Welcome to Episode 6 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! In this episode, Claudia, Nik, and Brendon explore the fascinating world of orca ecotypes and the challenges they face. From the playful yet mysterious “salmon hat” behavior of resident killer whales to the critical differences between Southern and Northern Resident orcas, this episode dives deep into the interconnected lives of orcas and their essential prey: Chinook salmon. Discover how human activities, environmental changes, and historical captures have shaped the current plight of these iconic marine mammals.

Topics Include:

• (0:49) The truth behind the “salmon hats” trend observed in resident killer whales
• (3:22) Why Southern Resident Killer Whales are critically endangered compared to their Northern counterparts
• (7:15) Conservation efforts to restore Chinook salmon populations and how it impacts orcas
• (14:28) The historical capture of Southern Resident orcas and its lasting effects on their population

Stay tuned for more marine life stories in future episodes! Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at podcast@princeofwales.com or on Instagram. 🌊

Welcome to Episode 5 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! Join your hosts, Claudia, Nik, and Brendon, as they tackle fascinating questions about marine wildlife and dive into some of the Salish Sea’s most intriguing creatures. This episode unpacks the mystery behind whale blows, explores the epic confrontations between humpback whales and orcas, and highlights the rare and delightful tufted puffins. Whether you’re curious about whale behaviours or eager to learn about puffins on the Pacific coast, this episode is packed with engaging stories and insights.

Topics Include:

• (0:43) What is a whale blow, and why does it look like water?
• (4:46) Why do humpback whales intervene in orca hunts?
• (11:28) What puffins live on the Pacific coast, and where can you see them?

Stay tuned for more marine life stories in future episodes! Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at podcast@princeofwales.com or on Instagram. 🌊

Welcome to Episode 4 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! Join your hosts, Claudia, Nik, and Brendon, as they dive into the unique lives of sea otters and the incredible feeding techniques of humpback whales. This episode explores the fascinating story of Ollie, a solitary sea otter at Race Rocks, and his remarkable adaptation to life on his own. We also discuss how sea otters play a critical role as keystone species, protecting kelp forests and supporting marine ecosystems. Later, we delve into humpback whales' clever hunting strategies, from bubble net feeding to trap feeding and beyond. Whether you’re intrigued by the resilience of sea otters or the cooperation of humpbacks, this episode is packed with fascinating insights.

Topics Include:

• (0:44) Meet Ollie, the solitary sea otter of Race Rocks
• (1:22) How sea otters support kelp forests and marine ecosystems
• (2:31) The history of the sea otter fur trade and conservation efforts
• (13:17) What is bubble net feeding, and how does it work?
• (17:31) Other fascinating humpback feeding techniques like trap feeding and flick feeding

Stay tuned for more marine life stories in future episodes! Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at podcast@princeofwhales.com or on Instagram. 🌊