Prince of Whales PODcast

• Episode 19: Orcas Around the World (Part 1)

  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 [email protected] or drop us a message on Instagram. 🐋

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• Episode 18: Sea Stars!

  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 [email protected] or on Instagram. See you next week for Episode 19! ⭐️🌊

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• Episode 17: The Intertidal Zone

  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 creaturesThe 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 [email protected] or on Instagram. See you next week for Episode 18! 🌊🐚

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• Episode 16: A Whale of a Career: 28 Years on the Water with Mark Malleson (Part 2)

  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 yearsMark’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 [email protected] or on Instagram. See you next week for Episode 17! 🐋✨

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• Episode 15: A Whale of a Career: 28 Years on the Water with Mark Malleson (Part 1)

  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 waterMark 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 [email protected] or on Instagram. 🐋✨

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