Enhanced statistical models will aid conservation of killer whales and other species
The whale used to develop the model preferred to save energy by gliding through the water when making deep dives, and when it was closer to the surface, it moved more actively, accelerating faster and ‘fluking’ its tail more often.
No apparent shortage of prey for southern resident killer whales in Canadian waters during summer
Researchers reported that Chinook salmon in the Salish Sea in summertime are four to six times more abundant for southern resident killer whales than northern resident killer whales.
PROFILE: Finding novel ways to use modelling to solve oceans, fisheries and social problems
GOM took advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic, moving online, and connecting with researchers from 29 countries.
What’s Killing Killer Whales?
Despite there being no singular common cause of death, the study found a common theme: Human-caused deaths occurred in every age class — from juveniles to subadults and adults.
New footage gives whale’s-eye view of northern and southern resident orcas
UBC and Hakai Institute researchers have just returned from a 30-day research trip in the northern and southern waters of Vancouver Island, where they gathered stunning new aerial and underwater footage of northern and southern resident killer whales that offers an unparalleled glimpse into the underwater lives of these whales. The research is part of […]
Aerial drones offer new perspective on resident killer whale behaviour
Scientists got a rare glimpse into the underwater behaviour of killer whales off the B.C. coast, with the help of aerial drones.
Studying the Spring salmon to help protect BC ecosystems
Chinook, also known as Spring salmon, stocks in have been in decline, which has implications for entire BC marine food web
Protecting Canada’s endangered whales through scientific research and collaboration
Dr. Andrew Trites will receive $1 million over five years for research on Southern Resident Killer Whales
Climate change fuels accumulation of pollutants in Chinook salmon, killer whales
Southern resident killer whales that exist along the Pacific Northeast Coast eat Chinook salmon, and these two predators are impacted by increased pollutant bioaccumulation driven by climate change
DFO announces funding for research on Southern Resident Killer Whales
Andrew Trites and Brian Hunt are co-PIs on the project to examine how changes in the food web affect the abundance and quality of Chinook salmon in critical habitat areas of the Southern Resident Killer Whale