Record number of Bigg’s Killer Whales sightings in 2023

More than 1,400 Bigg’s Killer Whales sightings were reported in the Salish Sea in 2023, according to the Orca Behaviour Institute.

This number surpasses the 2022 record by about 200 sightings, the institute says, and contributes to an eight-fold increase in sightings from 10 years ago.

A sighting is defined by the institute as the spotting of a unique group on a unique day.

The institute says the seasonal peak for sighting these whales is in August and September, with the lowest number of sightings recorded in February.

In a Facebook post, it also thanks the many community members who have shared their sightings, photos and videos with the institute to “make this type of region-wide tracking possible.”