Vancouver Aquarium researchers are keeping a close eye on a six-year-old killer whale with an injury that may have been caused by being hit by a boat.
The researchers spotted the injured killer whale on Saturday in Johnstone Strait, which is 110 kilometre channel along the north east coast of Vancouver Island, with a wound on its side and dorsal fin. They were able to identify the young whale as Fern, who is part of the northern killer whale population.
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According to aquarium staff, the wound was extensive but superficial and “consistent with an injury inflicted by a propeller.” The crew observed the whale and found it behaving normally.
“Although rare, incidents of boat strikes on killer whales do happen,” said Vancouver Aquarium research biologist Meghan Moore.
“Twelve years ago, Fern’s (A95) great uncle A60 (Fife) was spotted with a series of deep, parallel cuts on and just below the right side of his dorsal fin; we believe they were caused by a boat propeller. They’ve since healed and Fife is alive and doing well today.”
Aquarium staff will continue to monitor Fern as it heals but says an incident like this is a good reminder for anyone in a boat around whales and dolphins to not get closer than 100 metres.
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