SUPPORTING RESEARCH & CONSERVATION
Orca Spirit Adventures actively supports the efforts of organizations dedicated to wildlife research and conservation, including education, recovery and policy development around wildlife in their natural habitat.
Not only have we adopted multiple orcas through the Whale Museum, we also support the Pacific Salmon Foundation, Center for Whale Research, Greater Victoria Animal Crusaders (GVAC) Rescue, Ducks Unlimited, Victoria Hospice, and World Fisheries Trust.
WILD WHALE BC CETACEAN SIGHTINGS NETWORK
Orca Spirit is a proud member of the Wild Whales B.C. Cetacean Sightings Network. Wild Whales is the home of the B.C. Cetacean Sightings Network, a research and conservation program of the Vancouver Aquarium, in collaboration with Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Their goal is to increase public awareness of British Columbia’s whales, dolphins, porpoises and sea turtles, and the threats to their survival. You can help by reporting animals you see in B.C. waters and by learning more about how to minimize your impact to marine mammals in the Threats section of the Wild Whales website.
RESEARCH CONTRIBUTIONS
- Orca diving behavior
- Movement patterns and a study of diet and behavioral cues of predation
- Continued photo identification of orca in the Salish Sea
- Collection of fecal samples (for genetic analysis of diet) and
- Prey samples left behind by foraging whales
GET INVOLVED AND HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Here are just some of the ways you can help protect and preserve our transient and resident whale communities, and contribute to the conservation of The Salish Sea.
PACIFIC SALMON FOUNDATION
Since June 1st, 2015 Orca Spirit Adventures and the Pacific Salmon Foundation have worked together to take action to protect our coastal marine habitat. Orca Spirit Adventures’ guests pay a $2 conservation fee that 100% goes towards the restoration of the salmon in the Salish Sea. In 2017, we proudly collected and donated over $35,000 to the PCF.
SOUTHERN RESIDENT ORCA ADOPTION
In 2011, Orca Spirit adopted five orcas from the Southern Resident community through the Whale Museum—one for each of our Marine Naturalists. In the last two years, we adopted whales on behalf of all of our captains, and in 2018 we adopted three more in celebration of Family Day.
CENTER FOR WHALE RESEARCH
We proudly contribute to the Center’s research of the endangered Southern Resident orcas and support its mission is to facilitate the recovery of this beloved population of Orcas through non-invasive scientific study, public awareness & education, and conservation action.
WORLD FISHERIES TRUST
Orca Spirit proudly supports World Fisheries Trust, a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to the equitable and sustainable use and conservation of aquatic biodiversity. WFT engages in scientific and social research, environmental education, policy development, and appropriate field implementation of solutions.
PACIFIC WHALE WATCH ASSOCIATION
As member company, Orca Spirit supports the Pacific Whale Watch Foundation’s commitment to education and conservation while advocating responsible whale watching. Our company is 1 of 32 dedicated whale watching and ecotourism businesses committed to research, education, and responsible wildlife viewing.
CETUS RESEARCH & CONSERVATION SOCIETY
Orca Spirit supports Cetus marine conservation society which works to reduce disturbances to marine mammals on the BC coast and promote respect for our marine environment through on-the-water and land-based education, outreach and direct monitoring activities.
PORT OF VANCOUVER ECHO PROGRAM
We proudly support The Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program – a Vancouver Fraser Port Authority-led initiative aimed at better understanding and managing the impact of shipping activities on at-risk whales throughout the southern coast of British Columbia.
GLOBAL GHOST GEAR INITIATIVE
We participate in local projects supporting the Global Ghost Gear Initiative to make to ocean safer and cleaner for marine animals. We provide the boat used by crews working to remove a derelict fishing net off Pender Island.
ADOPT AN ORCA
The Vancouver Aquarium, in partnership with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, manages the Orca Adoption Program. Funds go directly towards biological studies such as genetic analysis, toxic contamination loads and dietary analysis, and support conservation efforts to protect the whale’s natural environment and monitor boat traffic to prevent harassment.
BECOME WHALE WISE
Follow viewing guidelines and local laws in the presence of marine wildlife. When we get too close, approach too fast, or make too much noise, we may be disrupting these activities and causing the animals unnecessary stress. In some cases, we may be threatening their lives. Set an example for others, and help protect our spectacular marine resources.
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
Recycling, reducing and reusing results in less trash and reduced consumption of natural resources, like water. Fourteen (14) billion pounds (6.35 billion kg) of garbage is dumped into the ocean every year! Not only is it disgusting and rude to trash the home of billions of creatures, it is also harmful to our whale friends and the food chain that supports them.
EAT SUSTAINABILE, BUY LOCAL
Choose Oceanwise Seafood and Buy local. Even if you can’t grow your food at home, buying food that is grown near your home helps reduce the fossil fuels and resulting pollution that comes from the transport of produce and foods from all over the world (in planes and refrigerated trucks) to your supermarket.
CHOOSE A RESPONSIBLE COMPANY
Look for a whale watching company that respects wildlife and our natural environment. A responsible whale watching company will: follow viewing guidelines; actively contribute to research and conservation; offer carbon neutral experiences; and be accredited by sustainable organizations.
ADDITIONAL WORK
Green Business Certification & Accreditations
We are proud to hold GOLD certification with Green Tourism Canada, the highest GREEN status with the Vancouver Island Green Business Certification, Biosphere Committed designation, and membership in 1% for the Planet – recognition we work hard to earn and maintain every year.