Orca Network’s Whale Sighting Network brings together community members, scientists, volunteers, and partner organizations to document and better understand the movements and behaviors of whales throughout the Salish Sea.

Through real-time public sightings, carefully vetted by staff and experts, the Sighting Network is able to create trusted records that support ongoing research, conservation planning, and habitat protection efforts.

Most sightings are shared through Orca Network’s online Facebook community, website submissions, calls, and emails, then carefully reviewed and cross-checked by staff and experts to create reliable whale presence records.

These verified sightings help inform research, reveal long-term habitat trends, and help us provide immediate alerts to Washington State Ferries and commercial vessels when whales are near busy waterways. Our dataset is also shared with researchers and conservation partners working to protect endangered orcas and other marine mammals.

Beyond the science, the Sighting Network helps people build a deeper connection to the whales of the Pacific Northwest, inspiring compassion, stewardship, and lasting care for the waters and habitats these remarkable animals depend on.