Welcome to the final episode of Season 1 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! Before we head out for a summer of whale watching and bring you our Breaching News on CHEK TV, we’re closing the season with a dive into the mysterious world of ocean legends. From krakens to mermaids to the mighty megalodon, we explore the myths, the facts, and the creatures that may have inspired them.
Topics Include:
(0:32) Kraken folklore from Scandinavia to Haida Gwaii — and real-life giant squid(4:39) Mermaids vs. sirens: global myths, mistaken identities, and ancient sea nymphs(8:33) Caddy the Cadborosaurus and BC’s own sea serpent sightings(12:04) Oarfish: the eerie “doomsday fish” linked to natural disasters(13:43) Megalodon: the prehistoric mega-shark that ruled the seas
Thanks for joining us this season! We’ll be back in the fall for Season 2. Until then, catch us Saturdays at 5 on CHEK News and follow along at @princeofwhaleswhalewatching . We’ll see you on the water!
Welcome to Episode 21 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! This week, we dive into the world of pinnipeds—our local seals and sea lions—and explore some of their remarkable cousins across the globe. From “rock sausages” to deep-diving elephant seals and tusked Arctic giants, this episode is packed with fascinating facts and unexpected behaviours!
Topics Include:
(0:26) The four species of pinnipeds found in B.C.—harbour seals, northern elephant seals, Steller sea lions, and California sea lions(1:04) How to identify each species and where to spot them(3:03) Deep-dive stats: elephant seals can dive 2,000 metres and hold their breath for two hours!(4:45) Seal vs. sea lion—ear flaps, flipper tricks, and the art of "galumphing"(8:48) Pinnipeds around the world—leopard seals in Antarctica and walruses in the Arctic
Whether you're watching sea lions haul out at Race Rocks or dreaming of leopard seals in the Antarctic, this episode is your one-stop shop for pinniped knowledge.
Questions or favourite pinniped facts? Send them to podcast@princeofwhales.com or message us on Instagram. Make sure to tune in next week for the last episode of the Prince of Whales PODcast Season 1 as we take a break during our busy whale watching summer months!
Welcome to Episode 20 of the Prince of Whales Podcast! In this continuation of last week’s deep dive into orca ecotypes, we head to the Southern Hemisphere to explore New Zealand’s stingray-hunting orcas. These clever predators use techniques like tonic immobility and tail targeting to disable their prey, and their unique behaviours are just the beginning!
Topics Include:
(1:24) Stingray Hunters of New Zealand – Discover how orcas in the Bay of Islands flip stingrays into tonic immobility and use specialized hunting techniques passed through generations.
(4:02) Pickle & Funky Monkey – Meet two standout orcas from the South Pacific, known for their unique dorsal fins and close sibling bond.
(5:03) Dog Meets Orca – Hear the heartwarming true story of a transient killer whale who formed an unlikely friendship with a golden retriever off Vancouver Island
(5:59) Remembering T-44 – Learn about the legacy of T-44, a BC orca remembered for his curiosity, and his posthumous role in education at the Whale Interpretive Centre.
(6:47) Luna vs. Sam – A powerful contrast between two human-orca interactions: the tragic tale of Luna, and the successful rescue and reintegration of Sam (T46C2).
Tune in next week for a new episode of the Prince of Whales PODcast! Have a question or your own favorite orca fact? Send it to us at podcast@princeofwhales.com or drop us a message on Instagram. 🐋
Welcome to Episode 19 of the Prince of Whales Podcast! This week, we begin a two-part journey into the amazing world of orcas and their unique behaviors from across the globe. From the stormy Southern Ocean to the icy shores of Argentina and the busy waters off Spain, this episode explores how orcas showcase their culture, adaptability, and extraordinary intelligence.
Topics Include:
(0:39) Overview of global orca ecotypes – from the Ross Sea to the Falklands
(2:19) Why some southern orcas have a yellow colouration – and what causes it
(4:44) The mysterious Type D orca with the squished face and tiny eyepatch
(5:35) Beach-hunting orcas of Argentina and their family traditions
(8:36) Iberian orcas attacking boats: trauma, play, or protest?
(13:50) Type B orcas and their coordinate wave-hunting!
We’re only getting started. Tune in next week for Part 2, where we’ll explore more hunting strategies and incredible stories from the killer whales around the world!
Have a question or your own favorite orca fact? Send it to us at podcast@princeofwhales.com or drop us a message on Instagram. 🐋
Welcome to Episode 18 of the Prince of Wales podcast! This week, we dive into the colourful world of sea stars, one of the most iconic and ecologically important creatures in the Salish Sea. From their fascinating biology and regenerative powers to their recent decline due to sea star wasting disease, we explore everything you need to know about these incredible echinoderms.
(0:36) What species of sea stars live in the Salish Sea
(3:04) How sea stars eat—and digest their food outside their bodies
(5:26) Regeneration: how sea stars regrow arms and central discs
(11:03) The impact of sea star wasting disease and the decline of sunflower stars
(15:55) Why sea stars are so brightly coloured (hint: it’s not just for looks)
Sea stars are more than just tide pool treasures—they're apex predators, ecosystem engineers, and a key indicator of ocean health. This episode takes a closer look at their remarkable abilities and the conservation challenges they face.
