Judith Lavoie, Victoria Times Colonist
Published: Sunday, February 10, 2008
The most startling fact about the whales that swim in the waters around Vancouver Island is the lack of facts.
They're big, beautiful and infinitely appealing, but, even scientists who have dedicated their lives to studying marine mammals, readily admit they know remarkably little about them.
Out there, somewhere in the depths, are killer, grey, sperm, minke, blue, fin, sei, North Pacific right, beaked and humpback whales
At least, we think they're out there, but, for many species, population numbers are simply guesstimates.
Some types of beaked whales have never been seen alive in B.C.waters and the only clue to their existence are the washed-up carcasses, said John Ford, Department of Fisheries and Oceans marine mammal scientist at the Pacific Biological Station in Nanaimo, one of Canada's top whale authorities.
The seis are supposed to be out there, but there have been no confirmed sightings in B.C. waters since whaling ended in 1967.
The last North Pacific right whale seen off the coast of B.C. was killed in 1951 at the Coal Harbour whaling station on northern Vancouver Island and, although they have been seen in the Bering Sea in late summer, the total population is believed to be fewer than 100.
There were celebrations last summer when a DFO deep sea survey saw five blue whales, including a calf and the sightings spurred hopes that they might recolonize B.C. waters. But, with threats ranging from pollution and noise to food shortages and climate change - who knows?
Exceptions to the knowledge void are the four populations of killer whales which have been the subject of intense study since the early 1970s, largely because of the foresight of researchers such as Ford, Michael Bigg, Graeme Ellis and Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research in Friday Harbor, who compiled a photographic record of every whale.
"As soon as you know any animal species on an individual level, it's extremely powerful," said Ellis, research technician with the marine mammal group at the Pacific Biological Station.
"We have known 85 per cent of the population of [resident] killer whales since birth."
But, even with the endangered southern resident killer whales, there are gaping holes in knowledge, such as where the whales spend their winters.
"We have studied orcas for 30 years and still have a really basic level of knowledge," said whale researcher Helena Symonds of OrcaLab on Hanson Island.
After whaling ended, live captures in the late 1960s and 1970s sent killer whale populations into a nosedive, and no one took responsibility for whale research.
"Little effort was put into managing or assessing populations of large whales until the Species at Risk Act (SARA) came along," Ford said.
Source: Time Colonist
zondag 10 februari 2008
Killer whales
Victoria Times Colonist
Published: Sunday, February 10, 2008
The striking black and white markings of killer whales can bring small boats and whale-watching vessels flocking and make B.C. Ferries passengers run for the rail.
The best known whales around Vancouver Island are the salmon-eating resident killer whales.
Endangered southern residents have 88 members in three pods - 43 in L Pod (not including Lolita, an L Pod whale who has been at Miami Seaquarium since her capture in 1972), 26 in J Pod and 19 in K Pod.
Threatened northern residents have 230 whales in 16 pods, not including Corky who was captured in 1969 and is at Sea World in California.
Major threats to resident orcas are environmental contamination, dwindling supplies of salmon and noise.
Transient killer whales, which eat marine mammals, number about 220 and are also federally designated as threatened. Transients often travel alone, but do band together only to hunt.
In the late 1980s, scientists discovered a population of offshore orcas, which may be the ancestors of the northern and southern residents.
Although little is known about them, more than 250 have been identified and it is believed the number could be considerably higher. They are designated as being of special concern.
Offshores travel in large groups and are believed to be fish-eating.
Southern residents are commonly seen in Juan de Fuca Strait, Haro Strait around the San Juan Islands and along the west coast of Vancouver Island, Washington and Oregon from April to November. J Pod often stays around for the winter.
In winter, southern residents have been reported as far south as Monterey Bay in California and as far north as the Queen Charlotte Islands. Otherwise, little is known about their winter movements.
Northern residents spend much of the summer and fall around Campbell River, Alberni Inlet, Johnstone Strait, up to Dixon Entrance and into southern Queen Charlotte Strait. However, they have been seen as far south as Grays Harbor, Washington and as far north as Glacier Bay, Alaska.
Little is known about their winter and spring movements, but they may spend time in the deep water past the continental shelf.
Transients are found on the coast year round, but their movements are unpredictable. Transients can range up to 1,500 kilometres along the coast from Alaska to California. These killer whales spend most of their time in open waters and do not usually come close to shore.
Killer whales, which grow to about nine metres in length, and are really a large dolphin, are found in every ocean, but it is not known how many exist worldwide.
Source: Time Colonist
Published: Sunday, February 10, 2008
The striking black and white markings of killer whales can bring small boats and whale-watching vessels flocking and make B.C. Ferries passengers run for the rail.
