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Orca Recovery Plans
posted on March 17, 2005
Lifeforce, a Vancouver based ecology organization, has been protecting orcas for over twenty years. From captivity issues to cruel experiments to noise impacts we have been on the front line to protect them and other marine wildlife.
Both the Canadian and US governments are working on Orca Recovery Plans so Lifeforce has been providing documentation to aid in the development of such strategies. Our major concerns are the lack of emergency responses and the harmful boat traffic.
Emergency Responses
Any efforts to protect orcas must include emergency responses to environmental hazards and other life threatening situations.
Lifeforce is developing methods to keep orcas and other marine wildlife away from oil/chemical spills because nothing is presently planned to stop such exposures. Orcas have been subjected to oil spills in Southern Georgia Strait.
A Wildlife Emergency Response Team (that includes Lifeforce covering the Southern Georgia Strait) must be formed and be hired to be on standby. This team will address various emergency situations including any separation of orcas from there families (e.g.. Springer and Luna). Lifeforce must also be supported to be able to implement our methods in emergency situations and to train others to use the species-specific methods.
Note: Our paper "Oil and Chemical Resistant Whales, Otters and Birds?" that provides very important background information and future strategies is available upon request.
Boat Traffic Interference and Noise
Boat traffic is recognized as a major threat to orcas. As recent as August 2003, orca A60 was wounded by a propeller. Presently, there are far too many boats pursuing orcas all day long. Boat traffic can interrupt the lifestyles of orcas\; cause psychological stress; affect immune systems making them more susceptible to illnesses; and cause physical injuries.
Commercial whale watching businesses must change their ways. Adding to the problem is the pleasure boater who thinks the companies are following the rules and they copy the irresponsible actions/violations of guidelines.
Lifeforce has drafted a discussion paper entitled "Boat Traffic Threats to Southern Resident Killer Whales (Orcinus orca): A Model Whale Watching Plan for Endangered Orcas" (available upon request). This plan would implement major changes in eco tourism operations. It would help stop the present chaotic, continual presence of boats by designating Whale Watch Zones, No Whale Watch Zones and land-based "Orca Trails".
 Read the Lifeforce Boat Traffic Harrassment PDF. |
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