See a whale, dolphin, porpoise or sea turtle? Learn about the importance of reporting your sighting to the B.C. Cetacean Sightings Network.

Seeing orcas and other magnificent sea creatures in their natural environment is a thrilling experience to say the least! We live in a place where sightings are a regular occurrence, especially for those who live along our shorelines.

In this presentation, Jessica will show us how to report sightings, as well as where to report sick, injured, entangled or dead marine mammals. In addition, she will give us a better understanding of how on a day to day, season to season basis we can take an active roll in the conservation of marine life.

We have come to recognise that there are many issues that effect the well being of neighbours who inhabit the oceans that surround us. Not unlike humans, marine mammals need space to find food, choose mates, raise their young and socialize. In our excitement to view the cetaceans that make their homes, breeding grounds or migratory routes through the Salish Sea, we sometimes forget to take into account the fact that when we get too close we may be disturbing these activities and cause our aquatic neighbours undue stress by approaching too fast or making too much noise.

New laws and regulations have been established through out the region, both in Canada and the US. These regulations prohibit the harassment and disturbance of marine mammals, most particularly our southern resident orcas which we all know are on the list of endangered species.

The BC Cetacean Sightings Network is looking for our assistance and is actively engaging in community dialogue to help in achieving a better understanding of the distribution and abundance of all of the cetaceans that are commonly seen in British Columbia. They will share with us the protocols that they have established for reporting sightings, as well as where to report sick, injured, entangled or dead marine mammals.

For all of you boaters, fishers, observers & interested community members this is a MUST attend session.