Rare drone footage gives peek into B.C. resident killer whale feeding
VANCOUVER — Rare drone footage filmed by a University of B.C. team will let scientists study the feeding habits of the endangered southern resident killer whales.
The footage will help scientists determine whether southern resident whales, of which there are less than 75 remaining, are getting enough of their favoured Chinook salmon to remain healthy and thriving. Footage was also filmed of the northern resident killer whales, which have been steadily increasing in number since the 1970s up to today’s population of more than 300.
By comparing the footage for the two populations of whales, which are trending in opposite directions, scientists will hopefully be able to learn what can be done to help preserve or boost southern resident whale populations.
“In order to help these whales, we need to know more about them — how they hunt, how they forage and where their food is,” said marine mammal researcher Andrew Trites with UBC’s Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries.
“This is the first time drones have been used to study killer whale behaviour and their prey. It’s allowing us to be a fly on the wall and observe these animals undisturbed in their natural settings.”
The drones were flown between 100 and 200 feet above the whales, which appeared not to notice the drones, and captured images from the Salish Sea and the central coast of the province. Some of the footage filmed included rare clips of a mother and her calf swimming together and interacting.