Latest news with #CommitteeontheStatusofEndangeredWildlifeinCanada
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Passerby spots rare 'living fossil' species while walking along riverbank: 'Pretty cool sight to see'
A park visitor captured stunning footage of a rare species while on a routine walk through a small city in Canada. Situated near the U.S. border, Trail, British Columbia, isn't the most famous or recognizable city in Canada. With a population under 10,000 people, it's a quaint community known for its natural beauty and majestic landscape. But thanks to an area resident, one of the oldest species of fish is now known to be alive and well in the nearby Columbia River. After deciding to take a casual stroll through the Esplanade in Trail, Diane Langman managed to spot a white sturgeon that was hugging the shoreline of the Columbia River. Langman was able to snap a few photos of what many call a "living fossil." "Pretty cool sight to see on our afternoon walk along the Esplanade," Langman told the Nelson Star. White sturgeon are sometimes referred to as "living fossils" because they have existed for around 200 million years with relatively little evolutionary change. The large, prehistoric-looking fish is known for its elongated body and rows of bony plates rather than scales. These plates are called scutes and act as a suit of armor for the fish. Sturgeon are important for maintaining healthy river and lake ecosystems, acting as scavengers and predators and an important staple to nearby food chains. Despite their long history and ability to live up to 100 years, many sturgeon species, including white sturgeon, are facing threats like habitat loss, pollution, and overfishing. In 2003, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada designated the species as endangered. Over the last 30 years, efforts have been made to help improve the chances of survival for the White Sturgeon. In 1994, both the commercial and recreational fishing of sturgeon were banned in British Columbia. They are included as a protected species under the Species at Risk Act in Canada. Outside of overfishing, sturgeon have also faced increased challenges that come with the rise of the global temperature. White sturgeon are thought to struggle in warmer water temperatures. As these temperatures increase, the species' spawning success may see a decline, while disease risk and mortality rates can increase. Do you think America has a plastic waste problem? Definitely Only in some areas Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. But as more conservation efforts are put in place to ensure the survival of the white sturgeon, signs of its recovery have already begun to show. As reported by the Nelson Star, environmental groups have instituted programs to help encourage a higher spawning rate in the species. Since 2007, an estimated 60,000 fish have been released into nearby waterways thanks to these initiatives. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Hamilton Spectator
16-06-2025
- Science
- Hamilton Spectator
Rare find: Remains of large, shortfin mako shark found in eastern Nova Scotia
PORT DUFFERIN - A marine animal rescue group has confirmed a rare but unfortunate find on Nova Scotia's eastern shore. The Halifax-based Marine Animal Response Society says the remains of a large, shortfin mako shark — considered the fastest shark in the ocean — were found Saturday along the shoreline near Port Dufferin, N.S., about 140 kilometres east of Halifax. Executive Director Tonya Wimmer said Monday it remains unclear how the adult, 3.6-metre female died. 'It wasn't in the greatest shape,' Wimmer said in an interview, adding that the animal was too decomposed to allow for a necropsy. 'She likely would have been there for a few days .... And there wasn't anything on the animal externally to give us any clues as to why it would be in this location.' It is unusual to find this type of shark near shore. 'They're usually offshore in warmer waters in the Gulf Stream, on the banks,' Wimmer said. 'It is a very rare thing for them to be this close to shore. But it has happened over the years.' According to the federal fisheries department, shortfin makos can grow to 3.9 meters in length, and they can swim at speeds reaching 68 kilometres per hour. 'It's an absolutely amazing animal,' Wimmer said. 'These are the fastest sharks that exist. They are phenomenal ... And they have these aerial displays at times when they'll jump out of the water.' Makos have been known to jump as high as six metres above the water. As well, they frequent Browns Bank on the continental shelf off southwestern Nova Scotia, as well as the Gulf of St. Lawrence. They swim as far south as Argentina. And they have a particularly intimidating look. 'The teeth are slender and slightly curved ... and are visible even when the mouth is closed, giving it a fearsome appearance,' the fisheries department says on its website. As for their colouring, the department says they have white undersides and 'metallic indigo blue' topsides. They mainly eat squid, mackerel, tuna, bonitos and swordfish. But other sharks and porpoises are sometimes on the menu. 'It is rarely encountered by swimmers or divers due to its oceanic nature and should be treated with respect and caution,' the department says. 'The mako has been known to attack boats on occasion but most of these attacks are usually linked to being hooked by game fishers and are considered abnormal behaviour.' Little else is known about this elusive species, which was designated as endangered in 2019 by the independent Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. The mako population is primarily threatened by longline fisheries that are trying to catch other fish. In recent years, there has been an increase in shark sightings along Canada's East Coast, with reports of great white sharks getting most of the attention. Last July, the Ocean Tracking Network at Dalhousie University in Halifax confirmed it was working on a plan to to post warning signs for beachgoers for the first time. Experts say conservation measures had helped the great white shark population recover from a drastic decline in the 1970s and 1980s. As well, they said climate change had led to warmer ocean temperatures, making it easier for many ocean species to spread northward. But Wimmer said it's too early to tell what is happening with the makos. 