Second Conviction by BC Court for Disturbing Killer Whale

The same judge fined a Gold River woman $100 for a similar offence in May, and also promised to increase the amount of future fines as a deterrent to continued social interaction between the public and the young whale.

L98 is the lone juvenile orca whale that has been living in Nootka Sound, a remote inlet off the west coast of Vancouver Island, since July 2001. Initially shy of boats and humans, the whale has in the last year increasingly sought contact with boats and dock users.

DFO has repeatedly warned boaters, kayakers, whale watchers and the public to stay away from this whale. The department is concerned by the increasing number of social interactions between L98 and humans as such behaviour decreases the chances of the whale to survive in its natural habitat. A large sign on the Gold River wharf warns the public to not touch or feed whales. Transport Canada is assisting by restricting access to the government dock to only people with a specific purpose. DFO also supports monitoring and education activities through the Veins of Life stewardship group’s efforts at promoting responsible behaviour around the whale.

Marine mammal experts at Fisheries and Oceans Canada are reviewing the situation with regards to L98’s current behaviour and the increasing interactions with people both at the dock and on the water. This is a complex situation involving potential risks that need to be re-evaluated for both intervening and maintaining the status quo. In the meantime, fishery officers are continuing to patrol the area and will charge citizens who disturb the animal.