Captive Orcas 'Dying to Entertain You' - Whale and Dolphin ...

Latest news, November 1999Northern residents:Whilst the northern resident population of British Columbia appears to be relativelystable in terms of numbers (around 200 members since at least as far back as 1993), thispopulation still faces many threats. Commercial fish farms have proliferated in the areain recent years, and Hanson Island is currently threatened by logging. In addition, therehave been substantial increases in boat traffic (WW boats, sports fishing, kayak tours,cruise ships, freighters, tugs) over the past decade and these have collectivelyencroached upon the orcas’ core habitat and the ability of the whales to lead normallives.ORCALAB, on Hanson Island, carries out long-term acoustic and visual monitoring ofthe northern residents. Their research has revealed that boat noise disturbscommunication amongst orcas and is also likely to influence traditional patterns ofhabitat use. For example, during August 1999, the orcas disappeared from their corearea in Johnstone Strait and instead, spent time off Port Hardy and elsewhere, onlyreturning to their core area during October/November. It is too early to tell whether thisbehaviour was in response to heavy boat traffic during the summer months, but this mustbe considered a possible contributory factor. (Source: ORCALAB websitewww.orcalab.org ).WDCS also funds the work of Alexandra Morton, who reported that some northernresidents were seen 50 miles off the west coast of Vancouver Island, far off their normalsummer range. There were also reports of misplaced runs of salmon, and salmonarriving up to two months late in their passage through Johnstone Strait. Whilstmammal-eating transients still come through the Broughton archipelago whereAlexandra lives, the fish-eating residents seem to have abandoned this area, despite arelatively plentiful supply of chinook salmon, their favourite food. Commercial salmonfarms in the area may be one reason – some of the salmon farmers are still usingacoustic devices to deter marine mammals from raiding their salmon pens. Thesedevices broadcast a sound at levels which are probably painful to the orcas.Southern residentsIn April 1999, the Canadian Government listed the orcas of the southern residentcommunity (J, K and L pods) as threatened. The Committee made this decision on theStatus of Endangered Wildlife (CSEW) in Canada, who based their decision on thefindings of whale researcher, Robin Baird. Further, the CSEW listed ALL orcas inCanadian waters as vulnerable. Although Canada’s definition of threatened does notcarry the same regulatory weight as does the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA), itdoes ensure that the whales get special consideration when regional assessments aremade and also makes their protection a priority for federal funding.This move has prompted Pacific Northwest cetacean researchers (who believe thatthese orcas would probably also qualify as threatened under the U.S. ESA) to consider aformal petition for ESA listing. The Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)announced in November 1999 that it was seeking State protection for orcas inWashington State waters. If state officials agree that the idea has merit, further scientificstudy and soliciting of public input would begin, a process likely to take at least a year.A Washington State listing of orcas as threatened or endangered would further addweight to reviews of their status and habitat requirements.Amongst the primary reasons for listing the southern residents as threatened is the factthat this population has failed to show sustained growth over the last quarter century. Infact, numbers are falling drastically. In November 1999, there were 83 orcas in J, K andL pods, compared to 98 in 1995. Eight orcas died during 1999, including a female inher mid-20s (L51 Nootka), and her new calf (L97, Tweak), who died shortly after losinghis mother. So far, in 1999, there have only been 2 successful births.14