'Climate change is affecting a lot of the marine animals in our ocean. We've seen it with whales, we've seen it with other species .... (But) we don't have a lot of information on makos. It is something still to be determined.' In 2002, several makos were caught during a shark fishing derby 16 kilometres from Halifax harbour. Two years later, a massive 1,085-pound mako was landed in Yarmouth, N.S., where it was hauled away with a forklift, its gaping jaws showing rows of hooked teeth. Still, makos are seldom found in waters colder than 16 C, experts say. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 16, 2025. — By Michael MacDonald in Halifax Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Toronto Star
16-06-2025
- Science
- Toronto Star
Rare find: Remains of large, shortfin mako shark found in eastern Nova Scotia
PORT DUFFERIN - A marine animal rescue group has confirmed a rare but unfortunate find on Nova Scotia's eastern shore. The Halifax-based Marine Animal Response Society says the remains of a large, shortfin mako shark — considered the fastest shark in the ocean — were found Saturday along the shoreline near Port Dufferin, N.S., about 140 kilometres east of Halifax. Executive Director Tonya Wimmer said Monday it remains unclear how the adult, 3.6-metre female died. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'It wasn't in the greatest shape,' Wimmer said in an interview, adding that the animal was too decomposed to allow for a necropsy. 'She likely would have been there for a few days .... And there wasn't anything on the animal externally to give us any clues as to why it would be in this location.' It is unusual to find this type of shark near shore. 'They're usually offshore in warmer waters in the Gulf Stream, on the banks,' Wimmer said. 'It is a very rare thing for them to be this close to shore. But it has happened over the years.' According to the federal fisheries department, shortfin makos can grow to 3.9 meters in length, and they can swim at speeds reaching 68 kilometres per hour. 'It's an absolutely amazing animal,' Wimmer said. 'These are the fastest sharks that exist. They are phenomenal ... And they have these aerial displays at times when they'll jump out of the water.' Makos have been known to jump as high as six metres above the water. As well, they frequent Browns Bank on the continental shelf off southwestern Nova Scotia, as well as the Gulf of St. Lawrence. They swim as far south as Argentina. And they have a particularly intimidating look. 'The teeth are slender and slightly curved ... and are visible even when the mouth is closed, giving it a fearsome appearance,' the fisheries department says on its website. As for their colouring, the department says they have white undersides and 'metallic indigo blue' topsides. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW They mainly eat squid, mackerel, tuna, bonitos and swordfish. But other sharks and porpoises are sometimes on the menu. 'It is rarely encountered by swimmers or divers due to its oceanic nature and should be treated with respect and caution,' the department says. 'The mako has been known to attack boats on occasion but most of these attacks are usually linked to being hooked by game fishers and are considered abnormal behaviour.' Little else is known about this elusive species, which was designated as endangered in 2019 by the independent Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. The mako population is primarily threatened by longline fisheries that are trying to catch other fish. In recent years, there has been an increase in shark sightings along Canada's East Coast, with reports of great white sharks getting most of the attention. Last July, the Ocean Tracking Network at Dalhousie University in Halifax confirmed it was working on a plan to to post warning signs for beachgoers for the first time. Experts say conservation measures had helped the great white shark population recover from a drastic decline in the 1970s and 1980s. As well, they said climate change had led to warmer ocean temperatures, making it easier for many ocean species to spread northward. But Wimmer said it's too early to tell what is happening with the makos. 'Climate change is affecting a lot of the marine animals in our ocean. We've seen it with whales, we've seen it with other species .... (But) we don't have a lot of information on makos. It is something still to be determined.' ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW In 2002, several makos were caught during a shark fishing derby 16 kilometres from Halifax harbour. Two years later, a massive 1,085-pound mako was landed in Yarmouth, N.S., where it was hauled away with a forklift, its gaping jaws showing rows of hooked teeth. Still, makos are seldom found in waters colder than 16 C, experts say. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 16, 2025. — By Michael MacDonald in Halifax
Hamilton Spectator
13-06-2025
- Science
- Hamilton Spectator
BC's sunflower sea stars are now endangered, but rays of hope remain
