Protecting Orcas

There are many great initiatives that could protect orcas and other marine wildlife.

Lifeforce has been very busy addressing the American and Canadian governments’ efforts to protect endangered orcas. The US is proposing the Federal listing of orcas as endangered (deadline for comment March 22nd) and an Orca Recovery Plan (deadline is May 15th). Canada has the proposed improved Marine Mammal Regulations (deadline is April 30th) and an Orca Recovery Plan (Deadline April 30th).

Lifeforce has drafted a discussion paper entitled “Boat Traffic Threats to Southern Resident Killer Whales (Orcinus orca): A Model Whale Watching Plan for Endangered Orcas”. This plan would implement major changes in eco tourism operations. It would help stop the present chaotic, continual presence of boats by designating Whale Watch Zones, No Whale Watch Zones and land-based "Orca Trails". Presently, there are far too many boats pursuing orcas all day long.

Lifeforce is also developing methods to keep orcas and other marine wildlife away from oil/chemical spills because nothing is planned to protect orcas that have swam into oil spills in Southern Georgia Strait. We submitted our paper “Oil and Chemical resistant Whales, Otters and Birds?” to the Puget Sound Georgia Basin Research Conference March 29 – 31.

Also, we are involved in trying to mitigate the noise and contamination issues that would result from a proposed major waterfront construction near Vancouver. The Southern Orca Community frequently travel in these waters.

Lifeforce is currently looking for volunteers (and $) to continue our work in the Pacific Northwest area. If you can help please contact us at lifeforcesociety@hotmail.com and/or 604-649-5258.