For Salish Sea Sailors- 2020 management measures to protect Southern Resident killer

[jackdale]

The decline of the endangered Southern Resident killer whale population is linked to threats such as noise and disturbance from boats, and reduced availability of their preferred prey, chinook salmon, where wild populations of chinook salmon have declined dramatically in recent years. To address this, we are implementing management measures to protect chinook salmon, a vital food source for Southern Resident killer whales, and to minimize disturbance from vessels to support Southern Resident killer whale recovery.

http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/whales-...s-ers-eng.html

[redhead]

Interesting - I have been wondering how our respective lockdowns have been affecting them.

You know, I've been reading about dolphins back in the Venice canals, etc. The whale population has to have "relaxed" (for want of a better word) since the boats are staying home - lack of noise, crowds of boaters, etc. I wonder if this has been studied by either country.

Thanks for this info.

[barnakiel]

Good to hear someone out there cares.


We are maybe the last generation to have sharks around.


b.

[GordMay]

Protecting Southern Resident Killer Whales

There are approximately 73 Southern Resident killer whales, in the world.
The primary threat to southern resident killer whales is a lack of prey, and the underwater noise, created by vessels, exacerbates that threat, and their ability to successfully find, and capture, the very limited prey, that is available. Noise interferes with the echolocation, and with their ability to communicate, about finding prey.

The Canadian federal government has announced salmon fishery closures, and mandatory speed limits, in B. C. areas where southern resident killer whales forage, and travel, in the ongoing effort to protect the endangered species.

Until Nov. 30, all vessels must slow down, to a maximum of 10 knots, in two speed-restricted zones, near Swiftsure Bank; and no vessels, or fishing are allowed, in interim sanctuary zones, off South Pender Island, and the southeast end of Saturna Island.

Recreational, and commercia,l salmon fisheries will be closed, both, this year, and next year, in the whale's key foraging areas, along Swiftsure Bank, from July 15 until Oct. 31, and around the mouth of the Fraser River, from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30.

Vessels must stay at least 400 metres from the orcas, and local whale-watching groups may not offer tours of southern residents.

More about ➥ https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/...s-ers-eng.html

The Raincoast Conservation Foundation has been advocating for an expansion of the distance boaters must keep from orcas, from 400 metres, to 1,000 metres, as will be the case off the waters of Washington state, starting next year.
More about ➥ https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/briti...2031%2C%202024.