6337 Genoa Bay Rd, Duncan, BC, V9L 5Y4, Ph. 250-746-4521, Fax 250-746-4501, , Directions,
  Marine Weather Tide Tables Weather Radar Webcam 

Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Occurrences

Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) staff have compiled the following list of queries that they have received from the public:

-          “I found an abandoned baby seal and I put it in my bathtub.  What should I do now?”

-          “There is a dead and very smelly whale on the beach in front of my cabin”

-          “I saw someone harassing the sea lions on the jetty at the marina.”

-          “I would like to report that I saw humpback whales.”

Or, perhaps you have been out on your boat or at your cabin and:

-          You have come across an entangled whale, seal or sea lion;

-          You observe boats chasing white-sided dolphins;

-          You hear of a report of someone shooting at seals;

Believe it or not, these are all common calls and occurrences.  Including the seal in the bathtub!  Many DFO staff receive calls, reports or observations of marine mammal incidents or sightings in the course of their day to day activities.  These calls and the public’s interest are very much appreciated and are extremely important in assisting the DFO’s Pacific Region, Marine Mammal Team (MMT), in fulfilling its responsibilities for research, protection, and recovery of marine mammals on the Pacific Coast. 

Therefore, MMT has produced a Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Reference Manual and an incident reporting protocol to provide a means for the public to participate in protecting our marine wildlife.  The manual includes response protocols, facts and descriptions of marine mammals found on the Pacific Coast, information on legislation and licensing, and contact information for key DFO marine mammal personnel.   Here are a few highlights to guide any member of the public who may want to get involved after sighting a marine mammal or witnessing an incident:

Sightings:        DFO has partnered with the Vancouver Aquarium to run the BC Cetacean and Sea Turtle Sightings Network (BCCSN). 

                        The public or staff can make sighting reports to the Sighting Hotline at

                        1-866-I SAW ONE (1-866-472-9663) or on line at www.vanaqua.org/sightings

                                    If you operate a private vessel and wish to become a regular BCCSN participant a free logbook is available.  Contact Dr. John Ford at PBS or the BCCSN directly.

Incidents:         Incidents can include a range of occurrences which may include; violations (disturbance, harm, or harassment), live strandings, dead, sick or injured animals, or entanglements.  Orphaned seal pups are the exception (see below).

                                    All incident reports are directed through the DFO Violations Reporting Hotline (aka Radio Room or Observer Record Report Hotline).  If you receive a call or witness an incident, your assistance in completing an incident/occurrence report form is greatly appreciated.  Completed report forms can be faxed (604-666-9336) to initiate an appropriate response by DFO Science or Enforcement personnel.

                                    If you are unable to complete the form and fax/email it, or the incident requires immediate intervention, callers can be directed to phone the Radio Room directly at 1-800-465-4DFO (4336).

Orphaned Seal Pups:

Reports of abandoned or stranded seal pups are common from June through September during the harbour seal pupping season.  Seal pups stay with their mothers for 4 to 6 weeks after birth.  Pups whose mothers are away foraging are often believed abandoned or orphaned resulting in unnecessary human intervention.  The public should direct their calls to one of the following Licensed Rehabilitation Facilities:   

    Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation    604-258-SEAL (7325)

    Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre (Saltspring Island) 250-537-0777

                                    No incident/occurrence form is required unless the seal is being harassed or harmed, in which case the call becomes an incident report.  

Other Inquiries:  The Reference Manual covers many aspects of the Marine Mammal Program, I have a copy if anyone is interested, including additional contact numbers for sightings. 

A new Marine Mammal webpage on the DFO Intranet under Fisheries Management-Resource Management is under construction and will house the Manual, Incident Reporting Forms and a current listing of the members of the Marine Mammal Team.  Links to the DFO Pacific Marine Mammal Internet webpage will also be provided.  Thank you for your support and participation in these important initiatives.