Since the mid-1980s, Ocean Wise has conducted conservation-oriented research on killer whales, belugas, and other marine mammals. Today, the Whale Health and Monitoring Program focuses on both applying cutting-edge science to monitor at-risk whale populations and developing novel conservation tools to protect whales from starvation. This pillar conducts applied research throughout the BC coast and includes a thriving, state-of-the-art Environmental DNA Laboratory in West Vancouver. Whales Initiative researchers use conservation-orientated tools including drones, bioacoustics, artificial intelligence, and environmental DNA to collect and analyze data on the health of at-risk whale populations and inspire conservation action where the whales need it most.