More must be done to protect their habitat and prey to stop the orcas' decline, researchers say.
If more changes aren’t made, prospects appear dim for the survival of the southern resident killer whale.
Three primary threats affecting the southern residents are dwindling stocks of chinook salmon, increased underwater noise from boat traffic and higher concentrations of industrial contaminants building up in the animals. Raincoast uses the term “bright extinction” to describe the decline of the southern resident killer whale, because they are one of the most researched animals at risk of dying out. Previous research has shown how the population has become increasingly inbred, an issue compounded by a recent finding that their genetics may be more isolated than previously understood.
“Some fish are not as easily available as they were previously because of disturbances that are taking place so that whales can’t access the fish,” Paquet said. “Also, over time the chinook salmon have gotten much smaller than they were originally.”In the study, its authors advocate for several solutions to create an abundance of larger, more mature chinook. Those include moving Pacific Salmon Treaty fisheries in Alaska and B.C.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Stunning' lane of almost 100 cherry blossom, maple trees proposed for this Burnaby trailThe Nikkei Place Foundation leads an initiative to plant a row of culturally significant trees along Highland Park Line Trail.
Read more »
Suspected Disease Outbreak Kills 100 Cattle on Australian ShipA disease outbreak has killed at least 100 cattle traveling on a live-export ship from Australia to Indonesia, highlighting welfare risks of exporting livestock.
Read more »
With 100-point season in sight, Canucks top Canadian teams in power rankingThere weren’t many who would have predicted the Canucks would do so at the start of the season, but Vancouver has been proving the doubters wrong all year.
Read more »
More than 100 kidnapped Nigerian students arrive back in KadunaExplore stories from Atlantic Canada.
Read more »
More than 100 kidnapped Nigerian students arrive back in KadunaExplore stories from Atlantic Canada.
Read more »
‘DOGE Day’ predictions: Will Dogecoin’s price hike by 100% in 30 days?Dogecoin's [DOGE] impressive price action in the last few days might be small compared to what could happen in April. But for AMBCrypto
Read more »