Prince of Whales PODcast

• 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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• Episode 14: FUN FACTS! - Part 2

  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 [email protected] or on Instagram. 🐋✨

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• Episode 13: FUN FACTS! - Part 1

  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 ⁠[email protected]⁠ or on Instagram. 🐋🔬

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