Don’t forget to subscribe, and send us your questions at podcast@princeofwales.com or on Instagram. See you next week for Episode 19! ⭐️🌊
Welcome to Episode 17 of the Prince of Wales podcast! This week, we’re diving into one of the most dynamic and extreme environments on the planet—the intertidal zone. This unique ecosystem, where land and sea collide, is home to some of the most resilient and fascinating creatures on the coast of British Columbia.
(0:39) What is the intertidal zone, and why is it so important?
(3:21) Why is the intertidal zone considered one of the most productive ecosystems on Earth?
(4:45) What are some of the most common animals you’ll find here?(6:21) The extreme challenges of living in the intertidal zone
(9:13) Adaptations: How creatures protect themselves from predators and the elements(13:01) Our favorite intertidal creatures
The intertidal zone is teeming with life, from barnacles that seal themselves off to survive low tide to sea slugs that steal the defences of their prey. Whether you love tide pooling, marine biology, or just learning about ocean ecosystems, this episode is full of fun facts about an often-overlooked but crucial part of the marine world.
Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at podcast@princeofwales.com or on Instagram. See you next week for Episode 18! 🌊🐚
Welcome to Episode 16 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! This week, we’re continuing our conversation with Mark Malleson, a Zodiac skipper with nearly three decades of experience on the Salish Sea. If you haven’t already, make sure to check out Episode 15 for the first half of this incredible interview.
Mark’s career has given him a front-row seat to history, and his stories are nothing short of amazing. We’re so grateful for the time he spent with us—maybe we’ll have to bring him back again!
Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at podcast@princeofwales.com or on Instagram. See you next week for Episode 17! 🐋✨
Welcome to Episode 15 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! This week, we have a very special guest—Mark Malleson, a Zodiac skipper with nearly 28 years of experience at Prince of Wales. Mark has spent thousands of hours on the water and works with the Center for Whale Research on annual orca population surveys. He’s sharing his incredible stories, insights on the changes in the Salish Sea, and what it’s like to dedicate a life to whales.
Mark has so many stories that we couldn’t fit it all in one episode! Stay tuned for Part 2 in Episode 16, which is coming next week. Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at podcast@princeofwales.com or on Instagram. 🐋✨
Welcome to Episode 14 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! Last week, we packed an entire episode with fascinating facts about the Salish Sea’s wildlife—and we still had more to share! Part 2 of our fun fact special covers everything from the world's oldest orca to how salmon smell their way home and even whale vomit worth more than gold. If you haven’t checked out Part 1 yet, go back and listen, then jump right into this episode for even more surprises!Topics Include:
This episode is packed with wild facts you’ll want to share. Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at podcast@princeofwhales.com or on Instagram. 🐋✨
Welcome to Episode 13 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! This week, we’re switching things up—no questions, just rapid-fire fun facts about the incredible creatures of the Salish Sea! Over the past 12 episodes, we've uncovered some mind-blowing animal facts, and now we’re sharing the best of them with you. From whale earwax that tells their life story to octopus blood that turns them blue, and sea cucumbers that eject their organs—this episode is packed with surprises.
Get ready to impress your friends with some of the weirdest and wildest animal facts from the deep!
Stay tuned for part two of this episode next Monday. Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at podcast@princeofwhales.com or on Instagram. 🐋🔬
Welcome to Episode 12 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! This week, Claudia, Nik, and Brendon dive into one of the most magical ocean phenomena—bioluminescence! Have you ever seen the ocean glow at night? Whether it’s shimmering plankton, glowing jellyfish, or deep-sea creatures using their own built-in flashlights, we break down the science, beauty, and mystery behind this natural wonder. Plus, we answer a listener’s question about where and when to see bioluminescence in BC, and share some amazing stories of glowing whales, firefly squid, and even red tide.
Whether you’re hoping to witness glowing waves or just love learning about ocean science, this episode will illuminate the world of bioluminescence for you.
Stay tuned for more marine life stories in future episodes! Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at podcast@princeofwhales.com or on Instagram. 🌊✨
Welcome to Episode 11 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! This week, Claudia, Nik, and Brendon dive into the mesmerizing world of jellyfish in the Salish Sea—why they bloom, what species call B.C. waters home, and how changing ocean conditions may be giving them an advantage. From the massive Lion’s Mane jellyfish with tentacles over 100 feet long to the glowing comb jellies, we explore the good, the bad, and the downright weird aspects of jellyfish in our local waters. Whether you're fascinated by marine life or just want to know if you should be worried about jellyfish stings, this episode has it all!
Stay tuned for more marine life stories in future episodes! Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at podcast@princeofwhales.com or on Instagram. 🌊
Welcome to Episode 10 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! This week, Claudia, Nik, and Brendon dive into the fascinating world of sharks in British Columbia’s waters. From misunderstood gentle giants like the basking shark to elusive predators like the salmon shark, this episode explores the diversity and importance of these incredible creatures. You’ll also learn about their role in marine ecosystems, their long lifespans, and why sharks in BC are more fascinating than fearsome.
