Editor:
I was extremely pleased to see a piece on the plight of the southern resident killer whales in the July 21 Coast Reporter. The southern residents are a unique group of orcas that exist only here; once they’re gone they’re lost forever. Pieces like this are critical in raising awareness of the dangers human activities pose to whales and how we can help. Because this crisis is caused by us, that means we can fix it. It’s not only loss of Chinook that harms them. Our boating behaviours do, too. There are actually three primary causes of their endangerment: loss of food (primarily Chinook salmon); toxins and pollution; and vessel traffic disturbance (physical and acoustical).
There are numerous, easy ways individuals can help. Do not fish for, buy or eat Chinook salmon. Encourage Environment Canada to strengthen protections for the whales, at the very least bringing them into line with U.S. protections. Always follow the Be Whale Wise guidelines when on the water (available from DFO or Cetus Research & Conservation Society – an organization that works on the water to protect B.C.’s whales). Share the guidelines with other boaters. Always stay a minimum of 100 metres away from whales at all times (even in a kayak). If in doubt, err on the side of caution. Don’t fly drones over them. If you are whale watching with a tour operator, be aware if they are following the guidelines. If they are not, report them. We have the power to save these extraordinary animals but as there are only 78 left in existence, we don’t have much time.
E. A. Carpentier, Gibsons
