With Mark Sawyer, Whales of Clayoquot & Barkley

A new research initiative is taking flight off the west coast of Vancouver Island. Join marine researcher Mark Sawyer for an introduction to Flights Over Greys, an innovative project using aerial drone technology to assess the health and body condition of grey whales feeding in the coastal waters of Clayoquot Sound and Barkley Sound.

While grey whales are widely known for their long migrations, a growing number spend extended periods feeding along Vancouver Island’s west coast. This new project aims to better understand how these whales are faring in a changing ocean environment. By collecting high-resolution aerial images, researchers can measure body condition, monitor scarring and entanglement, and track individual whales over time , all without disturbing them.

Mark will share how drone-based photogrammetry works, what early field seasons are revealing, and why monitoring local feeding whales is critical following recent population declines in the broader Eastern North Pacific grey whale population. The presentation will also explore how community collaboration, long-term observation, and emerging technologies are reshaping whale research on our coast.

About the Speaker
Mark Sawyer is a head guide at Jamie’s Whaling Station and founder of Whales of Clayoquot & Barkley, a research and education initiative focused on grey whales and other marine mammals along Vancouver Island’s west coast. His work combines field research, photo-identification, and community engagement to advance understanding and conservation of local whale populations.

Location: Upper Shelter Restaurant ( Food and drink are available downstairs but can not be ordered upstairs in event space)

Tickets: Button on the door. $10 Adults / $5 Children and Concessions

Suitable for: Adults and students. Young children are welcome but the material presented goes beyond an introductory level and may be best suited for older students and adults.