A New Daughter for J Pod: J62’s Birth Brings Hope to Endangered Southern Residents
The Southern Resident killer whale (SRKW) community has welcomed a new member, offering a rare moment of hope for the struggling population. Researchers with the Center for Whale Research have confirmed that J62, a calf first sighted on January 1, is female. During a sighting on February 8 near San Juan Island, the young orca […]
Meet The Anglerfish of British Columbia
British Columbia’s deep waters are home to some of the ocean’s most mysterious and bizarre creatures, including anglerfish. There are many different types of anglerfish, but they all share the defining trait of possessing a bioluminescent lure, with the glow coming from what scientists call “borrowed” bioluminescence. The bioluminescence is borrowed because tiny glowing bacteria […]
Millions of Seabirds Lost to Record-Breaking Heat Wave
A single marine heatwave between 2014 and 2016, known as “The Blob,” wiped out an estimated four million common murres on the West Coast. This catastrophic event, triggered by record-high ocean temperatures, is described as the largest wildlife mortality event of its kind in modern history. The findings, published Thursday in Science, highlight how the […]
2024 Pacific Halibut Harvest Hits Record Lows, Prices Set to Rise Amidst Stock Shortages
Preliminary totals from the 2024 Pacific halibut fishery suggest that this year’s harvest may have been one of the lowest on record. Landings from 2024 represent only about 74% of the year’s catch limit. Typically, this fishery achieves about 90% of its limit. The spawning biomass of Pacific halibut is also said to be at […]
Illegal Shark Finning Still Occurring in the North Pacific
The illegal practice of shark finning continues to occur in the North Pacific. Experts say it is a key factor in dwindling shark populations. This fall, an international task force, including Fisheries and Oceans Canada officers, set out to combat illegal fishing in international waters. They boarded 15 fishing vessels and found illegal activity that […]
Southern Resident Orcas Revive Salmon Hat Trend From the Eighties
The demure “salmon hat” fashion trend has been revived by a southern resident killer whale in Puget Sound. On October 25th, researchers spotted at least one southern resident wearing a deceased salmon on its head as it swam. The orca also appeared to be snacking leisurely on its salmon hat. First observed in 1987, the […]
Basking Sharks in BC
Basking sharks are one of the most fascinating yet elusive creatures off British Columbia’s coast. Once a common sight along BC’s coast, these enormous filter feeders have become rare.
BC’s “Whale Police” Have A Whale-Sized Task With Drone Violations and Increased Ship Strikes
Whales were in BC waters long before humans–but nothing prepared them to deal with vessel strikes or pesky drones. Cue the “whale police.”
Gang of Teenage Elephant Seals Known as The Beach Boys Photobomb Research Site
Eight young male elephant seals turned a science project off BC’s coast into a photo booth. The images are hilari
ous.
Restoring Sunflower Sea Stars: A Step Towards Reviving Coastal Ecosystems
Researchers have begun releasing lab-raised sunflower sea stars into the ocean to rebuild their dwindling populations.