CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

CONSERVATION OF CETACEANS AND SEA TURTLES IN B.C.

Of the 23 species of whales, dolphins, porpoises and sea turtles in B.C. waters, 12 are listed under the Species at Risk Act as Endangered, Threatened or Special Concern. In addition, all cetacean and turtle species are subjected to similar pressures from threats to marine mammals and to their marine habitat.

There are numerous organizations that are working to conserve marine species and the marine environment in B.C. The B.C. Cetacean Sightings Network works closely with these groups, who all have a common goal of protecting ocean wildlife.

VANCOUVER AQUARIUM PROGRAMS
The mission of the Vancouver Aquarium is to conserve aquatic life through display and interpretation, education, research and direct action. Aquarium staff and Volunteers have been involved in the creation of Canada’s first no-take marine protected area, beach clean-ups, wetlands restorations, wildlife rescue and rehabilitations, and population surveys of marine mammals and intertidal fishes. Here are some of the key programs directly relating to cetaceans and sea turtles:

Marine Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation Program
The Marine Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation Program assists distressed marine mammals from the length of the British Columbia coastline. Although harbour seal pups are the most commonly admitted patients, harbour porpoises, common dolphins, and killer whales have all been helped. Along with DFO and numerous other organizations, MMRR was one of the key team members in the successful relocation of killer whale A73 ("Springer") in 2002.

Ocean Wise
Ocean Wise is a Vancouver Aquarium conservation program created to educate and empower consumers about the issues surrounding sustainable seafood. Ocean Wise works directly with restaurants and markets, ensuring that they have the most current scientific information regarding seafood and helping them make ocean-friendly buying decisions. The options are highlighted on their menus and display cases with the Ocean Wise symbol, making it easier for consumers to make environmentally friendly seafood choices. The Ocean Wise logo next to a menu item is a guarantee that the item is a good choice for keeping ocean life healthy and abundant for generations to come.

TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup
The TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup is designed to raise awareness and change attitudes about shoreline litter. Participants in recent years have removed debris from almost 1000 sites across Canada. Removing litter from sensitive aquatic habitats helps to restore the environment and creates healthier spaces for animals and plants to thrive. By changing attitudes about litter, these habitats will be protected and preserved from future litter-related damage.

FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA - RECOVERY PLANNING

For the nine populations of cetaceans and sea turtles that have been listed under the Canadian Species at Risk Act as endangered or threatened, recovery strategies and action plans are being created by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. These may be downloaded here:

Blue, fin and sei whales
Killer whales - northern and southern resident populations
Killer whales - transient population
Leatherback sea turtles

Other recovery strategies, action plans and management plans are currently in progress for humpback whales, Northern Pacific right whales, grey whales, and offshore killer whales.

OTHER PARTNERS IN CONSERVATION AND STEWARDSHIP

Parks Canada
Parks Canada is responsible for maintaining or restoring the ecological integrity of national parks. In the coastal waters of B.C., there are three national parks: Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Parks Canada is also in the process of developing National Marine Conservation Areas that will be managed for sustainable use and contain smaller zones of high protection for marine species and habitats. Park wardens and researchers also participate in monitoring programs and public education about cetacean species in B.C.

BC Parks
BC Parks is responsible for establishing and maintaining parks, ecological reserves and protected areas in British Columbia. Park wardens and researchers also participate in monitoring programs and public education about cetacean species in B.C. The Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve was established to provide a sanctuary for killer whales. The reserve protects key habitats for killer whales and prevents their harassment while at the same time provides unique opportunities for killer whale research. Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve also protects a pristine estuary and forested shorelines.

Straitwatch
Straitwatch is a stewardship-based marine mammal monitoring and education program operated in Johnstone Strait, off northeastern Vancouver Island, and in Haro Strait, off Victoria. Their programs, operated by Cetus Research & Conservation Society, monitor the activities around local marine mammals, especially killer whales, and provide boaters with information on local marine species and marine mammal viewing guidelines.

Robson Bight Warden Program
The Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve is a killer whale sanctuary in Johnstone Strait, in which northern resident killer whales spend considerable amounts of time feeding on salmon and rubbing on the smooth pebble beach. Since 1987, the Robson Bight Warden Program has been monitoring the behaviour of whales in the presence and absence of vessels and informing park visitors of the whale watching guidelines and no-entry policy of the reserve.

Whale Interpretive Centre (WIC)
Based in Telegraph Cove at the northern end of Vancouver Island, the objective of the Whale Interpretive Centre is to increase awareness of the biology, habitat needs and threats to killer whales, fin whales, humpback whales and sea otters as well as other local marine mammals. This land-based interpretive centre in Telegraph Cove houses “The Bones Project” and numerous other exhibits.

Georgia Strait Alliance
Georgia Strait Alliance is a non-profit conservation group focused on protecting the marine environment in and around the Strait of Georgia. GSA has many initiatives that focus on the conservation of marine mammals and their habitat, including the Green Boating Program and support for Marine Protected Areas.