Distinct Species of Orca Identified off BC Coast

Transient whales aren't outcasts -- just a different gene pool

Photograph by: Dave Ellifrit

A threatened population of killer whales that spends much of the year hunting seals off the British Columbia coast has been identified by an international team of scientists as a distinct species, separated from its fellow orcas in Canada and elsewhere about 700,000 years ago.

The whales, known as the North Pacific Transients, have long been understood to have a different prey preference than their fish-eating cousins, as well as subtle physical anomalies, such as a more pointed dorsal fin.

For more in this story click here

-Randy Bowsell, Canwest News Service

Northern Vancouver Island Adventure

Come join the Island Odyssey as we explore the Northern waters of Vancouver Island. A great family adventure for all ages! Bring the kids - bring the grandparents. This trip is an excellent way to see Orca whales in the rich waters of Johnstone Strait. See ancient totem poles and visit historical sites like Village Island. Gourmet food, knowledgeable crew, lots of wildlife, and much more. Contact our office for more details on this fantastic summer adventure! 1.888.877.1770 $ 2,470 CDN + 5% gst

Hunting Skills of the Orcas

Each year, Bluewater partners with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society from the UK for some amazing adventures on the BC Coast. Their guide who joins us each year, Rob Lott - has a great article in the online World News today! Check out his great photography here

Photo by Rob Lott, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society
We are looking forward to getting Rob back on the Pacific Coast to see our BC Orcas and share his wealth of knowledge with our guests.

Oil Cube Lifted out of Robson Bight 'Cleanly'

$2.5M salvage operation underway after barged tipped in August 2007

Picture: CTV News

Observers on a barge in Robson Bight ecological reserve held their breath yesterday afternoon as a metal cube containing 1,400 litres of hydraulic oil was carefully pulled to the surface. "There was a lot of anticipation when the cube finally broke the surface, but the crew were very calm and professional, which helped," said Randy Alexander, environmental protection manager for the Environment Ministry. The two-metre-square container, with 72 pails of lube oil, had been sitting on the ocean floor since August 2007 when a barge tipped equipment into the famed wildlife area, where threatened northern resident killer whales feed and rub themselves on pebble beaches. The 11 pieces of equipment belonged to Ted LeRoy Trucking of Chemainus, which is charged with numerous pollution violations. The company declared bankruptcy last year.

The $2.5-million operation to remove the oil cube and a fully loaded fuel truck from 350 metres of water is being conducted by Mammoet Salvage B.V., a company based in the Netherlands, on behalf of the province and federal government.

A remotely operated underwater vehicle was first sent into the water, then a crane dropped down hooks and chains, which were attached to the container by the underwater vehicle before it was slowly pulled to the surface. Initially, the company planned to cover the cube with a special jacket to catch any spills, but with debris on the ocean floor, it was feared cables could be snagged.

The operation went extremely smoothly, said Paul Spong, director of whale research station OrcaLab, one of the many environmental groups pushing government to remove the equipment. "It came out of the water cleanly. There was a tiny bit of residual oil, but they had a boom around the site and I would say there was no impact on the environment."

Click here for the full story by Judith Lavoie, Times Colonist

New Law to Protect Orcas In Pacific Northwest

Published Date: 2009/2/26
Article ID : 6238 Version 1.00

By Greg Joyce

The Canadian Press VANCOUVER — Almost 300 endangered or threatened killer whales that ply the waters of the Pacific Northwest have improved habitat protection with a new federal government regulation. The protection, under the Species At Risk Act (SARA), covers the habitat of Northern and Southern resident killer whales, said Lara Tessaro of Ecojustice. Southern resident orcas are endangered and number about 85, and the northern orcas are considered a threatened species and have a population of about 200. The order comes after Ecojustice and several other environmental groups launched a lawsuit last fall against the Department of Fisheries. “It's the very first one ever issued under the Species At Risk Act so it's a precedent-setting order,” said Tessaro. “What it means is that it is now an offence to destroy the critical habitat of resident killer whales.

It designates, legally, their critical habitat as an area that attracts legal protection.” Southern resident orcas suffered a 20 per cent decline between 1993 and 2003 before recovering slightly. Northern resident whales' populations dropped by about seven per cent in recent years. The declines are due to threats to their habitat, including dredging, pollution, trawling, tanker traffic, military sonar tests, seismic testing and a decline in salmon stocks, she said.

For the whole article, check out the Canadian Press Link

Kermode Sightings in the Great Bear Rainforest!

September is a great time to be in the Great Bear Rainforest, not only for the usually co-operative weather, but the wildlife is plentiful! Grizzly and black bears are frequently seen feeding on the salmon in the rivers and estuaries, so there is great bear viewing. Orcas and Humpback whales are usually spotted at this time of year as well.

It is a wonderful time to spot the all-white Kermode bear, which a couple of our trips have already done this September. With the help of local guides our guests are having fantastic opportunities to see the Spirit Bear! This is definitely a rare experience on the British Columbia coastline. Book now for 2009 and take advantage of early booking discounts!