Whale injured by boat strike makes trip from B.C. to Hawaii, but won't survive, group says
An injured humpback whale spotted in B.C. three months ago survived her more than 4,000-kilometre journey to Hawaii, but is unlikely to return to the Pacific Northwest, experts say.
Whale researchers in B.C. and Hawaii have pieced together the story of Moon, a humpback whale spotted travelling alone in Gitga'at First Nation territory on Sept. 7.
The cetacean had suffered a "severe spinal injury" from a vessel strike and could not lift her tail to reveal the fluke pattern researchers use to identify humpbacks.
"The entire back of the whale – from dorsal fin to fluke – was curved into an unnatural ‘S’ shape, rendering the tail stock almost completely immobile," wrote Janie Wray of the North Coast Cetacean Society in an update for supporters and media on Wednesday.
"We surmised that such an abnormal contortion could be the result of severe blunt-force trauma from being hit by a large boat."
On Dec. 1, the Pacific Whale Foundation in Hawaii documented a humpback with a severely deformed spine. The group was able to identify the animal as Moon.
"We have known Moon for many years, often seen in the late fall around the feeding grounds of northern B.C.," Wray wrote. "We were thrilled to see her with a calf in 2020, passing on this tradition of migration between feeding and breeding grounds. In her current condition, she will not survive to make the return journey."
The North Coast Cetacean Society notes that "there are a number of resources available to educate mariners" on how to avoid collisions with whales.
"For Canadian mariners, we urge you to familiarize yourself with the information available at www.seeablowgoslow.org and to report any witnessed incidences of concern surrounding ship strikes or entanglement to the DFO Incident Reporting Line at 1-800-465-4336, DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca, or on VHF Channel 16," Wray wrote.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.