Spotlight: Whales
Ahoy BC
There is nothing like a whale sighting to make us think our oceans are still wild and (relatively) clean. In fact, BC's coast used to be home to right whales, but like all species, right whales were hunted up until 1967. Other species are recovering. Humpback whales began returning to regions where they were once exterminated about 15 years ago. The grey whale population, once reduced to about 1000, is estimated now at 5,500, about a quarter of the pre-hunt population.
Less is known about the natural orca population. This is one of the most watched animal communities on earth. The resident orca population (est. 300) is so fragile we rejoice at the birth of each calf. The southern resident orca population is less than 90; 120 are required to get it off the endangered species list.
Should you go whale watching in BC? Canada has some very strict rules regarding whale watching tours, meaning operators are obliged by law to be as ethical as possible. A lot more people used to eat whale meat. Bans against whale hunting have been accepted by most countries.
The rise in whale watching has played a role in social change. And like elephants on the Serengeti, live whales have become more valuable than dead ones. A lot depends on whether regulations are followed.
Fisheries and Ocean Canada has some clear, easy-to-follow guidelines. Observe these guidelines. If you take a whale-watching tour, first ask the operator if the guidelines are observed.