Gear damage, by comparison, has been relatively minor and rare, and the whales do not appear to pose a danger to fishers. In BC there are increasing reports of fish snatched from lines, especially from sport fishermen. Depredation by killer and sperm whales is not widespread in BC yet, but appears to be increasing, and could become a serious problem in the coming years.

At present, the fisheries most affected are commercial salmon trollers and sport fishers targeting chinook and coho salmon. Several incidences of depredation are reported each year, but likely many events go unreported. Anyone who experiences a depredation event by whales or dolphins should  report it  so that scientists and managers may learn more about when and where this problem is occurring.

 In 2006, an International Depredation Symposium was hosted by the cetacean research department at the Vancouver Aquarium. This initial symposium developed guidelines for fishermen and fisheries managers affected by killer whale and sperm whale depredation. In February 2018, Ocean Wise’s Marine Mammal Research Program held follow-up workshop which brought together fishers, managers, and scientists to continue this discussion of whale depredation, and develop a clear direction forward for British Columbia. As a result of the workshop, Pacific Halibut Commission logbooks will be used to formally record depredation events in BC. This data will be used to develop a baseline of the issue in BC, and will track geographic and temporal patterns of depredation along the entire west coast . Preventing depredation events before it can become widespread in an area is key. Two handouts were created after the 2018 workshop to provide information and outline best practices for recreational and sport fishermen, and commercial fishermen. Click the images below to download a copy.