Prince of Whales PODcast

Welcome to Episode 18 of the Prince of Wales podcast! This week, we dive into the colourful world of sea stars, one of the most iconic and ecologically important creatures in the Salish Sea. From their fascinating biology and regenerative powers to their recent decline due to sea star wasting disease, we explore everything you need to know about these incredible echinoderms.

(0:36) What species of sea stars live in the Salish Sea
(3:04) How sea stars eat—and digest their food outside their bodies
(5:26) Regeneration: how sea stars regrow arms and central discs
(11:03) The impact of sea star wasting disease and the decline of sunflower stars
(15:55) Why sea stars are so brightly coloured (hint: it’s not just for looks)

Sea stars are more than just tide pool treasures—they're apex predators, ecosystem engineers, and a key indicator of ocean health. This episode takes a closer look at their remarkable abilities and the conservation challenges they face.

Don’t forget to subscribe, and send us your questions at [email protected] or on Instagram. See you next week for Episode 19! ⭐️🌊

Welcome to Episode 17 of the Prince of Wales podcast! This week, we’re diving into one of the most dynamic and extreme environments on the planet—the intertidal zone. This unique ecosystem, where land and sea collide, is home to some of the most resilient and fascinating creatures on the coast of British Columbia.

(0:39) What is the intertidal zone, and why is it so important?
(3:21) Why is the intertidal zone considered one of the most productive ecosystems on Earth?
(4:45) What are some of the most common animals you’ll find here?(6:21) The extreme challenges of living in the intertidal zone
(9:13) Adaptations: How creatures protect themselves from predators and the elements(13:01) Our favorite intertidal creatures

The intertidal zone is teeming with life, from barnacles that seal themselves off to survive low tide to sea slugs that steal the defences of their prey. Whether you love tide pooling, marine biology, or just learning about ocean ecosystems, this episode is full of fun facts about an often-overlooked but crucial part of the marine world.

Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at [email protected] or on Instagram. See you next week for Episode 18! 🌊🐚

Welcome to Episode 16 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! This week, we’re continuing our conversation with Mark Malleson, a Zodiac skipper with nearly three decades of experience on the Salish Sea. If you haven’t already, make sure to check out Episode 15 for the first half of this incredible interview.

• (0:44) Mark’s most cherished experiences from 28 years on the water
• (1:40) Encountering offshore killer whales in the Salish Sea
• (4:10) The rarest species Mark has ever seen in these waters
• (8:00) The challenges of tracking killer whales and collaborating with researchers
• (9:07) Biggest threats to whales and what we can do to help
• (12:02) How whale-watching regulations have changed over the years
• (15:20) Mark’s most memorable encounter in the last five years

Mark’s career has given him a front-row seat to history, and his stories are nothing short of amazing. We’re so grateful for the time he spent with us—maybe we’ll have to bring him back again!

Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at [email protected] or on Instagram. See you next week for Episode 17! 🐋✨

Welcome to Episode 15 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! This week, we have a very special guest—Mark Malleson, a Zodiac skipper with nearly 28 years of experience at Prince of Wales. Mark has spent thousands of hours on the water and works with the Center for Whale Research on annual orca population surveys. He’s sharing his incredible stories, insights on the changes in the Salish Sea, and what it’s like to dedicate a life to whales.

• (0:34) How Mark became one of the most experienced whale watchers on the coast
• (2:33) Witnessing 70-80 orcas in one unforgettable moment
• (3:42) Over 8,000 trips and the biggest changes in the Salish Sea
• (4:47) The incredible return of humpbacks—and what it means for the ecosystem
• (6:15) Why Bigg’s Killer Whales are thriving while Southern Residents struggle
• (9:04) Advice for anyone wanting to work in whale watching or marine research
• (12:35) Surprising patterns and discoveries from 30 years on the water

Mark has so many stories that we couldn’t fit it all in one episode! Stay tuned for Part 2 in Episode 16, which is coming next week. Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at [email protected] or on Instagram. 🐋✨

Welcome to Episode 14 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! Last week, we packed an entire episode with fascinating facts about the Salish Sea’s wildlife—and we still had more to share! Part 2 of our fun fact special covers everything from the world's oldest orca to how salmon smell their way home and even whale vomit worth more than gold. If you haven’t checked out Part 1 yet, go back and listen, then jump right into this episode for even more surprises!Topics Include:

• (0:51) Ocean Sun, the world’s oldest living wild orca, may be 97 years old!
• (1:40) Granny the orca: was she really 105 years old?
• (4:31) Which animals in the Salish Sea can live for over 100 years?
• (5:40) Salmon use their sense of smell to find their birth rivers!
• (6:47) Humpback whales may navigate using bacteria that detect magnetic fields
• (7:59) Herring were once called "candlefish"—and they could actually be burned like candles!
• (9:08) The lost herring spawn of Victoria’s Gorge Waterway—what happened?

