Be careful near lone Comox orca

Lifeforce has been on the water conducting our Lifewatch Boater Education Program and monitoring the behaviours of the lone orca in Comox Harbour until the Department of Fisheries and Oceans determined that it would come to protect this orca and public safety. We had hoped that the orca would leave before it became well known and led to major boater harassment.

Lifeforce has documented and reported numerous violations. We have also observed the orca’s agitated, aggressive behaviour toward boaters harassing him. Lifeforce has recommended: 1. People should help reduce boat traffic by watching the orca from land-based locations.

2. If on the water, boaters must abide by the 200-metre regulation or could get a hefty fine. If a boater finds himself too close, shut off the engine and when the orca is seen at 200 metres, slowly leave the area.

3. Until the orca leaves, all boats should enter and exit Comox Harbour at slow speed, as many boaters speed in and out of the marinas. Other orcas have been hit by propellers and died.

4. If violations are observed, please report them to DFO at 1-800-465-4336

The matter of this orca grabbing the anchor rope of a sailboat is a very serious concern. This type of behaviour resulted in the death of an orca. A lone orca, Luna, separated from his family would “play” with boats in Gold River. He was killed by a boat propeller.

Peter Hamilton Lifeforce