A trio of killer whales recently seen in Vancouver Harbour has sparked excitement among residents and marine experts alike. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has identified the whales as belonging to an Alaska population, marking a rare occurrence in British Columbia waters.
The DFO is conducting a thorough study of these unique whales, as they have not been previously documented in the province. Scientists from Nanaimo, B.C., are observing the animals to gain insights into their behavior and characteristics.
Jared Towers, the executive director of Bay Cetology, noted that while most orcas in the Salish Sea are well-known transient orcas, the trio in question is genetically distinct. These whales display different DNA and vocalizations, setting them apart from the typical Bigg’s killer whale population in the region.
The distinct markings on the whales, such as scars near their dorsal fins believed to be from cookiecutter sharks, suggest that they may be oceanic whales. Marine mammal researcher Josh McInnes from the University of British Columbia highlighted the rarity of such sightings close to shore, emphasizing the unique nature of these whales’ presence in Vancouver Harbour.
While experts are intrigued by the whales’ appearance, they are cautious about their well-being in the bustling harbor environment. Concerns have been raised that the whales might be “psychologically trapped” due to the high traffic and noise levels in the area. Researchers are urging the public to upload whale images to Finwave.io for identification purposes while respecting the marine mammal regulations that require vessels to maintain a safe distance of at least 400 meters from killer whales in southern B.C. coastal waters.
