A healthy ocean populated by myriad communities of aquatic plants and animals where whales can communicate, socialize and make a living, supported and protected by communities of humans committed to caring for the sea.
NOTE: This vision will only be possible when humans commit to respectful, responsible relationships with each other and with the other species with whom we share our wonderful planetary home. By healing human traumas, cherishing earth, and repurposing the “garbage” we’ve created into regenerative, equitable projects we can create a human culture that supports life and ocean life.
MISSION
to make friends with whales
to share our experiences and observations with other humans and let their love of whales inspire them to take action and create projects that protect and restore the health of our ocean and our relationships with ocean beings
The film crew waiting for the stars to show up
Terry sights a whale ahead
Airborne Baby
Happy guests after an afternoon tour we guided for Whale Magic Tours with the Grey whales in Ojo de Liebre, Grey whale birthing lagoon, Pacific coast of Baja, Mexico
Pravallikha with T & J holding ‘Moanas’- repurposed personal trash collection bags she made from old sails for the OceanWise Bridge Program
Our turn to be filmed on Film Day with “Hope For Humpbacks” Crew
TESTIMONIALS
After hearing Terry and Jude’s presentation during our Ocean Wise program, I was deeply inspired by their passion and care for climate issues and conservation. They have extensive knowledge about the local whales and have witnessed the return of the humpbacks firsthand. A few months later, I ended up interviewing and filming with both of them for my documentary film about the humpback whales in the Salish Sea. They also generously donated hours of incredible footage for us to use in the film. Terry and Jude are wonderful people with hearts of gold,
I’m so lucky to have met them!
–Jonah L McNamee, filmmaker, Vancouver, BC
If your thoughts swim among seas of green,
Where life teems beneath the waves, unseen,
Then find kindred spirits, with humpbacks so merry,
And be inspired by the journeys of Jude & Terry!
Jude & Terry of Welcoming Whales are an inspiration for artists, citizen scientists, and ocean lovers at large! Their dedication to the humpback whales of the Salish Sea and their heartfelt devotion to the wider ecosystem inspired me when I met them during an Ocean Wise program in Desolation Sound. From their enthusiasm, artistic work, and field recording, I was spurred to tell the story of KC the humpback whale and his emerald ecosystem of kelp in the musical narrative The Adventures of Kelp Creature!
They were an immense resource during the process of creating Kelp Creature and supplied the beautiful field sounds that brought the sonic world of the Salish Sea to life in my story. For anyone hoping to foster a love of humpbacks and the Salish Sea, get in touch with Jude & Terry!
Alex Chen – composer, musician, Victoria BC
I hope I’ll be able to collaborate with Welcoming Whales in the future! – Jasmine Lee, Climate Consultant, Vancouver, BC
The Welcoming Whales presentation was engaging, informative, and most importantly it was inspiring for our youth. Their videos and sounds recordings made for an interactive presentation that gave everyone the chance to see and hear the various whales coming back to the Salish Sea which prompted thought-provoking questions and discussions. Many of the youth in our group were so inspired that they decided to dedicate their own volunteer time to work towards conserving the Salish Sea and all its majestic inhabitants. It’s evident that Terry and Jude at Welcoming Whales have a deep love for our oceans and the data they have collected is invaluable for the community of ocean conservationists. Alex Arboleda: Manager – Pacific, Ocean Bridge / GÉRANTE – PACIFIQUE, PORTAIL OCÉAN
