Resident Killer Whales in British Columbia
The southern resident killer whale (orca) population, located on Canada’s Pacific coast, is a naturally small population with less than 100 animals. The population declined approximately 20% between 1996 and 2001, to 80 animals. Fortunately, the population has steadily increased again to 90 killer whales as of 2005. However, due to the inherently small population size and the uncertainty associated with the current population trajectory they are now listed as endangered under Canada’s Species at Risk Act (SARA).
These whales spend part of each year in the waters off Vancouver Island. Concern exists for the quality of the whales habitat, as these waters are adjacent to the dense human population of southern British Columbia. The main areas of conservation concern are prey availability, human generated disturbance and pollution.
These whales spend part of each year in the waters off Vancouver Island. Concern exists for the quality of the whales habitat, as these waters are adjacent to the dense human population of southern British Columbia. The main areas of conservation concern are prey availability, human generated disturbance and pollution.
Two Killer whales, or Orcas, (Orcinus orca) in the Pacific Ocean off British Columbia, Canada.
Southern resident killer whales eat only fish, with a strong preference for salmon. It has recently been determined that of the five salmon species in BC, they selectively prey on Chinook salmon. Chinook salmon are listed as threatened under SARA—this decline in prey may be having negative impact on the species. Human disturbance can result from shore and marine sources. Southern Vancouver Island waters have high levels of vessel traffic including naval activities, recreational boaters, commercial freighters, ferries, tugboats, whale watching and commercial fisheries.
There are a variety of pollutants in the waters off of Vancouver Island, including pollution from local, regional and international sources. High levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) may be interfering with the whale’s health and reproduction and are of serious concern. POPs are toxic chemicals that accumulate in the fatty tissues of the mammals. Killer whales are known to be some of the most contaminated mammals in the world though the impact of these, and other pollutants, is not yet clear. Domestic and international sources of pollution include pulp and paper mills, historical marine waste dumping sites, agricultural and garden products, fire-retardant chemicals and sewage effluent.
With support from WWF-Canada and Environment Canada in 2005, researchers Dr. Andrew Trites and Anna Hall from the University of British Columbia have been studying this small population of whales. Through their ongoing study they are working to identify the critical habitat requirements of the southern resident killer whales. This is an essential first step in the protection of the whales. With this information, recommendations can be made about the places we need to protect to ensure the long-term survival of this species. They will share this information with the local community, eco-tourism companies and industry so that the local community has better understanding of the issues and can help make a difference.
There are a variety of pollutants in the waters off of Vancouver Island, including pollution from local, regional and international sources. High levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) may be interfering with the whale’s health and reproduction and are of serious concern. POPs are toxic chemicals that accumulate in the fatty tissues of the mammals. Killer whales are known to be some of the most contaminated mammals in the world though the impact of these, and other pollutants, is not yet clear. Domestic and international sources of pollution include pulp and paper mills, historical marine waste dumping sites, agricultural and garden products, fire-retardant chemicals and sewage effluent.
With support from WWF-Canada and Environment Canada in 2005, researchers Dr. Andrew Trites and Anna Hall from the University of British Columbia have been studying this small population of whales. Through their ongoing study they are working to identify the critical habitat requirements of the southern resident killer whales. This is an essential first step in the protection of the whales. With this information, recommendations can be made about the places we need to protect to ensure the long-term survival of this species. They will share this information with the local community, eco-tourism companies and industry so that the local community has better understanding of the issues and can help make a difference.