The best known whales around Vancouver Island are the salmon-eating resident killer whales.
Endangered southern residents have 88 members in three pods - 43 in L Pod (not including Lolita, an L Pod whale who has been at Miami Seaquarium since her capture in 1972), 26 in J Pod and 19 in K Pod.
Threatened northern residents have 230 whales in 16 pods, not including Corky who was captured in 1969 and is at Sea World in California.
Major threats to resident orcas are environmental contamination, dwindling supplies of salmon and noise.
Transient killer whales, which eat marine mammals, number about 220 and are also federally designated as threatened. Transients often travel alone, but do band together only to hunt.
In the late 1980s, scientists discovered a population of offshore orcas, which may be the ancestors of the northern and southern residents.
Although little is known about them, more than 250 have been identified and it is believed the number could be considerably higher. They are designated as being of special concern.
Offshores travel in large groups and are believed to be fish-eating.
Southern residents are commonly seen in Juan de Fuca Strait, Haro Strait around the San Juan Islands and along the west coast of Vancouver Island, Washington and Oregon from April to November. J Pod often stays around for the winter.
In winter, southern residents have been reported as far south as Monterey Bay in California and as far north as the Queen Charlotte Islands. Otherwise, little is known about their winter movements.
Northern residents spend much of the summer and fall around Campbell River, Alberni Inlet, Johnstone Strait, up to Dixon Entrance and into southern Queen Charlotte Strait. However, they have been seen as far south as Grays Harbor, Washington and as far north as Glacier Bay, Alaska.
Little is known about their winter and spring movements, but they may spend time in the deep water past the continental shelf.
Transients are found on the coast year round, but their movements are unpredictable. Transients can range up to 1,500 kilometres along the coast from Alaska to California. These killer whales spend most of their time in open waters and do not usually come close to shore.
Killer whales, which grow to about nine metres in length, and are really a large dolphin, are found in every ocean, but it is not known how many exist worldwide.
Source: Time Colonist
zondag 3 februari 2008
Orca Pods: Seeking salmon
Good times on one visit can lead a family to annual California trips. But there's something very worrisome about the new travel habit of the local orcas' L pod.
Scientist Ken Balcomb suggests the most likely explanation is that shortages of salmon in Washington have led to the sixth straight year of California travel. Since the federal government has just proposed a recovery plan for the imperiled orcas, that is a sign of the challenges ahead for a species emblematic of the Northwest.
As a recent story noted, Canadian research has shown a strong correlation between orca death rates and drops in chinook runs. It turns out chinook salmon runs in California are plunging dramatically. While the orcas may settle for other food sources there, the development is one more reason to concentrate aggressively on doing everything possible to restore their food sources here, along with improving the overall health of Puget Sound.
The federal plan envisions a 20-year effort at a cost of about $50 million. We fear that environmental groups will be proved right in suggesting the plan lacks ambition in goals and strategies. But we certainly see good points, including the federal call for the permanent stationing of a rescue tug to prevent oil spills near the coast and for reductions in pollution from stormwater systems.
Fortunately, the state has embarked on the aggressive Puget Sound Partnership effort to reverse the deteriorating quality of inland waters. The orcas' wide-ranging travels for food underline the challenges for them and for people.
Source: Seattle Post Intelligencer
Scientist Ken Balcomb suggests the most likely explanation is that shortages of salmon in Washington have led to the sixth straight year of California travel. Since the federal government has just proposed a recovery plan for the imperiled orcas, that is a sign of the challenges ahead for a species emblematic of the Northwest.
As a recent story noted, Canadian research has shown a strong correlation between orca death rates and drops in chinook runs. It turns out chinook salmon runs in California are plunging dramatically. While the orcas may settle for other food sources there, the development is one more reason to concentrate aggressively on doing everything possible to restore their food sources here, along with improving the overall health of Puget Sound.
The federal plan envisions a 20-year effort at a cost of about $50 million. We fear that environmental groups will be proved right in suggesting the plan lacks ambition in goals and strategies. But we certainly see good points, including the federal call for the permanent stationing of a rescue tug to prevent oil spills near the coast and for reductions in pollution from stormwater systems.
Fortunately, the state has embarked on the aggressive Puget Sound Partnership effort to reverse the deteriorating quality of inland waters. The orcas' wide-ranging travels for food underline the challenges for them and for people.
Source: Seattle Post Intelligencer
Killer whales delight crowd with harbour antics at Bluff
A pod of about eight killer whales was the star attraction in Bluff last night, drawing crowds to Bluff's Marine Pde to watch the graceful mammals make what has been described as a rare appearance.
The Southland Times last reported sightings of orcas in the harbour in December 2006, but this time it was a smaller and not as adventurous group — only venturing around the harbour entrance.
