A trio of unidentified killer whales recently seen in Vancouver Harbour has caught the attention of marine experts due to their unique characteristics not previously documented in British Columbia waters. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has identified these whales as possibly belonging to an Alaska population, a rare occurrence in this region. The DFO is conducting a thorough study to gain a better understanding of these unfamiliar whales.
Jared Towers, from Bay Cetology, noted that the majority of orcas typically observed in the Salish Sea are well-known transient orcas, commonly known as Bigg’s killer whales. However, the three orcas recently sighted do not belong to the local West Coast Transients population. Towers highlighted the genetic distinctiveness of these whales, emphasizing their unique DNA and vocalizations.
Experts have speculated that the whales may be oceanic in nature based on distinctive scars near their dorsal fins, possibly caused by encounters with cookiecutter sharks found in open-ocean habitats. While the reason for their presence in Vancouver remains unclear, researchers are closely monitoring their behavior in the busy harbor.
The prolonged stay of the whales in the harbor has raised concerns among experts, with some suggesting that the whales may feel psychologically trapped in the high-traffic waterway. Aly Kohlman, a marine naturalist, expressed the need for further observation to determine the whales’ population and behavior accurately.
Researchers have encouraged the public to upload whale sightings to Finwave.io for identification purposes while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe distance from these marine mammals. Compliance with Canada’s Marine Mammal Regulations, which mandate a 400-meter distance from killer whales in southern B.C. coastal waters, is crucial for ensuring the well-being of these mysterious visitors in Vancouver Harbour.