In BC waters humpback whales are known to bubble net feed, where groups of whales work together to trap fish inside spirals of bubbles. Over 20 years of observation, we documented the spread of this behaviour through the north coast population.

The smell of percolating coffee filled the cabin as the sunrise leaked through the windows. There was a quiet rhythm to the morning — footsteps on the deck, the shuffle of rain gear, and the soft chatter of preparation. We packed the Elemiah and set out for Verney Passage and Bishop Bay, unaware that the next nine hours on the water would feel like an entire lifetime in a single breath.

This was an incredibly emotional day for our team. We know the whales here by name, and as unique individuals. Losing any whale is a loss of unique knowledge and culture in the population. At this time of year, male humpback whales begin to sing in these waters. It dawned on us that we would never again hear Midnight sing.