This episode is packed with wild facts you’ll want to share. Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at [email protected] or on Instagram. 🐋✨

Welcome to Episode 13 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! This week, we’re switching things up—no questions, just rapid-fire fun facts about the incredible creatures of the Salish Sea! Over the past 12 episodes, we've uncovered some mind-blowing animal facts, and now we’re sharing the best of them with you. From whale earwax that tells their life story to octopus blood that turns them blue, and sea cucumbers that eject their organs—this episode is packed with surprises.

• (1:03) Humpback whale earwax works like tree rings—what can it tell us?
• (2:20) The biggest whale ever vs. ancient giants—how big can they get?
• (5:10) Octopuses have three hearts, and one of them stops beating when they swim
• (7:32) Sperm whales have FOUR stomachs, and one is just for squid beaks
• (8:15) Ambergris: The whale vomit is worth more than gold (and found in Chanel No. 5!)
• (10:49) Sea cucumbers can eject their guts as a defence mechanism
• (12:04) Jellyfish are 95% water—what keeps them moving?
• (15:03) Siphonophores: The longest animals on Earth (longer than a blue whale!)

Get ready to impress your friends with some of the weirdest and wildest animal facts from the deep!

Stay tuned for part two of this episode next Monday. Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at ⁠[email protected]⁠ or on Instagram. 🐋🔬

Welcome to Episode 12 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! This week, Claudia, Nik, and Brendon dive into one of the most magical ocean phenomena—bioluminescence! Have you ever seen the ocean glow at night? Whether it’s shimmering plankton, glowing jellyfish, or deep-sea creatures using their own built-in flashlights, we break down the science, beauty, and mystery behind this natural wonder. Plus, we answer a listener’s question about where and when to see bioluminescence in BC, and share some amazing stories of glowing whales, firefly squid, and even red tide.

• (0:41) What is bioluminescence, and why does it happen?
• (1:25) The creatures that glow in BC’s waters—from jellyfish to plankton
• (3:26) Incredible sightings: glowing whales, dolphins, and bioluminescent beaches
• (5:39) How bioluminescence helps animals hunt, escape predators, and communicate
• (7:09) The connection between bioluminescence, climate change, and red tide
• (10:42) When and where to see bioluminescence in British Columbia

Whether you’re hoping to witness glowing waves or just love learning about ocean science, this episode will illuminate the world of bioluminescence for you.

Stay tuned for more marine life stories in future episodes! Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at ⁠[email protected]⁠ or on Instagram. 🌊✨

Welcome to Episode 11 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! This week, Claudia, Nik, and Brendon dive into the mesmerizing world of jellyfish in the Salish Sea—why they bloom, what species call B.C. waters home, and how changing ocean conditions may be giving them an advantage. From the massive Lion’s Mane jellyfish with tentacles over 100 feet long to the glowing comb jellies, we explore the good, the bad, and the downright weird aspects of jellyfish in our local waters. Whether you're fascinated by marine life or just want to know if you should be worried about jellyfish stings, this episode has it all!

Stay tuned for more marine life stories in future episodes! Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at ⁠[email protected]⁠ or on Instagram. 🌊

Welcome to Episode 10 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! This week, Claudia, Nik, and Brendon dive into the fascinating world of sharks in British Columbia’s waters. From misunderstood gentle giants like the basking shark to elusive predators like the salmon shark, this episode explores the diversity and importance of these incredible creatures. You’ll also learn about their role in marine ecosystems, their long lifespans, and why sharks in BC are more fascinating than fearsome.

Topics Include:

Stay tuned for more marine life stories in future episodes! Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at [email protected] or on Instagram. 🌊

Welcome to Episode 9 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! This week, Claudia, Nik, and Brendon explore the fascinating world of dolphins and porpoises in British Columbia's waters. From their differences in appearance and behaviour to their unique adaptations for survival, this episode dives deep into the lives of these incredible cetaceans. Along the way, you'll learn about hybrid porpoises and playful dolphins and how these species thrive in BC’s diverse marine ecosystems. Whether you’re a marine biology enthusiast or simply curious about the creatures beneath the waves, this episode is packed with fun facts and engaging stories!

Topics Include:

Stay tuned for more marine life stories in future episodes! Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at [email protected] or on Instagram. 🌊

Welcome to Episode 8 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! Join Claudia, Nik, and Brendon as they dive into exciting questions about whale watching seasons, bald eagle populations, and the incredible feeding behaviors of whales in British Columbia. From the best times to spot whales on the coast to the inspiring recovery of bald eagles, this episode covers it all. Whether you're planning your next whale-watching adventure or just curious about the animals of the Salish Sea, this episode is filled with engaging insights and fascinating facts!

