2005 was a very exciting and interesting season. Orca and Humpback whales were sighted more times this season than in the past 8years. Humpback whale sightings dramatically increased from just 17 occasions in 2004 to over 50 in 2005. They were seen lunge feeding close to shore in the Bere Point area. They were feeding on an abundance of Pacific Sardines (Pilchirds) which showed up this season in great numbers in north island waters. Many whales were seen breaching off Bere Point which made for some spectaular viewing. It has been very encouraging to see these whales in my study area in such numbers and with such frequency. Although seen in the area in the past, it was nothing like 2005. They stayed in the area off Malcolm Island's northshore all through summer and fall, and were sighted almost on a daily basis. Many times cow and calf pairs were seen. Never in 9 years has so much Humpback activity been seen and documented as the 2005 season. Let's hope it will continue in the years to come.
Orca sightings were the highest as well, although rubbing encounters were down from past seasons. Continued monitoring of the area may give us more insight into rubbing encounters and why they go up and down. The same northern resident whales were seen using the study area, which encomposses Malcolm Point to Lizard Point extending 10km out from the Malcolm shore. Transient orca were sighted as well, but only on 5 occasions. With new viewing platforms and educational signage in place this past season, disturbances from shore were minimal. Visitors and locals alike seemed to enjoy the higher view. At times the platforms were not used when whales were approaching and beach rubbing, but the researcher (Troy Bright) did not witness harassment or disturbance to the whales from the land-based whale watchers. This was nice to see. People still use the beach which locals have for decades, but most are considerate when it comes to whales approaching and beach rubbing. It's in everyones best interest to not disturb the whales. On one occasion 54 whales approached and had a short rub, while 16 humans watching from the beach. The researcher (Troy Bright) was the only one using the platforms, but disturbance was not seen as the people viewing were sitting very quietly. The awareness shown by visitors of the need to not disturb the whales is very encouraging. It was a season any marine mammal researcher would have been happy with. Other marine mammals recorded were Dall's Porpoise, Minkee Whales, Pacific White-Sided Dolphins, Stellar Sea Lions, Harbour Seals, and Harbour Porpoise. The Harbour Porpoise sightings increased to a new high of 41 encounters, which is another positive indication that the WILD SIDE (Northshore) of Malcolm Island is important habitat to marine mammals and to the prey they feed on. So much so that in Fisheries and Oceans Canada's March 2005 draft of the National Recovery Strategy for Northern and Southern Resident Killer Whales that the Friends of the Wild Side's study area is included in the proposed known critical habitat for Northern Resident Orca. We support this proposal, and hope this designation is placed on the area. Marine life in our oceans must be protected and monitored into the future if we are to see recovery of these Species at Risk. This coast is a global gem to be looked after for the world to see.

Next season will be our 10th year of research from Bere Point. Hopefully it will be the most exciting, interesting season yet. May the whales return, and may they rebound from our many mistakes. They are our companions on this earth, and we will be alone without nature and her creatures.


Troy D.J. Bright
Friends of the Wild Side
Malcolm Island