A trio of orcas recently seen in Vancouver Harbour has sparked excitement among residents, as marine experts note that these whales are a rare sighting in British Columbia waters. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has identified the whales as potentially belonging to an Alaska population, marking a unique occurrence in the region.
DFO scientists are currently studying these unfamiliar whales, which have not been previously documented in the province, to gain insights into their behavior. A team from Nanaimo, B.C., has been actively observing the whales as part of the assessment process.
According to Jared Towers, executive director of Bay Cetology, the three orcas differ from the common transient orcas typically seen in the Salish Sea. These whales are genetically distinct, with unique DNA and vocalizations, setting them apart from the usual West Coast Transients found in the area.
Researchers have noted distinctive scars near the dorsal fins of the whales, suggesting encounters with cookiecutter sharks typically found in open-ocean habitats. While the exact reasons for their presence in Vancouver remain unclear, experts believe these whales may be oceanic rather than coastal transient orcas.
The prolonged stay of the whales in the busy harbour has raised concerns among experts, who speculate that the animals may feel psychologically trapped in the unfamiliar and noisy surroundings. As researchers continue to monitor the situation, they urge the public to share photographs of the whales for identification purposes while maintaining a safe distance as per marine regulations.
The rare appearance of these mysterious orcas in Vancouver Harbour has captivated both researchers and locals, shedding light on the diverse marine life that inhabits these coastal waters.