Bluff man Morrell McKenzie, his wife Jane, their three children and several friends were among the lucky few able to get up close and personal to the orcas.
"That was awesome," Mr McKenzie said once back on shore.
Mrs McKenzie said they were sitting at home when they saw the Stewart Island ferry returning to Bluff about 7.30pm. It was travelling quite slowly. Then they saw why — there were orcas swimming next to it.
The family launched their boat to get a better glimpse. They didn't have to go far; the orcas had swum towards the end of the Tiwai wharf.
They ranged in size. There were a couple of "babies", but the largest adult would have been longer than his 4.5m boat, Mr McKenzie said.
Mr McKenzie has lived in Bluff all his life and cannot recall seeing orcas so close to the inner harbour before.
Neither had Neil Sutherland, who was able to get an even closer view of the pod than the McKenzies.
Mr Sutherland had been out in his kayak earlier in the evening, but soon after coming ashore he set out again for an unforgettable experience.
"It's the first time I've ever seen whales in the harbour. I've never seen them before in my 52 years (living in Bluff)." Mr Sutherland said he was so close at one stage that when one of the animals surfaced he was sprayed with water from its blowhole.
While he had the nearest encounter of all last night, Mr Sutherland said he was cautious not to venture too close.
Those not able to get so close were still excited about the experience.
Israeli tourist Asaf Azachi said he and his friend came across the scene by accident. "We were just driving along the road and saw all the cars (parked up)." It was a great experience, he said.
Donna Anderson agreed. She had travelled to Bluff from Invercargill with her husband and their three boys after a friend called to tell them of the orcas.
"It's great to see," Mrs Anderson said. "It's not very often that we can say that we've seen them." Her 8-year-old son Kyle said he could see one of the orca's eyes.
"And that's how I knew it was a killer whale," he said.
The orca is the largest member of the dolphin family. About 150 to 200 of the species make regular laps around New Zealand.
Source: The Southland Times
The Southland Times last reported sightings of orcas in the harbour in December 2006, but this time it was a smaller and not as adventurous group — only venturing around the harbour entrance.
Bluff man Morrell McKenzie, his wife Jane, their three children and several friends were among the lucky few able to get up close and personal to the orcas.
"That was awesome," Mr McKenzie said once back on shore.
Mrs McKenzie said they were sitting at home when they saw the Stewart Island ferry returning to Bluff about 7.30pm. It was travelling quite slowly. Then they saw why — there were orcas swimming next to it.
The family launched their boat to get a better glimpse. They didn't have to go far; the orcas had swum towards the end of the Tiwai wharf.
They ranged in size. There were a couple of "babies", but the largest adult would have been longer than his 4.5m boat, Mr McKenzie said.
Mr McKenzie has lived in Bluff all his life and cannot recall seeing orcas so close to the inner harbour before.
Neither had Neil Sutherland, who was able to get an even closer view of the pod than the McKenzies.
Mr Sutherland had been out in his kayak earlier in the evening, but soon after coming ashore he set out again for an unforgettable experience.
"It's the first time I've ever seen whales in the harbour. I've never seen them before in my 52 years (living in Bluff)." Mr Sutherland said he was so close at one stage that when one of the animals surfaced he was sprayed with water from its blowhole.
While he had the nearest encounter of all last night, Mr Sutherland said he was cautious not to venture too close.
Those not able to get so close were still excited about the experience.
Israeli tourist Asaf Azachi said he and his friend came across the scene by accident. "We were just driving along the road and saw all the cars (parked up)." It was a great experience, he said.
Donna Anderson agreed. She had travelled to Bluff from Invercargill with her husband and their three boys after a friend called to tell them of the orcas.
"It's great to see," Mrs Anderson said. "It's not very often that we can say that we've seen them." Her 8-year-old son Kyle said he could see one of the orca's eyes.
"And that's how I knew it was a killer whale," he said.
The orca is the largest member of the dolphin family. About 150 to 200 of the species make regular laps around New Zealand.
Source: The Southland Times
vrijdag 1 februari 2008
Wales becomes popular spot for whales
IT MAY be several thousand miles from their more usual habitat in the Arctic seas, but the West Wales coast could be becoming a popular destination for one of the ocean’s most awe-inspiring creatures.
The orca – or killer whale – was spotted off the coast of Pembrokeshire at least twice last year and joins a growing list of more exotic marine animals to be identified off the Welsh coast.
Dolphins in Cardigan Bay are already well documented, with the area known to some as “Dolphin Coast”, while the less common Risso’s dolphin was seen off Strumble Head near Fishguard on New Year’s Day.
