Eco-Action: If the ocean is okay, we’re okay.
Marine Mammal Science
The Marine Detective on Facebook
For British Columbian Naturalists – the most efficient way to orient yourself is to review the species information at the links below with a focus on understanding threats to the species and positive messaging on how these risks can be mitigated. More detailed species information can be found via the “Marine Mammal Science” link found above:
- For any species recognized as being at risk by the Committee on the Status of Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) there are assessment reports and, if protected under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), there is also a Management Plan; Recovery Strategy, and possibly an Action Plan. Focus on the natural history and threat information. See below for direct links to reports for the marine mammal species at risk most relevant to NE Vancouver Island:
– Resident killer whale final amended recovery strategy (southern residents are Endangered and northern residents are threatened
– Transient killer whale final recovery strategy (Threatened)
– Humpback whale draft recovery strategy (Threatened). May be downlisted to of “Special Concern”. Updated COSEWIC assessment report here 2011)
– Steller sea lion final management plan (Special Concern)
– Harbour porpoise management plan (Special Concern)
– Sea otter recovery strategy (Special Concern
– For further species, simply key in the species name at this link
- For cetacean species (whales, dolphins and porpoises) – See the blue tabs at the top of the BC Cetacean Sightings Network page
- For additional information on the cetaceans as well as pinniped (seal and sea lion) information see the North Pacific Universities Marine Mammal Research Consortium page and click “Biology” at the top of the page for a drop down menu per species
- With killer whales providing one of the most compelling cases for the need to reduce our consumption and exercise precaution, also see the following links. Note that there is now a plan to phase out PBDEs in Canada and that the killer whale population numbers are dated.
– Familiarize yourself with Canada’s Species at Risk Act. Read the SARA backgrounder here .
– Read the student information at this link. Note that the resident killer whale population numbers are dated. S. residents = 87 (current number here); N. Residents = +/- 260.
– Dr. Peter Ross’ paper “Fireproof killer whales” . As an update to this document note that PBDEs now to be fully phased-out in Canada by the end of 2013 – includes deca PBDEs
- See Canada’s marine mammal regulations (in public comment period till May 2012. They have been drafted since 2003!).
- Know the Be Whale Wise guidelines.
- See the Eco-Action points here.
- To stay up to date, join “The Marine Detective” Facebook page and subscribe to the “The Marine Detective” blog.
Sunset over the Northeast Pacific. Image by Jackie Hildering.
Hi Jackie
Caitlin Birdsall sent me a link to your blog – it’s amazing! Thank you for all the hard work you are doing for environmental awareness and conservations. As an interpreter with both the Aquarium and Metro Vancouver Regional Parks, I am committed to the same goals. I love what you’ve done with this blog, and your photos really make an impact where words cannot.
I would like to the subscribe to your blog but there seems to be an error on the page and I can’t actually write in my email address. Each time I click on the box to do so, I end up on your biodiversity link. Could you please let me know if this would be possible>
Thanks for your help and keep up the great work!
Cheers
Melissa
Hello Melissa – How very much I appreciate your feedback/encouragement. It is of very great value knowing the powerful work you are dedicated to with working for VanAqua and Metro Vancouver. It really means a great deal to have you as part of the community here.
With regard to the technical problem. I just unsubscribed and subscribed myself and it worked. Please could you know if the problem persists? I know it is not ideal but if you are on Facebook, you can follow the blog there as well as I post whenever there is a new blog item. I also put “extras” there. The link is http://www.facebook.com/pages/Port-McNeill-BC-CANADA/The-Marine-Detective/278389664217?ref=ts.
Again, great thanks Melissa.
Hello Jackie.
My sister works at the Port Mcneil post office and she said you would be interested in info regarding the humpback whales in Storeys beach,we had an amazing turn out of whales this past summer 6 humpback daily 3 different pods one pod of three with a new calf a pod of two and one huge whale traveling alone,so much to tell you email us back if your interested.Thanks Michele and Dave.