead944f8/image0+copy.jpg Staff - Megan Kollman - Vessel Operator Megan is passionate about wildlife conservation and environmental laws and compliance. She completed her Bachelor of Natural Resource Protection at Vancouver Island University in 2023. This summer 2025 is her first time working with Cetus as a Robson Bight Marine Warden. She has dedicated much of her professional career towards freshwater fisheries management and terrestrial ecological restoration work. Over the field season she is excited to educate people about the importance of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve and the positive things people can do to help the iconic marine mammals that call the Johnstone Strait home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/2d2e0e90-953c-467f-b3f7-b3c02a5ed61b/Callum.jpg Staff - Callum Tait - Vessel Operator Callum has always held a deep love and respect for the ocean, coming from remote Shetland and spending many days on the water crewing for historic and expedition sailing ships. He holds a Masters in Earth Science and has worked four years in a physical oceanography role in Scotland. Since moving to BC he has enjoyed becoming acquainted with the local marine ecology and coastal dynamics, as well as learning about the traditions of the first nation communities and their relationships with the sea. He feels greatly lucky and privileged to stay and work at the Robson Bight ecological reserve on the Kwakwaka’wakw nations ancestral land, and is looking forward to becoming familiar with the North Resident Killer Whales and other marine life in the area and contributing to their conservation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/faee295c-e257-4f9f-82a3-0e5c2ad0c3ae/Sofia.jpg Staff - Sofia Scuotto - Volunteer Sofia was born in Lugano, a lovely town tucked away in the southern part of Switzerland. She’s always been drawn to nature and its many wonders, which led her to study Biology at a Swiss university. During her third year, she packed her bags and headed off to the University of Montréal in Canada for a new academic adventure. She is really passionate about the ocean and its incredible creatures, especially marine mammals. Before diving into further studies, she wanted to enrich her knowledge by gaining real-world experience in the marine field, both theoretical and practical. Over the years, she’s volunteered with several organizations in South Africa and around the Mediterranean, working on projects related to plastic pollution, sea turtle conservation, and the monitoring of marine mammals, especially sperm whales. Now, joining the Robson Bight Warden Program is an exciting next step. It’s a perfect opportunity for Sofia to put everything she’s learned into action, build new skills, and witness firsthand just how important it is to protect marine ecosystems and the species that call them home. Sofia is super excited about spending the entire summer camping at Boat Bay, discovering the rich ecosystems along the coast of Vancouver Island, and participating in the monitoring of boat traffic and its impact on cetaceans, especially orcas, which she can’t wait to observe in their natural habitat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/306f90a3-4bde-44c8-b3c4-6c3547fe4ccf/Ruth.jpg Staff - Ruth Earl - Volunteer Ruth grew up in the countryside of the UK, becoming passionate about nature, and especially marine life, in her childhood when observing marine mammals in the wild. This passion lead to her ongoing BSc in marine biology at Plymouth University, the UK's 'Ocean City'. Having visited North Vancouver Island and the Johnstone Strait before, Ruth is excited to start as a volunteer warden for the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, helping to collect data on local cetacean and vessel activity and to build on her previous warden experience, with pinnipeds in the UK. In her spare time she enjoys creating art, which often takes inspiration from her love of the natural world and the Ocean. She hopes to bring her motivation and enthusiasm to the warden program this season. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/1aea4081-5e8a-41ab-8ace-5c09900b8fad/Ada.jpg Staff - Ada Shackleton- Volunteer Ada is a wildlife biologist from Whadjuk Noongar country in Western Australia joining the Robson Bight program for the first time this season. She has a diverse background in field research and marine education ranging from flatback turtle nesting studies and land-based fauna trapping in remote north-western Australia to designing a boat-based highschool work experience program on the Ningaloo Reef and guiding bottlenose dolphin tours. Whilst in Canada she is eager to explore Canada's wild places and contribute to local conservation. She holds a BSc in Veterinary Biology with a minor in Marine Biology. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60219872c7d39a1df0bf78eb/ab6bb88e-2c4c-4f71-a767-c755f4605f15/ab8512d6-1fc8-4ab4-8db6-e652cce4afa2.jpg Staff - Mitch Fosdick - Volunteer Mitch comes from a cattle farm in rural Australia. He has a background in land and wildlife management and is a big fan of all things ecology. This is his final summer in Canada and he’s stoked to be spending it immersed in such a beautiful place surrounded by good people and stunning wildlife.