A trio of orcas recently seen in Vancouver Harbour has sparked interest among residents and marine experts. These whales, believed to be part of an Alaskan population, have drawn attention for their unique presence in British Columbia waters. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has confirmed that these whales have not been previously documented in the province, prompting ongoing studies by DFO scientists to gain insights into their behavior.
Jared Towers, the executive director of Bay Cetology, pointed out that the orcas spotted in the Salish Sea are a departure from the typical transient orcas commonly observed in the region. These unfamiliar whales exhibit genetic distinctiveness, evident in their DNA and vocalizations, setting them apart from the local orca population. By examining distinctive features such as dorsal fins and saddle patches, researchers can identify and track individual whales over time.
Notably, the recent sightings of these orcas align with a previous observation near Anchorage, Alaska, nearly 1,200 nautical miles away, indicating their long-distance migration to Vancouver. Researchers have noted peculiar scars near their dorsal fins, suggesting encounters with cookiecutter sharks commonly found in open ocean habitats. These marks hint at the possibility that the whales may belong to oceanic populations, a rare occurrence in coastal waters.
While the exact reasons for their visit remain unclear, marine experts speculate that the whales may have been drawn to Vancouver for unknown reasons. Aly Kohlman, a marine naturalist, emphasized the need for further observation to determine the whales’ population affiliation definitively. Concerns have been raised about the whales’ prolonged stay in the bustling harbor, with speculations that they may feel psychologically trapped in the high-traffic environment.
As researchers continue to monitor the situation, they encourage the public to contribute by uploading whale images to Finwave.io for identification purposes. However, it is crucial for vessels to adhere to Canada’s Marine Mammal Regulations, maintaining a safe distance of at least 400 meters from killer whales in southern B.C. coastal waters.
