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
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Her fiance has been in prison for 49 years. She's trying to free him before it’s too late
She was lying in bed on a Thursday morning, thinking about the man she loved, hoping to win his freedom before time ran out.