Tag Archives: Vessel strikes

Animals, Energy, Rivers & Oceans

Feds urged to use emergency order to save endangered orcas

Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Emergency protections for endangered southern resident killer whales are urgently needed because of increased oil tanker traffic from the expanded Trans Mountain (TMX) pipeline, says a coalition of conservation groups.

Six environmental organizations are formally petitioning Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault and Fisheries and Oceans Minister Diane Lebouthillier, urging them to recommend that cabinet issue an emergency order under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) to save the remaining 74 whales, said Margot Venton, nature program director of Ecojustice, a legal charity working for the environmental groups. 

Continue reading Feds urged to use emergency order to save endangered orcas →
Animals, Rivers & Oceans

Research groups sound alarm after three whales reportedly struck by ships off West Coast

Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Three whales were reportedly struck by vessels in northern B.C. waters over a 10-day period last month, raising West Coast humpback researchers’ concerns over the risk shipping poses to the marine mammals.

Continue reading Research groups sound alarm after three whales reportedly struck by ships off West Coast →
Animals, Rivers & Oceans

Severely injured humpback travels from B.C. to Hawaii

By Kaitlyn Bailey, Prince Rupert Northern View, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A humpback whale appears to have made a difficult journey from waters in northern B.C. to Hawaii, despite an injury leaving her tail almost completely immobile.

Continue reading Severely injured humpback travels from B.C. to Hawaii →
Rivers & Oceans

Straitwatch: the Discovery Island’s ‘whale police’

Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A putrid stink wafts across the water and engulfs the Straitwatch vessel floating off the southern end of Quadra Island.

The Zodiac’s operator, Alex Forman, wrinkles his nose at the odour that hangs in the air, strongly reminiscent of fermented garbage.

“Whale breath,” he explains. “Humpbacks don’t brush their teeth much.”

Continue reading Straitwatch: the Discovery Island’s ‘whale police’ →