Meanwhile, coastguards and marine experts received numerous reports of a 40ft humpback whale off the Swansea coastline in December. Just days later a dead humpback whale was brought ashore at Port Talbot by coastguards. Elsewhere, large groups of basking sharks were spotted off the Cornish coast during an aerial survey in August.
But experts remain unsure as to what the killer whales are doing in Cardigan Bay. The creatures are found in all oceans and most seas, but generally prefer cooler temperate and polar regions and are particularly concentrated in the north-east Pacific Basin.
Terry Leadbetter, of the Welsh Marine Life Rescue, said, “I haven’t got a clue what they are doing here unless they come for the seal pups, which are rich pickings.
“But they are around quite often and I’ve often heard people say they’ve seen them.”
Cliff Benson, of Sea Trust, said, “It is a sign of the rich marine life we have in the area. Orcas have been seen regularly.
“Two years ago we saw a couple not more than a quarter of a mile off the coast of Fishguard and in November last year we had one off Strumble Head.
“There have been sightings off Ramsey Island, near St Davids, and The Smalls [off St Ann’s Head].
“In June a group of six was seen, including a male with a bent fin, from the Fishguard to Rosslare ferry. They are certainly around on an annual basis.
“If you think about it, if you go in a straight line from parts of the Pembrokeshire coast you’ve got 7,000 miles of Atlantic Ocean until you hit South America, but the seas around here are rich.
“We’ve always had a good seal population of around 7,000 who feed on the fish, of which there are so many.
“Orcas come and go as they please, we don’t necessarily know why they are coming here.
“They probably do a bit of a circuit passing through the Irish Sea following food. It may be that some areas in other parts of the world are being over-fished so they are looking further afield.
“We don’t know if they are coming more often but there are certainly more of us looking.
“I suspect they’ve always been here moving through from one place to another.”
Eight years ago several dead seals began turning up on the Pembrokeshire coast, having been severely attacked, but Mr Leadbetter said recent reports of such injuries were down to natural decomposition and not attacks.
And Mr Benson said there was no evidence of orca attacks on seals or dolphins in the area.
“They have a ferocious reputation but there is no report of a human being attacked in the wild by an orca worldwide,” said Mr Benson.
Source:ic Wales, United Kingdom
The orca – or killer whale – was spotted off the coast of Pembrokeshire at least twice last year and joins a growing list of more exotic marine animals to be identified off the Welsh coast.
Dolphins in Cardigan Bay are already well documented, with the area known to some as “Dolphin Coast”, while the less common Risso’s dolphin was seen off Strumble Head near Fishguard on New Year’s Day.
Meanwhile, coastguards and marine experts received numerous reports of a 40ft humpback whale off the Swansea coastline in December. Just days later a dead humpback whale was brought ashore at Port Talbot by coastguards. Elsewhere, large groups of basking sharks were spotted off the Cornish coast during an aerial survey in August.
But experts remain unsure as to what the killer whales are doing in Cardigan Bay. The creatures are found in all oceans and most seas, but generally prefer cooler temperate and polar regions and are particularly concentrated in the north-east Pacific Basin.
Terry Leadbetter, of the Welsh Marine Life Rescue, said, “I haven’t got a clue what they are doing here unless they come for the seal pups, which are rich pickings.
“But they are around quite often and I’ve often heard people say they’ve seen them.”
Cliff Benson, of Sea Trust, said, “It is a sign of the rich marine life we have in the area. Orcas have been seen regularly.
“Two years ago we saw a couple not more than a quarter of a mile off the coast of Fishguard and in November last year we had one off Strumble Head.
“There have been sightings off Ramsey Island, near St Davids, and The Smalls [off St Ann’s Head].
“In June a group of six was seen, including a male with a bent fin, from the Fishguard to Rosslare ferry. They are certainly around on an annual basis.
“If you think about it, if you go in a straight line from parts of the Pembrokeshire coast you’ve got 7,000 miles of Atlantic Ocean until you hit South America, but the seas around here are rich.
“We’ve always had a good seal population of around 7,000 who feed on the fish, of which there are so many.
“Orcas come and go as they please, we don’t necessarily know why they are coming here.
“They probably do a bit of a circuit passing through the Irish Sea following food. It may be that some areas in other parts of the world are being over-fished so they are looking further afield.
“We don’t know if they are coming more often but there are certainly more of us looking.
“I suspect they’ve always been here moving through from one place to another.”
Eight years ago several dead seals began turning up on the Pembrokeshire coast, having been severely attacked, but Mr Leadbetter said recent reports of such injuries were down to natural decomposition and not attacks.
And Mr Benson said there was no evidence of orca attacks on seals or dolphins in the area.
“They have a ferocious reputation but there is no report of a human being attacked in the wild by an orca worldwide,” said Mr Benson.
Source:ic Wales, United Kingdom
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