Report on whales in eastern Canadian waters shows troubling trend
The latest report from the Nova Scotia-based conservation group the Marine Animal Response Society (MARS) is a look back at incidents involving whales in eastern Canadian waters from 2004 to 2019, and the data shows a troubling trend.
According to the report, more than 3,100 cetacean incidents were reported to eastern Canadian response hotlines over the 15-year time span, and 44 per cent of all reported incidents in this region involved an at-risk species.
"What we've seen over the past 15 years is that the number of animals that are reported to our hotlines, both live, distressed, and dead animals is going up," says MARS executive director Tonya Wimmer.
"And of course, it's really important for us to understand why that might be happening."
The information in the report also shows that dead animals represent 70 per cent of reported incidents and that 93 per cent of these, the cause of death is unknown – as many animals could not be examined.
"What we're projected is that if the trend we've seen in the last 15 years continues, that means it's only going to continue going up," says Wimmer.
"Which is a huge concern, especially to response teams and organizations, which rely on a few people to respond to all of these events."
The research also shows that it isn't just government-identified priority species – such as the North Atlantic Right Whale – that are being affected. In fact, it states that 'the limited data suggests human-caused threats are impacting many, if not all, species.'
"Of course (the report) highlights and recognizes the severe stress facing the North Atlantic right whale," says Fundy Baykeeper with the Conservation Council of New Brunswick.
"But it really emphasized that there's a whole host of other species under real stress."
There's hope that now, with the information compiled and detailed in this report, that it will service as a wake-up call – and that the ship can be turned around for the future of these marine mammals.
"We know how bad the situation has been. This is a milestone marker that at least sets a limit that says over the past 15 years, this is the number of incidents, this is the number of whales," says senior conservation biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Federation Sean Brilliant.
"We expect to see when we re-evaluate this again, a decline in these numbers, and if we fail to see that, we really need to reassess how we're continuing to manage our activities."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.