Sunflower sea stars clinging to life in BC's cold-water fjords are officially on the edge of extinction, a scientific advisory panel is warning. A once-abundant predator of the sea floor along the Pacific coast, stretching from Alaska to Baja California, Pycnopodia helianthoides, has been assessed as endangered by the federal Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). While disheartening, the decision isn't unexpected and could offer a margin of hope for the survival of the massive, vibrant sea star, said Alyssa Gehman, marine ecologist with the Hakai Institute. The only type of its genus, an adult sunflower star Pycnopodia (which comes in a variety of purple, orange or pinks) is one of the largest, fastest sea stars in the ocean, often reaching a metre wide with 16 to 24 arms. It has 15,000 tube feet that suspend it off the seafloor and allow it to move more than a metre per minute when on the prowl for prey, Gehman said. 'They kind of look like a hovercraft moving towards their food.' The species has suffered catastrophic population declines of 80 to 90 per cent in the last decade due to a marine epidemic known as sea star wasting disease that causes white lesions on the many-armed creatures before rapidly reducing them to mush. The wasting syndrome surfaced in 2013 along with spiking ocean temperatures caused by climate change, Gehman said. The disease attacks other types of sea stars as well, but it's decimated the sunflower variety, pushing them into virtual extinction in California and Mexican waters. Pockets of sunflower sea stars have found some refuge from the disease tucked away in the deep, cold inlets of the BC central coast, Gehman said. However, those remaining populations aren't immune to outbreaks and their chances of survival remain fragile. 'While [being endangered] is clearly bad news, the silver lining is that COSEWIC's acknowledgment might finally generate momentum to save Pycnopodia — whether that's in the form of funding, policy changes, or conservation programs,' Gehman said. The federal ministry of the environment and climate change will examine the committee's report in the fall to consider protecting the sunflower sea star under Canada's Species at Risk Act (SARA). It's illegal to kill, harm or capture wildlife listed under the act. Identifying critical habitat and devising a recovery strategy, complete with timelines and outcomes, is also required for a protected species. 'I hope it's a speedy process because there's real urgency,' Gehman said. 'From a conservation perspective, even though we have these really amazing refuge populations that give us a lot of hope, they're not stable … So, the more we can learn about what is happening with them, the more that can help us to try and conserve the species.' The sunflower sea stars are carnivores that play an important role in ocean health, said Gehman. Their primary prey is sea urchins which, if left unchecked by predators, can mow down kelp forests that offer food and shelter for lots of different marine life. Gehman and other researchers are monitoring between six and 12 fjords to pinpoint the conditions that offer sunflower sea stars the most protection against the disease. Water chilled and churned up by Arctic winter winds channelled into the inlets seems to buffer the impacts, she said. In warmer weather, glacial melt creates a freshwater surface layer in the fjords. Since Pycnopodia don't like fresh water, the sea stars move deeper into saltier, colder water layers, which appears to slow but not completely prevent outbreaks, Gehman said. Typically, sunflower stars in other areas of the coast prefer water temperatures around 16 C. But now it appears that water temperatures must be less than 12 C to limit the spread of the pathogen. 'The disease is actually changing what temperature would be best for them,' Gehman said. The sea stars haven't adapted quickly enough to the disease to consistently avoid warmer waters, which makes understanding the factors at play in their cold-water hideouts critical for their survival, she said. Research is taking place south of the border to breed sunflower sea stars that are more resistant to the wasting disease, so they can potentially be released into the wild to repopulate marine areas. In future, Gehman wants to study other kinds of sea stars — like the purple or orange ochre sea stars on the West Coast— that have better withstood the withering disease in a bid for clues scientists could use to help out their much larger cousins. Identifying and protecting coastal fjords that offer the best conditions for sunflower sea stars is also an important step. Although the Pycnopodia situation is grave, Gehman says she recently experienced a rare and magical moment when the research team witnessed a massive spawning event involving 20 to 30 sea stars, while surveying one of the fjords. 'It's absolutely wild,' Gehman said, The sunflower sea stars have pores that circle the centre of their body. The marine creatures stretch upward on extended arms and arch their bodies, with females releasing masses of pinkish eggs while males emit white clouds of sperm. 'Only the tips of their arms are on the bottom with their middle body tented up into the water column,' she said. 'There were some absolutely giant animals. It kind of looks like there's a halo of pores on them, and everything is pouring out into the water — it's really surreal.' The spawning event is a hopeful sign these cold-water strongholds can offer the endangered species some measure of resiliency from climate change and disease, she said. But the situation remains tenuous and variable, said Gehman, noting on the same trip researchers found sunflower sea stars had been wiped out in one inlet but had bounced back in another. 'So, scientifically, we're learning a lot while also being sad,' she said. Rochelle Baker/Local Journalism Initiative/Canada's National Observer Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
National Observer
10-06-2025
- Science
- National Observer
BC's sunflower sea stars are now endangered, but rays of hope remain
