Rare tropical whale found dead on Vancouver Island in B.C.’s first-ever sighting

A young Bryde's whale, a species typically found in warm, tropical waters, was discovered dead on May 14, 2025, in Port McNeill Bay on the northeastern coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

This marks the first recorded sighting of a Bryde's whale in B.C. waters, a region far north of its usual habitat.

The whale, measuring just over seven meters in length, was initially spotted by a resident walking their dog. Experts from the Marine Education and Research Society (MERS) identified it as a Bryde's whale, noting the species' distinctive three parallel ridges on its upper jaw.


Jackie Hildering, a researcher with MERS, confirmed, "This is the only Bryde’s whale that has ever been seen in British Columbia waters."

The 'Na̱mg̱is First Nation, whose territory includes the area where the whale was found, expressed deep concern over the incident.

Chief Victor Isaac stated, "Namgis First Nation is very sad and concerned with the climate crisis and the health of our oceans."

He emphasized the community's commitment to understanding the event and being stewards of their environment, or "awi’nakola."

A necropsy is planned to determine the cause of death. Preliminary observations revealed no signs of malnutrition or external injuries, such as those from vessel strikes.

Hildering remarked, "There’s absolutely nothing grossly on the exterior of the whale to know how it ended up here and why it would have died."

This incident follows the recent discovery of two dead grey whales along B.C.'s coast, raising concerns about marine life health in the region. However, researchers caution against drawing direct connections between these events. Hildering noted, "One data point is not a trend," emphasizing the need for comprehensive research.

In a gesture honoring the whale's life and promoting education, the 'Na̱mg̱is First Nation is donating the whale's remains to the Whale Interpretive Centre in Telegraph Cove, which had suffered a devastating fire on New Year's Eve.

Hildering expressed gratitude, stating, "So not only can we learn from this poor whale here... but also its skeleton and baleen will be in the new Whale Interpretive Centre to make it count into the future."

The appearance of a Bryde's whale so far north is unprecedented and prompts questions about changing ocean conditions and their impact on marine species.