Posts Tagged ‘Southern Resident orcas’
Canada takes steps to phase out Atlantic salmon fish farms
Atlantic salmon net pens in the Pacific Northwest are a major threat to the native wild salmon that are a vital food source for both the Northern and Southern Resident orca populations. These net pens can spread lethal parasites and viruses to wild salmon, are a significant source of pollution, and the nets themselves can…
Read MoreCanada expands critical habitat for at-risk orca populations
Last week, Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans made an expansion of critical habitat for both the Northern and Southern Resident orca populations official. Like in the U.S., a critical habitat designation recognizes that an area with certain features is vital for the survival of an endangered species, and protects designated areas from activities that…
Read MoreNew actions announced in Canada to protect Southern Resident orcas
In response to a court-ordered review of the environmental impacts of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion and to a petition submitted by environmental groups in January 2018, the Canadian government has announced new measures to help protect the endangered Southern Resident orcas. These actions are part of the $167.4 million (CAD) Whales Initiative that Canada…
Read MoreFederal appeals court rejects petition to reopen case for captive-held orca Tokitae
In disappointing news, a Federal appeals court has rejected a petition from conservation groups to reopen a lawsuit over the Miami Seaquarium’s treatment of Tokitae (also called Lolita), the last surviving Southern Resident orca held in captivity. This is a blow to the latest court effort to free Tokitae from the Seaquarium and retire her…
Read MoreGood news and bad news in endangered Southern Resident orca population
After a heartbreaking summer for the critically endangered Southern Resident orca population, new information from the ongoing aerial photogrammetry program, a joint effort between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Vancouver Aquarium, and SR3 (Sealife Response, Rehabilitation, and Research), has raised new concerns for the community. Photographs taken with drones can show the body…
Read MoreCanadian groups announce lawsuit of government over failure to protect Southern Resident orcas
A coalition of conservation groups in Canada has filed suit against the Trudeau administration to protect the Southern Resident orcas. The lawsuit follows a petition filed earlier this year asking the Ministers of Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to recommend an emergency order to protect the…
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