In the waters of British Columbia, just off the northern end of Vancouver Island in Johnstone Strait, lies a very special place, a protected area for whales known as Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve. Here, the whales find sanctuary—food, shelter, and community.
You will hear about the five original heroes behind the creation of Robson Bight. In the early 1980s, calling themselves the Robson Bight Preservation Committee, these heroes went to the public—school groups, community groups, and the media—to explain that the killer whales needed protection. They succeeded, and in 1982, Robson Bight became the first ecological reserve on the planet designated for orcas. We are honored to share some of the late Robin Morton’s pioneering underwater footage of orcas rubbing on the beaches of Robson Bight.
Oceans Initiative thanks our funding partner, Fulbright Canada. The Fulbright Canada-Maple Leaf Foundation Eco-Leadership Program provides small grants to current grantees and alumni of Fulbright Canada programs to partner with local organizations in their communities in order to make a significant and positive impact in their community.
Up Next in Season 1
-
The Intelligence of Dolphins
There’s so much to love about dolphins! The more we learn about them, the more reasons we find to marvel at one of the world’s most intelligent animals.
Researchers often describe intelligence as a mix of perception, communication, and problem-solving — and dolphins excel at all three. Starting ...
-
Orca in the Arctic
Marine conservationist, Alexandra Johnston journeys into the world of orcas! Exploring deep into the fjords of the Arctic circle to witness the largest gathering of Killer whales in the world.
As an influx of marine megafauna enters the fjords, the team embark on a mission to understand what make... -
The Song of the Humpback
There’s nothing quite like hearing the song of a humpback whale.
The sound reverberates through your body as you realize such a powerful vibration can be created by another living being. It feels otherworldly — a moment suspended in the vast blue where you’re simultaneously reminded of your sma...
