Endangered Species: Troubled Worlds

The Marine Web of Life

Several large whale species that feed in B.C. waters are still at risk of extinction, like the massive blue whales and the acrobatic humpback whales. B.C.'s salmon runs are at critically low levels. Groundfish stocks are depleted. Endangered southern resident killer whales, roaming near Vancouver and Victoria, face high traffic waterways, fewer Chinook salmon, and an ever-shrinking population.

There are also international conservation concerns about seabirds, like our Cassin's auklet and the migrating short-tailed albatross and pink-footed shearwater.

Are we at a tipping point? Will species losses change the whole web of life in B.C. waters?

Report after report document species troubles in B.C. waters, with endangered and threatened species needing special conservation plans. Protection and better management are desperately needed.

In 2008, scientists released an exhaustive research study on the future of the world's mammals, involving more than 1,700 world experts. It determined that a third of the world's marine mammals are at risk of extinction. That means everything from whales and sharks, to giant turtles and sea lions.

How do we save marine species?

We need to stop overfishing and polluting our waters. We also need to protect critical habitat for threatened and endangered species. Creating Marine Protected Areas helps restock the oceans – these protected waters act as nurseries, allowing fish to reach reproductive age and replenish populations.

In B.C., we also need to accelerate the achingly slow process around protection of B.C.'s Emerald Sea (B.C.'s North Coast). We need a consequential and comprehensive management plan.

Get Mystery
E–Alerts Join Oceans Book Club Choose Your
E-Card Photo & Video Gallery