A rare sighting of three unidentified killer whales in Vancouver Harbour has sparked excitement among residents. The whales, believed to be part of an Alaska population, were observed swimming between the Lions Gate Bridge and the Second Narrows Bridge. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) revealed that these whales have not been previously documented in British Columbia and are being closely studied by DFO scientists to gain insights into their behavior.
Jared Towers, the executive director of Bay Cetology, highlighted the uniqueness of these whales compared to the commonly seen transient orcas in the Salish Sea. Known for their distinct genetic makeup and vocalizations, these unidentified whales are a rare find in the region, with only one previous sighting near Anchorage, Alaska, about 1,200 nautical miles away.
Experts speculate that the whales may belong to an oceanic population due to distinctive scars near their dorsal fins, possibly caused by encounters with cookiecutter sharks found in open-ocean habitats. Although the exact origin of the whales remains uncertain, researchers are intrigued by their prolonged stay in the busy harbour, suggesting they may be “psychologically trapped” by the unfamiliar surroundings.
While researchers continue to monitor the whales, they encourage the public to share any sightings or images to aid in identification efforts. However, it is essential to maintain a safe distance from these marine mammals, as mandated by Canada’s Marine Mammal Regulations, which require vessels to stay at least 400 meters away from killer whales in southern B.C. coastal waters.