Study says more whales are appearing in Vancouver waters

A new University of British Columbia study says West Coast transient killer whales, also known as Bigg’s killer whales, are now being seen in the inside waters of Vancouver Island for about 250 days a year on average. Researchers say the Salish Sea has become a major feeding area for the species, with about 70 per cent of the coastal population using the inland waters between British Columbia and Washington state. The study draws on sightings recorded from 2016 to 2023 by researchers, whalewatching operators and citizen scientists. Scientists say the increase is linked to recovering populations of seals and sea lions, which became more abundant after protections for marine mammals were introduced in the early 1970s. Other whale species, including humpbacks and grey whales, are also being seen more often in the region as they return to feed during the warmer months. Researchers and whalewatch operators say the trend is positive, but it also means people and vessels need to be more cautious around whales in local waters.