Southern resident orca population is struggling
The recent deaths of three southern resident killer whales in British Columbia means they are one step closer towards extinction, say conservationists and a recent scientific study. The largely salmon-eating ecotype of the Pacific North American coast now numbers only 73.
“Not enough food, specifically large Chinook salmon, is the main threat – due to fisheries pressure, climate change and habitat loss – while chemical pollutants contribute to pregnancy failures,” says biologist Misty MacDuffee of the Raincoast Conservation Foundation.
“The loss of three more is a blow to this population in terms of their reproductive biology,” says MacDuffee. “A new study by the Canadian government suggests a continued population decline, with a 26 per cent probability of extinction within 75–97 years.”
Jocelyn Lubczuk, spokesperson for Jonathon Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, highlights a recent commitment of C$66 million (£41 million) towards safeguarding them. “The Government of Canada is committed to supporting their recovery,” she says. “We are taking action to protect and recover Chinook salmon. Money will be used to increase juvenile Chinook production at a hatchery and rehabilitate coastal areas that support their key populations.”
But, for MacDuffee, halting this trend requires closing Chinook fisheries. Mark Stratton
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