Sunflower sea stars clinging to life in BC's cold-water fjords are officially on the edge of extinction, a scientific advisory panel is warning. A once-abundant predator of the sea floor along the Pacific coast, stretching from Alaska to Baja California, Pycnopodia helianthoides, has been assessed as endangered by the federal Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). While disheartening, the decision isn't unexpected and could offer a margin of hope for the survival of the massive, vibrant sea star, said Alyssa Gehman, marine ecologist with the Hakai Institute. The only type of its genus, an adult sunflower star Pycnopodia (which comes in a variety of purple, orange or pinks) is one of the largest, fastest sea stars in the ocean, often reaching a metre wide with 16 to 24 arms. It has 15,000 tube feet that suspend it off the seafloor and allow it to move more than a metre per minute when on the prowl for prey, Gehman said. 'They kind of look like a hovercraft moving towards their food.' The species has suffered catastrophic population declines of 80 to 90 per cent in the last decade due to a marine epidemic known as sea star wasting disease that causes white lesions on the many-armed creatures before rapidly reducing them to mush. Sunflower sea stars clinging to life in BC's cold-water fjords are officially on the edge of extinction, a Canadian scientific advisory panel warns. The wasting syndrome surfaced in 2013 along with spiking ocean temperatures caused by climate change, Gehman said. The disease attacks other types of sea stars as well, but it's decimated the sunflower variety, pushing them into virtual extinction in California and Mexican waters. Pockets of sunflower sea stars have found some refuge from the disease tucked away in the deep, cold inlets of the BC central coast, Gehman said. However, those remaining populations aren't immune to outbreaks and their chances of survival remain fragile. 'While [being endangered] is clearly bad news, the silver lining is that COSEWIC's acknowledgment might finally generate momentum to save Pycnopodia — whether that's in the form of funding, policy changes, or conservation programs,' Gehman said. The federal ministry of the environment and climate change will examine the committee's report in the fall to consider protecting the sunflower sea star under Canada's Species at Risk Act (SARA). It's illegal to kill, harm or capture wildlife listed under the act. Identifying critical habitat and devising a recovery strategy, complete with timelines and outcomes, is also required for a protected species. 'I hope it's a speedy process because there's real urgency,' Gehman said. 'From a conservation perspective, even though we have these really amazing refuge populations that give us a lot of hope, they're not stable … So, the more we can learn about what is happening with them, the more that can help us to try and conserve the species.' The sunflower sea stars are carnivores that play an important role in ocean health, said Gehman. Their primary prey is sea urchins which, if left unchecked by predators, can mow down kelp forests that offer food and shelter for lots of different marine life. Gehman and other researchers are monitoring between six and 12 fjords to pinpoint the conditions that offer sunflower sea stars the most protection against the disease. Water chilled and churned up by Arctic winter winds channelled into the inlets seems to buffer the impacts, she said. In warmer weather, glacial melt creates a freshwater surface layer in the fjords. Since Pycnopodia don't like fresh water, the sea stars move deeper into saltier, colder water layers, which appears to slow but not completely prevent outbreaks, Gehman said. Typically, sunflower stars in other areas of the coast prefer water temperatures around 16 C. But now it appears that water temperatures must be less than 12 C to limit the spread of the pathogen. 'The disease is actually changing what temperature would be best for them,' Gehman said. The sea stars haven't adapted quickly enough to the disease to consistently avoid warmer waters, which makes understanding the factors at play in their cold-water hideouts critical for their survival, she said. Research is taking place south of the border to breed sunflower sea stars that are more resistant to the wasting disease, so they can potentially be released into the wild to repopulate marine areas. In future, Gehman wants to study other kinds of sea stars — like the purple or orange ochre sea stars on the West Coast— that have better withstood the withering disease in a bid for clues scientists could use to help out their much larger cousins. Identifying and protecting coastal fjords that offer the best conditions for sunflower sea stars is also an important step. Although the Pycnopodia situation is grave, Gehman says she recently experienced a rare and magical moment when the research team witnessed a massive spawning event involving 20 to 30 sea stars, while surveying one of the fjords. 'It's absolutely wild,' Gehman said, The sunflower sea stars have pores that circle the centre of their body. The marine creatures stretch upward on extended arms and arch their bodies, with females releasing masses of pinkish eggs while males emit white clouds of sperm. 'Only the tips of their arms are on the bottom with their middle body tented up into the water column,' she said. 'There were some absolutely giant animals. It kind of looks like there's a halo of pores on them, and everything is pouring out into the water — it's really surreal.' The spawning event is a hopeful sign these cold-water strongholds can offer the endangered species some measure of resiliency from climate change and disease, she said. But the situation remains tenuous and variable, said Gehman, noting on the same trip researchers found sunflower sea stars had been wiped out in one inlet but had bounced back in another. 'So, scientifically, we're learning a lot while also being sad,' she said.
