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Time of India
18-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Rare tropical whale found dead on Vancouver Island in B.C.'s first-ever sighting
A young Bryde's whale , a species typically found in warm, tropical waters, was discovered dead on May 14, 2025, in Port McNeill Bay on the northeastern coast of Vancouver Island , British Columbia. This marks the first recorded sighting of a Bryde's whale in B.C. waters, a region far north of its usual habitat. The whale, measuring just over seven meters in length, was initially spotted by a resident walking their dog. Experts from the Marine Education and Research Society (MERS) identified it as a Bryde's whale, noting the species' distinctive three parallel ridges on its upper jaw. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like War Thunder - Register now for free and play against over 75 Million real Players War Thunder Play Now Undo Jackie Hildering, a researcher with MERS, confirmed, "This is the only Bryde's whale that has ever been seen in British Columbia waters." The 'Na̱mg̱is First Nation, whose territory includes the area where the whale was found, expressed deep concern over the incident. Live Events Chief Victor Isaac stated, "Namgis First Nation is very sad and concerned with the climate crisis and the health of our oceans." He emphasized the community's commitment to understanding the event and being stewards of their environment, or "awi'nakola." A necropsy is planned to determine the cause of death. Preliminary observations revealed no signs of malnutrition or external injuries, such as those from vessel strikes. Hildering remarked, "There's absolutely nothing grossly on the exterior of the whale to know how it ended up here and why it would have died." This incident follows the recent discovery of two dead grey whales along B.C.'s coast, raising concerns about marine life health in the region. However, researchers caution against drawing direct connections between these events. Hildering noted, "One data point is not a trend," emphasizing the need for comprehensive research. In a gesture honoring the whale's life and promoting education, the 'Na̱mg̱is First Nation is donating the whale's remains to the Whale Interpretive Centre in Telegraph Cove, which had suffered a devastating fire on New Year's Eve. Hildering expressed gratitude, stating, "So not only can we learn from this poor whale here... but also its skeleton and baleen will be in the new Whale Interpretive Centre to make it count into the future." The appearance of a Bryde's whale so far north is unprecedented and prompts questions about changing ocean conditions and their impact on marine species.
Winnipeg Free Press
16-05-2025
- General
- Winnipeg Free Press
Bryde's whale washes ashore in only known sighting of the animal in B.C.
PORT MCNEILL – Another dead whale has washed ashore on a British Columbia beach, the third over two weeks, but a marine wildlife expert says there's likely no connections to the deaths. The Namgis First Nation says in a statement that a resident reported finding the whale Wednesday on a beach near Port McNeill, B.C., and experts who have examined the animal say it's a Bryde's whale – a species rarely seen in waters north of the same latitude as Los Angeles. Jackie Hildering with the Marine Education and Research Society is among the researchers on-site, and says this is the only known sighting of a Bryde's whale in B.C. The latest discovery comes after two dead grey whales were found on B.C. coasts this month, one in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve near Tofino and the other in Haida Gwaii near Skidegate. Hildering says researchers believe the deaths of the grey whales may be the result of the animals running out of food in the Arctic, making them susceptible to starvation, which wouldn't be connected to the cause of death for this Byrde's whale. Namgis Chief Victor Isaac says in the statement that a necropsy of the Bryde's whale will be done to determine the cause of death, and the community is 'deeply concerned' by the 'rarity of this species appearing so far north.' Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 'Namgis First Nation is very sad and concerned with the climate crisis and the health of our oceans,' Isaac says. 'We will work with all parties to determine what has happened to this individual and hopefully come to better understand how to be the best stewards of our awi'nakola – our environment,' the statement says. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 16, 2025.
