Question Period Note: Dead Fin Whale, British Columbia

Dead Fin Whale, British Columbia

Last week, a dead Northern Pacific Fin Whale was found near Pender Harbour, British Columbia.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Marine Mammal Rescue Team and fisheries officers responded to the incident, working with the Province of British Columbia, Sechelt Nation, and other experts.

A necropsy (animal autopsy) was conducted to collect important scientific data and assess the cause of death.

A ceremony was organized by Sechelt Nation to recognize the cultural importance of the death of this young whale.

Further analysis is underway to determine cause of death, but initial assessment found evidence of blunt force trauma consistent with a vessel strike.

• On Friday March 17, 2022, a 41 foot, approximately two year old, male fin whale was reported dead in Pender Harbour, BC, in an isolated Bay.
• Fishery Officers were able to get to the animal to confirm species and collect photographs.
• Northern Pacific Fin Whales are listed as Threatened under the Species at Risk Act and are rare to be found in BC’s inside waters. They are susceptible to ship strikes.
• A ceremony was conducted by the Sechelt Nation to honour the dead whale. In shíshálh culture, whales are considered family, and have great strength and spiritual power.
• On March 20th, a necropsy was lead by a veterinary pathologist with the Province of BC who is part of DFO’s Marine Mammal Response Program.
• Tissue analysis and a full report on the necropsy are expected at the end of the month to inform cause of death, but initial assessment identified evidence of blunt force trauma that is consistent with a vessel strike.
• The Marine Mammal Response Program supports response to incidents involving marine mammals and sea turtles in distress on Canada’s three coasts.
• We have made substantial investments in the Program over the past several years to support safe and timely response to incidents.
• This includes an additional $1 million annually to support response experts and operations, as well as $4.5 million to build additional capacity in our response partners.

None