Topics Include:
(0:44) What species of sharks live in BC, and how common are they? (3:50) The tragic history and near-extinction of basking sharks in BC (7:08) Great white sharks in BC: Fact vs. Fiction (12:00) How salmon sharks coexist with orcas and other predators (15:32) The incredible lifespans of BC’s sharks, from Greenland sharks to spiny dogfishStay tuned for more marine life stories in future episodes! Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at podcast@princeofwhales.com or on Instagram. 🌊
Welcome to Episode 9 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! This week, Claudia, Nik, and Brendon explore the fascinating world of dolphins and porpoises in British Columbia's waters. From their differences in appearance and behaviour to their unique adaptations for survival, this episode dives deep into the lives of these incredible cetaceans. Along the way, you'll learn about hybrid porpoises and playful dolphins and how these species thrive in BC’s diverse marine ecosystems. Whether you’re a marine biology enthusiast or simply curious about the creatures beneath the waves, this episode is packed with fun facts and engaging stories!
Topics Include:
(0:36) What’s the difference between dolphins and porpoises? (0:49) The species of porpoises in BC waters, including harbour and Dall’s porpoises (6:12) Pacific white-sided dolphins and their playful behaviour (10:00) Hybrid porpoises: The fascinating story of “Darbour Porpoises” (15:54) The use of Latin names in marine biology and their surprising originsStay tuned for more marine life stories in future episodes! Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at podcast@princeofwhales.com or on Instagram. 🌊
Welcome to Episode 8 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! Join Claudia, Nik, and Brendon as they dive into exciting questions about whale watching seasons, bald eagle populations, and the incredible feeding behaviors of whales in British Columbia. From the best times to spot whales on the coast to the inspiring recovery of bald eagles, this episode covers it all. Whether you're planning your next whale-watching adventure or just curious about the animals of the Salish Sea, this episode is filled with engaging insights and fascinating facts!
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Stay tuned for more marine life stories in future episodes! Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at podcast@princeofwhales.com or on Instagram. 🌊
Episode 7 Description:
Welcome to Episode 7 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! Join Claudia, Nik, and Brendon as they dive into the fascinating world of orca taxonomy, hybrid species, and exciting new developments with the Southern Resident Killer Whales. This episode explores how orca populations are classified into subspecies, the surprising world of marine mammal hybrids, and the hopeful news of new calves in the struggling Southern Resident population. Whether you're a science enthusiast or just love hearing about the latest in marine life, this episode is packed with captivating insights!
Topics Include:
Stay tuned for more marine life stories in future episodes! Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at podcast@princeofwhales.com or on Instagram. 🌊
Welcome to Episode 6 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! In this episode, Claudia, Nik, and Brendon explore the fascinating world of orca ecotypes and the challenges they face. From the playful yet mysterious “salmon hat” behavior of resident killer whales to the critical differences between Southern and Northern Resident orcas, this episode dives deep into the interconnected lives of orcas and their essential prey: Chinook salmon. Discover how human activities, environmental changes, and historical captures have shaped the current plight of these iconic marine mammals.
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Stay tuned for more marine life stories in future episodes! Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at podcast@princeofwales.com or on Instagram. 🌊
Welcome to Episode 5 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! Join your hosts, Claudia, Nik, and Brendon, as they tackle fascinating questions about marine wildlife and dive into some of the Salish Sea’s most intriguing creatures. This episode unpacks the mystery behind whale blows, explores the epic confrontations between humpback whales and orcas, and highlights the rare and delightful tufted puffins. Whether you’re curious about whale behaviours or eager to learn about puffins on the Pacific coast, this episode is packed with engaging stories and insights.
Topics Include:
Stay tuned for more marine life stories in future episodes! Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at podcast@princeofwales.com or on Instagram. 🌊
Welcome to Episode 4 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! Join your hosts, Claudia, Nik, and Brendon, as they dive into the unique lives of sea otters and the incredible feeding techniques of humpback whales. This episode explores the fascinating story of Ollie, a solitary sea otter at Race Rocks, and his remarkable adaptation to life on his own. We also discuss how sea otters play a critical role as keystone species, protecting kelp forests and supporting marine ecosystems. Later, we delve into humpback whales' clever hunting strategies, from bubble net feeding to trap feeding and beyond. Whether you’re intrigued by the resilience of sea otters or the cooperation of humpbacks, this episode is packed with fascinating insights.
Topics Include:
Stay tuned for more marine life stories in future episodes! Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at podcast@princeofwhales.com or on Instagram. 🌊
Welcome to Episode 3 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! Join your hosts, Claudia, Nik, and Brendon, as they delve into the fascinating world of whale communication and the playful antics of orcas. This episode explores how baleen whales use low-frequency calls to communicate across vast ocean distances and compares their methods to the echolocation of toothed whales like orcas. We also dive into some entertaining stories about orca behaviours, from interacting with gray whales to their mischievous encounters with crab pots. Whether you’re a marine biology enthusiast or just love a good whale tale, this episode has something for everyone.
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Stay tuned for more marine life stories in future episodes! Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at podcast@princeofwhales.com or on Instagram. 🌊
