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.

• (0:44) Mark’s most cherished experiences from 28 years on the water
• (1:40) Encountering offshore killer whales in the Salish Sea
• (4:10) The rarest species Mark has ever seen in these waters
• (8:00) The challenges of tracking killer whales and collaborating with researchers
• (9:07) Biggest threats to whales and what we can do to help
• (12:02) How whale-watching regulations have changed over the years
• (15:20) Mark’s most memorable encounter in the last five years

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.

• (0:34) How Mark became one of the most experienced whale watchers on the coast
• (2:33) Witnessing 70-80 orcas in one unforgettable moment
• (3:42) Over 8,000 trips and the biggest changes in the Salish Sea
• (4:47) The incredible return of humpbacks—and what it means for the ecosystem
• (6:15) Why Bigg’s Killer Whales are thriving while Southern Residents struggle
• (9:04) Advice for anyone wanting to work in whale watching or marine research
• (12:35) Surprising patterns and discoveries from 30 years on the water

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:

• (0:51) Ocean Sun, the world’s oldest living wild orca, may be 97 years old!
• (1:40) Granny the orca: was she really 105 years old?
• (4:31) Which animals in the Salish Sea can live for over 100 years?
• (5:40) Salmon use their sense of smell to find their birth rivers!
• (6:47) Humpback whales may navigate using bacteria that detect magnetic fields
• (7:59) Herring were once called "candlefish"—and they could actually be burned like candles!
• (9:08) The lost herring spawn of Victoria’s Gorge Waterway—what happened?

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.

• (1:03) Humpback whale earwax works like tree rings—what can it tell us?
• (2:20) The biggest whale ever vs. ancient giants—how big can they get?
• (5:10) Octopuses have three hearts, and one of them stops beating when they swim
• (7:32) Sperm whales have FOUR stomachs, and one is just for squid beaks
• (8:15) Ambergris: The whale vomit is worth more than gold (and found in Chanel No. 5!)
• (10:49) Sea cucumbers can eject their guts as a defence mechanism
• (12:04) Jellyfish are 95% water—what keeps them moving?
• (15:03) Siphonophores: The longest animals on Earth (longer than a blue whale!)

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.

• (0:41) What is bioluminescence, and why does it happen?
• (1:25) The creatures that glow in BC’s waters—from jellyfish to plankton
• (3:26) Incredible sightings: glowing whales, dolphins, and bioluminescent beaches
• (5:39) How bioluminescence helps animals hunt, escape predators, and communicate
• (7:09) The connection between bioluminescence, climate change, and red tide
• (10:42) When and where to see bioluminescence in British Columbia

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. 🌊✨