Humpback Whale Entanglements!
Similar to our previous publication, the majority of sighting reports received this past week were of Humpback whales in upper Georgia Strait and in Sutil Channel. With a definite increase in the number of Humpbacks in those waterways (and other waterways around BC), there will be an increase in whale entanglements. Last weekend on July 25 and 26, three Humpback whales were reported entangled. Our cover image shows one Humpback whale nicknamed “Checkmate” with polypropylene rope (polyline) around its body. The DFO disentanglement crew were unsuccessful in freeing the whale of the rope. However, the DFO team was successful the next day in removing approximately 200 feet of rope from a Humpback calf -this is after 10 hours of work, staying with the whales as they swam about 70-80 km throughout the day. Find out more about the entanglements in the Magazine section.
For those of you who set crab traps and prawn traps, you can decrease the chances of whale entanglements in your gear by using rope/lines that do not float, such as polyline. Know the depth of the water where you are setting your traps and ensure your line is weighed down properly without excessive line in the water. ANYONE who sees an entangled whale, dolphin, or porpoise can report it directly to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans at 1-800-465-4336.
Of note is on the morning July 23, Southern Resident Orca were travelling southward in Discovery Passage and passed Campbell River. The group consisted of whales from K-pod as well as L-pod, and the group included about 20 members. It is unclear where they went after entering Georgia Strait.
Boaters, please use caution on the water. Remember N.E.W.S. when you see a whale, meaning put your boat in NEUTRAL, ENJOY the view, WAIT till the whales are at a fair distance, and then SLOWLY leave the scene.
The Federal Government (DFO) has issued the following statement about watching whales in the wild: “To address disturbance in the presence of whales, a mandatory 400-metre vessel approach distance for all killer whales is in effect starting June 1, 2020 in all southern British Columbia coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet. The Marine Mammal Regulations continue to remain in effect year-round, including maintaining a minimum 200 metre approach distance from all killer whales in Canadian Pacific waters other than described above, and 100 metres for other whales, porpoises and dolphins OR 200 metres when the animal is in resting position or with a calf.”
WOWs works throught the year, so please continue to keep your eyes open, and report your sightings to us.
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