Dylan Smyth, MSc Student
Cetacean Conservation Program Associate
Dylan is an aquatic sciences technician with a focus on marine mammal ecology and conservation. After graduating in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science, Dylan spent several years working on various projects involving juvenile salmon survival before switching gears to marine mammals. He loves being on the water, playing with boats, drones, and various other scientific toys. His keen interest, and ear, for marine mammal acoustics has given him the privilege of working with a variety of organizations such as OrcaLab, Ocean Wise, and DFO.
After nearly 10 years of field work up and down British Columbia’s coastline, Dylan is now returning to school to pursue a Masters degree with the University of the Algarve in Portugal. Working closely in collaboration with Raincoast and Simon Fraser University, his research will investigate the effects of anthropogenic noise on southern resident killer whale call type selection.

Recent articles
Episode 11: Communicating the “why care?”, the importance of listening and community empowerment with Tom Rutherford
“My theory is there’s not enough of us who are…
A legacy of respect: Jane Goodall and my work with whales
The importance of keeping empathy at the heart of science.
Mapping and restoring thermal refuges in the Nicola watershed
Thermal refuges are sites within a stream that are significantly…
Episode 10: How crises lead to connection with Murray Ned, Lower Fraser Fisheries Alliance
What can we learn from the perseverance of salmon?
Join us November 20th for the 2025 Raincoast Ocean Science Awards
Four awards will be presented to honour those making waves…
In the Salish Sea, tensions surrounding killer whales and salmon are about more than just fishing
Amidst enduring perceived conflict between anglers and killer whale advocates,…
New study reveals pathways to transform conflict over contentious salmon and killer whale management in B.C.
Although differences in some beliefs and management priorities were stark,…
Episode 9: Bridging the gap between salmon scientists and anglers with Fishing with Rod
A salmon habitat biologist and a recreational angler sit down…








