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Marine Conservation Research in Victoria, BC
We engage in research!
Science leads to new knowledge, and that in turn leads to conservation solutions. In addition to supporting research activities by many of our conservation partners, Eagle Wing Tours works with multiple research partners by collecting samples and wildlife images and data for them from our vessels.
For our guests, seeing marine research as it happens is all part of the enhanced on-board experience!
Join us on one of our tours to learn more about our research initiatives and watch us in action!
What sort of research?
Humpback Food
By the early 1900s, commercial whaling had eliminated all humpback whales from the Salish Sea. More than a century later, they’re making a dramatic comeback. What are these marine giants eating when they’re here? What areas are important to them?
Since 2019, we’ve been contributing to the work of University of Victoria marine ecologist Dr. Rhonda Reidy as she studies the feeding ecology of this recovering population. Equipped with dip nets, sample bags and observation cards, our boat teams are on the lookout for humpback whale poop. Rhonda and her partners analyse the DNA in collected samples to reveal what fish and krill species are on the humpback menu!
Forage Fish Abundance
Known as “the big little fish,” herring are a cornerstone of marine biodiversity on the BC coast. They’re food for everything from salmon to seabirds to bears and mighty humpback whales. But over the past 100 years, herring populations have plummeted along the coast due to overharvesting, habitat loss, pollution, climate change and other factors.
Since 2019, we’ve been working with the World Fisheries Trust to gather data on forage fish abundance and distribution in the waters around Victoria. On tours, we look for baitballs—swirling schools of forage fish being gobbled up by a frenzy of seabirds and other marine predators. We document details of these baitballs and, using dip nets, scoop up fish scales so that researchers can determine the species of fish involved.
Porpoise Distribution
The Salish Sea is home to two species of porpoise: the shy and tiny harbour porpoise and the speedy and more flamboyant Dall’s porpoise. Little is known about the ecology and status of both species in this region. Where are they found in the Salish Sea? Are there seasonal differences? What habitats are important to them?
Since 2020, Eagle Wing Tours has been collecting sightings data on both species for Sea View Marine Sciences researcher Dr. Anna Hall. On tours, our team logs opportunistic sightings and conducts GIS-based porpoise surveys. Our data is contributing to a better understanding of porpoise habitat use in the region. This study may ultimately inform new porpoise conservation measures for porpoise in the southern Salish Sea.
Marine Mammal Photo IDs
We know that the Salish Sea is a hotspot for marine mammals. But there’s still so much we don’t know. Which individuals do we encounter? Where do we see them and when? Are there seasonal patterns? What feeding and social behaviours do we see? Observational data and photo IDs we share with researchers helps them learn more about the animals in the long-term, as well as monitor the population for any conservation concerns.
On tours, our team collects images and data to share with marine mammal researchers in the region, including Bay Cetology (Bigg’s killer whales), the Humpback Whales of the Salish Sea Project (humpback whales), the Northeast Pacific Minke Whale Project (minke whales), Cascadia Research (grey whales), Sea View Marine Sciences (porpoise), and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (sea otters).
Turkey Vulture Ecology
Every fall, thousands of turkey vultures gather west of Victoria in “kettles” to begin their southward migration across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This 20-km crossing is a significant challenge for these soaring birds. What locations do they favour to cross? What weather conditions do they need? What kettle height is optimal for success? How many give up and turn back? Do any fall in the water? Do any choose other less perilous routes?
On our tours—especially during the fall migration—we’re collecting observational data for University of Victoria researcher Cara Herrington’s study of turkey vulture ecology and migration on southern Vancouver Island. Cara’s research team is land-based, so our vessels provide a unique opportunity to augment her data from multiple locations along the shoreline and in mid-strait. In 2024, we even rescued an exhausted turkey vulture that had fallen into the water!
Marine Mammal Entanglements
Entanglement in marine garbage, especially derelict fishing gear, is a significant global threat to the health and survival of marine wildlife. Entangled animals can drown or starve, or they may suffer physical trauma and infections from fishing gear slowly cutting into their flesh.
The animals most likely to be entangled in the Salish Sea are pinnipeds, especially sea lions, as well as grey whales and humpback whales. The threat of entanglement is so great that it’s estimated that at least 50% of humpback whales off BC have been entangled at some point in their lives.
Like all companies in the Pacific Whale Watch Association, we have protocols in place to quickly report any entanglements seen on tours to authorized responders in Canada or the US. Authorized responders have specialized skills, equipment, training and experience which allow them to effectively assess the entanglement. This ensures that the gear is removed in a way that maximizes the whale’s chance of long-term survival.
What our research partners are saying about us…
Testimonials
