Protecting the Whales

 

SHERINGHAM POINT is a great spot for viewing whales.  Families of Killer Whales (or Orcas) – both Resident Orcas as well as Transients (Bigg’s Killer Whales) – can be seen regularly from the point, as well as Humpback Whales and Grey Whales in season.  The Sheringham Point Lighthouse Preservation Society is working with other conservation groups and, in particular, with the the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to help monitor and protect our whale populations.

One of the important conservation projects that has been in operation for years at the Sheringham Point Lighthouse is WHALE MONITORING.  Coordinated by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, hydrophones (large, underwater microphones) have been placed in the Strait to monitor and listen to the transient and resident killer whale populations, as well as humpbacks that regularly pass by the Lighthouse site.

The Society is dedicated to continuing this important conversation project, helping to expand our knowledge of the lives and and habits of these endangered local whale populations, by providing facilities and support for the monitoring to take place.

 

 

 

Listen to the Whales

We have recently installed a speaker on the south side (water side) of the engine room, that is connected to the hydrophone.  Give it a try next time you visit, and listen for any passing whales.

In the future, we hope to be able to connect the hydrophone directly to this web site, so you can listen to the whale sounds in real time.  In the interim, here are some recordings of Humpback Whales passing by Sheringham Point on November16th and November 30th, 2021:

 

…and Take a Look!