Topics Include:

• (0:39) When does the whale watching season start in 2025?
• (6:39) Why is British Columbia home to so many bald eagles?
• (10:45) How did bald eagles recover from near extinction?
• (14:28) Fun facts about eagle hunting and survival behaviours

Stay tuned for more marine life stories in future episodes! Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at ⁠[email protected]⁠ or on Instagram. 🌊

Episode 7 Description:

Welcome to Episode 7 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! Join Claudia, Nik, and Brendon as they dive into the fascinating world of orca taxonomy, hybrid species, and exciting new developments with the Southern Resident Killer Whales. This episode explores how orca populations are classified into subspecies, the surprising world of marine mammal hybrids, and the hopeful news of new calves in the struggling Southern Resident population. Whether you're a science enthusiast or just love hearing about the latest in marine life, this episode is packed with captivating insights!

Topics Include:

• (0:38) Why scientists are classifying Bigg’s and Resident Killer Whales into different subspecies
• (7:34) The strange world of marine mammal hybrids, from narwhal-beluga crosses to grolar bears
• (12:10) The exciting news of new Southern Resident Killer Whale calves and their importance for population recovery

Stay tuned for more marine life stories in future episodes! Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at ⁠[email protected]⁠ or on Instagram. 🌊

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] or on Instagram. 🌊

Welcome to Episode 3 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! Join your hosts, Claudia, Nik, and Brendon, as they delve into the fascinating world of whale communication and the playful antics of orcas. This episode explores how baleen whales use low-frequency calls to communicate across vast ocean distances and compares their methods to the echolocation of toothed whales like orcas. We also dive into some entertaining stories about orca behaviours, from interacting with gray whales to their mischievous encounters with crab pots. Whether you’re a marine biology enthusiast or just love a good whale tale, this episode has something for everyone.

Topics Include:

• How baleen whales use low-frequency calls to communicate over hundreds of kilometres
• The mechanics of echolocation and how toothed whales "see" with sound
• Fun and fascinating orca behaviours, from chasing gray whales to playing with crab pots
• The differences between baleen and toothed whale communication

Stay tuned for more marine life stories in future episodes! Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at [email protected] or on Instagram. 🌊

Welcome to Episode 2 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! Join your hosts, Claudia, Nik, and Brendon, as they explore the wonders of British Columbia’s marine ecosystems. In this episode, we focus on the iconic Race Rocks Ecological Reserve, uncovering its incredible biodiversity and the powerful tidal currents that shape it. We also dive into the epic journeys of humpback whales, exploring their migration patterns, the reasons behind their travels, and the fascinating story of their population recovery after near extinction. Whether you're a marine enthusiast or just curious about the underwater world, this episode offers a deep dive into the lives of these magnificent creatures.

Topics Include:

• What makes Race Rocks a hotspot for marine life
• The incredible wildlife you can spot at the reserve
• The mechanics and importance of tidal upwelling at Race Rocks
• The breathtaking migrations of humpback whales
• Why some humpbacks are starting to stay year-round

Stay tuned for more exciting topics in future episodes! Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at [email protected] or on Instagram. 🌊

Welcome to the debut episode of the Prince of Whales POD-cast! Meet your hosts, Claudia, Nik, and Brendon from Prince of Whales; this episode dives into the captivating world of whales and the marine ecosystems of British Columbia’s Salish Sea. Get to know the types of whales you might encounter on tours, learn about their unique behaviours, and hear fascinating insights into their diets and migration patterns. Whether you're an ocean enthusiast or simply a curious listener, this episode is packed with stories, science, and a love for marine conservation.

Topics Include;

• Introduction to the Salish Sea’s rich marine ecosystem
• Types of whales in the region: Baleen vs. Toothed
• What killer whales eat (and why shark liver is a delicacy)
• How whales are identified by their markings
• Where we find whales: Site fidelity and feeding hotspots
• The magic of humpback breaching and what it might mean

Stay tuned as we explore new topics in future episodes! Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at ⁠[email protected]⁠ or on Instagram.🌊

We’re thrilled to launch our brand new Prince of Whales POD-cast – a short, exciting, and educational series where we dive into fascinating fan questions about whales and the rich marine ecosystem of British Columbia. Each week, in just 10 minutes, our passionate hosts will share their love for these majestic creatures, bringing you closer to the wonders of whales and the incredible world beneath the waves. Whether you're a whale enthusiast or just curious about the sea, join us for a quick chat and discover something new each week! 

Want to ask a question, head to our Instagram page @princeofwhaleswhalewatching or send an email to [email protected]