US EditionDFO investigating third whale death off B.C.’s coast within weeks
The Fisheries Department investigates the third confirmed humpback whale death in weeks amid rising reporting of vessel strikes, a leading threat to whales in the region.
- On Nov. 10, 2025, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans is investigating the third confirmed humpback death after a whale was discovered Nov. 8 off Lasqueti Island, Georgia Strait near the Sunshine Coast.
- The Fisheries Department says vessel strikes "are one of the primary threats" to humpback whales, with earlier deaths following reported strikes on Sept. 18 and Oct. 25 and a high-speed ferry strike Oct. 17.
- DFO identified the dead whale as Polyphemus, a 21-year-old humpback known in the northern Strait of Georgia, and scientists say a necropsy is needed since whales can succumb to injuries weeks later.
- Caitlin Birdsall said most dead whales are never found, reporting has increased recently as whale-watch and ferry crews now report strikes while advocates warn many collisions go undetected.
- Population and entanglement evidence together highlight risk to whales, with Christie McMillan, DFO researcher, saying up to 400 humpback whales spend fall in the area; DFO video freed a whale from nearly 137 metres of Polysteel rope.
32 Articles
32 Articles
DFO investigating 3rd whale death off B.C.'s coast within weeks
Caitlin Birdsall, executive director of the Marine Education and Research Society, says the whale discovered Nov. 8 off Lasqueti Island in the Georgia Strait near the Sunshine Coast and is the third confirmed death since late September.
The Toronto Star
The Hamilton SpectatorDFO investigating third whale death off B.C.‘s coast within weeks
VICTORIA - An advocate for whales says many collisions between vessels and the animals are likely undetected or unreported as Fisheries Department investigates another death of a humpback whale off
Winnipeg Free Press
DFO investigating third whale death off B.C.'s coast within weeks
Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada
DFO investigating third whale death off B.C.'s coast within weeks – Energeticcity.ca
VICTORIA — An advocate for whales says many collisions between vessels and the animals are likely undetected or unreported as Fisheries Department investigates another death of a humpback whale off B.C.’s coast. Caitlin Birdsall, executive director of the Marine Education and Research Society, says the whale discovered Nov. 8 off Lasqueti Island in the Georgia Strait near the Sunshine Coast and is the third confirmed death since late September. …
nanaimonewsnow.com
DFO investigating third whale death off B.C.’s coast within weeks
VICTORIA — An advocate for whales says many collisions between vessels and the animals are likely undetected or unreported as Fisheries Department investigates another death of a humpback whale off B.C.'s coast. Caitlin Birdsall, executive director of...
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