Welcome to orcalab

Listening to whales for over 50 years

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Dr Paul Spong, Founder of OrcaLab

on Hanson Island for over 50 years

with countless volunteers

with love and dedication

Observing

Listening

learning without interference, day and night

for the continued protection of orcas.

Our work is based on the philosophy of: Do No Harm.

Using a network of remote, land-based hydrophones and cameras we have been learning about the Northern Resident Orcas and other cetaceans of Northeast Vancouver Island for over 50 years.

We respectfully acknowledge that we live and work on Yukusam (Hanson Island) in the unceded territory of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw peoples.

Our work is based on the philosophy of Do No Harm.

Using a network of remote, land-based hydrophones and cameras we have been learning about the Northern Resident Orcas and other cetaceans of Northeast Vancouver Island for over 50 years.

We respectfully acknowledge that we live and work on Yukusam (Hanson Island) in the unceded territory of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw peoples.

60,000+

recorded hours of acoustic data

50

square kilometres of critical habitat monitored

365

days a year streaming live audio and video

300+

Volunteers from around the globe

We rely on your support

For decades, OrcaLab has thrived through the continuous support of loyal donors and organizations that share in our vision.

Watch live

Watch orcas socialize at the rubbing beaches and the many humpbacks and Stellar sea lions around the lab. Powered by explore.org.

WATCH NOW →

Listen live

Listen to the unique sounds of the Northern Resident orcas, Bigg’s orcas and humpbacks around the lab through our live audio feed.

Listen now →

Sayorca: Download our new APP and learn orca calls

SayOrca contains all of the calls made by different families within the Northern Resident Orca Community. Each family has a distinct acoustic profile and we can tell them apart just by listening. These calls fill our ears during the summer months and we build on our knowledge of these orcas year on year.

SayOrca is free for all to download. If you enjoy the app, please consider making a donation and giving it a 5-star rating!

“My greatest hope is to bring people closer to nature without disturbing her.”

Dr Paul Spong
Founder, OrcaLab

New OrcaLab merchandise

We have partnered with EcoJoia to create a range of beautiful t-shirts and other apparel. The tees are 100% cotton and only phthalate-free, water-based inks are used for printing.

All of the profits are returned to OrcaLab. Thank you for your support!

Find us on social media

Latest updates…

Listen now

Stream our live hydrophone audio