Land-based whale watching on Vancouver Island has skyrocketed in popularity over the last few years. In today’s digital world, social media sighting networks and group chats serve as real-time alert systems, providing locals with increased opportunities to encounter whales at their nearest beach. It's one of the many reasons I love being part of the local whale community — passion and innovation are never lacking!
As populations of marine species continue to decline in the Salish Sea, we are becoming increasingly aware of how our actions—both on the water and on land—can negatively impact the species we care so deeply about. Land-based whale watching is a wonderful way to observe whales in their natural habitat without putting additional stress on at-risk species that are highly vulnerable to vessel noise and disturbances (such as the Southern Resident Killer Whales).
This awareness extends beyond the water and brings forth an issue that is frequently overlooked: many popular land-based whale watching sites on South Vancouver Island are also home to some of the most endangered species and ecosystems in all of British Columbia.
kʷac'εč (Glencoe Cove–Kwatsech Park), x̣ə́w̓əŋə́qsən / XEUEṈEḴSEN (Ten Mile Point), qáx̣ələŋ (Cattle Point), saʔsyəməʔ (Harling Point), and mək̓ʷəqs (Macaulay Point) are prime locations on the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island where you have a good chance of catching a glimpse of a whale most days of the year. With a bit of luck, you might be in the right place at the right time and experience an up-close encounter with mammal-hunting killer whales.
These five locations are also Garry Oak-associated maritime meadows and coastal bluff ecosystems, and are home to at least seventeen endangered and at-risk plant species between them. Several of these species are endemic to this region — meaning they are found nowhere else in the world. Many are also small in structure and can be relatively difficult to spot, making them all the more vulnerable to accidental trampling.
Unfortunately, several of these sites lack sufficient signage explaining the ecological significance and informing visitors of ways they can mitigate their actions accordingly. Without this information readily available, how are people supposed to know where to step — or more importantly, where not to step?
Let’s face it...when you’re rushing to the water's edge while scanning the waves for whales, you're not always focused on the ground below your feet...I speak from experience, having had my fair share of face-plants into rocky outcrops in the thrill of the moment (Side note: whale-related injuries are almost always worth it).
It’s important to recognize that the issue of anthropogenic (human-caused) habitat degradation is not necessarily attributable to one user group over another — we all have an equal responsibility to ensure our actions have the least amount of impact on the natural environment as possible, no matter how we are using these spaces. Whether that’s practicing the Leave No Trace Principles in our natural areas, leashing our dogs in Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, or maintaining a minimum vessel distance from marine mammals while on the water — these guidelines exist to protect species and ecosystems that are vulnerable to human activities. Individually and collectively, we can make a difference.
The threat of our activities causing inadvertent harm to natural areas is increased when at-risk species and ecosystems are present. Here are some best practices for land-based whale watching to minimize the risk of ecological degradation in these sensitive coastal habitats:
Be Aware of the Where
Knowing which areas contain sensitive ecosystems allows you to make informed decisions about your activities in their presence. Between 1993 and 1997, coastal bluff ecosystems were comprehensively mapped as part of the provincial Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory (SEI) Project. The resulting data is publicly available and can be viewed at this link (for Southeastern Vancouver Island), or by using the interactive CRD Regional Map tool (Navigate to the “Layers” option, select the “Environment / Natural Areas” → Areas of Significance → Sensitive Ecosystems. You can then right-click on the coloured polygons overlaid on the map to learn more about each specific site — Coastal Bluff Ecosystems are delineated in light purple).
Stick to the (Designated) Trails
Sometimes the quickest route to the water's edge is the riskiest one for terrestrial ecosystems. Coastal bluff habitats are characterized by thin soils deposited over rocky outcrops, making these landscapes highly vulnerable to erosion and soil compaction resulting from heavy foot traffic and off-trail use. It's always best to stay on marked trails in any natural area, but it can sometimes be difficult to identify which trails are official or not. Over time, user-created trails tend to become accepted by the public as "official trails" until the vegetation is lost and only bare soil remains. When there is no clearly identifiable trail system, it's best to stick to rocky outcrops, taking care not to trample any of the slow-growing mosses or lichens that may reside there.
Watch Your Step
In areas where trails have not been clearly identified, always take care to avoid stepping on vegetation. Many Garry Oak ecosystems contain large amounts of invasive grasses and weedy plants, which thrive in disturbed and compacted soil conditions and can tolerate a fair amount of trampling. However, the native species that persist among them are much more vulnerable and will not fare as well. The more these areas are disturbed, the more these invasive grasses and weeds will spread, eventually outcompeting and replacing native species. This practice is particularly important for protecting endangered plant species, but also applies to those which appear abundant and widespread. Yes, Camassia spp. come back each year — but at kʷac'εč (Glencoe Cove-Kwatsech Park), populations of Camassia quamash have been dramatically reduced, having retreated into the deeper soil pockets of rocky crevices where they are protected from trampling. Habitat degradation opens the door to species extirpation, which is the first step towards extinction — and with the loss of every plant population from an area, there are significant repercussions for the insects and animals that depend on their presence.
Get To Know The Plants
While spotting flowers may not be quite as exciting as spotting fins, learning more about the flora of local ecosystems is a great way to gain a better understanding of the environment you are very much a part of. Learning how to identify different species, and understanding their lifecycles and preferred habitats can help guide your activities accordingly. Free tools such as iNaturalist (and Seek by iNaturalist) allow you to upload photos and identify what species you are observing, while contributing to citizen science initiatives. Plus, you can upload your marine mammal observations, too!
Lead By Example / Inform Others
"Others are doing it, so why shouldn't I?" is a complicated question with many answers, but the best way to combat this mindset is to lead by example. With a newfound awareness, knowledge and appreciation for sensitive coastal ecosystems and the unique species they support, you can become a steward for these habitats — starting today. Always be sure to adhere to these best practices, and share these tips with others while you're waiting for the whales together. Many of the strangers I've met on the rocks by the sea while we cheered on the passing whales have become lifelong friends — yet another reason why I'm so grateful for the community that has grown from a shared appreciation of these magnificent creatures. We have so much to learn from them — and from one another.
Take these five best practices for protecting coastal ecosystems with you the next time you're headed out to spot some whales—along with your binoculars and camera, of course! Get out there, enjoy the thrill of land-based whale watching, and do all you can to protect the natural areas that make these experiences possible.
Links and Resources:
Effects of Vessel Distance and Sex on the Behavior of Endangered Killer Whales
Restoring British Columbia's Garry Oak Ecosystems: Principles and Practices
Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory of East Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands
Dogs and Migratory Birds within Migratory Bird Sanctuaries in the Greater Victoria Area - Canada.ca
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