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Research &
Conservation

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 killer whales 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

  • killer whale 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.

Involvement and Support

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. Since 2015, we have proudly donated over $59,000 to the Pacific Salmon Foundation.

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.

Centre For Whale Research

We proudly contribute to the Center’s research of the endangered Southern Resident killer whales 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Orca Spirit proudly supports The Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI) – a cross-sectoral alliance committed to driving solutions to the problem of lost and abandoned fishing gear worldwide. The GGGI aims to improve the health of marine ecosystems, protect marine animals, and safeguard human health and livelihoods.

Get Involved and Help Make a Difference

The small contributions of many make a big impact, so we invite you to pick a cause near to your heart and join us in creating a sustainability environment.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

More Involvement

Green Business Certification & Accreditations

We achieved Gold Member status with the Vancouver Island Green Business Association, and Silver Certification from Green Tourism Canada.

Responsible Whale Watching Practices

Right from the beginning, we’ve followed the viewing, vessel operation and radio etiquette guidelines for responsible whale watching.

Our Commitment to Responsible EcoTourism

We protect and preserve our spectacular natural surrounding by actively practicing the principles of eco-tourism and sustainability.

Leaders in responsible Eco-Tourism

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