Scientists work on Whale Carcass at the Tahsis Boat Launch

On Thursday, a federal research vessel brought in a dead adult bull killer whale that was found 65 miles offshore, out past the continental shelf.  The captain believes this was an offshore killer whale, from a population of whales who live far offshore in the north east pacific and feed on sharks, distinct from the resident and transient killer whale populations.  

 

On Friday, two teams worked on the carcass.  First, a necropsy was performed, taking samples.  The scientists were unable to identify the cause of death on site, but they believe it had been dead for about 3 weeks.  The team from Cetacea removed the flesh from the bones and organized the skeleton.  Cetacea is a specialized company from Salt Spring Island that do all kinds of interesting projects, including skeleton exhibits for museums.  It's worth a look at their website, they do fascinating and beautiful work!  Once the skeleton is cleaned and prepared, it will become part of an exhibit at the Royal Ontario Museum.   

 

 This was an interesting event that will help us learn more about these amazing creatures in our environment.  Remember that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans would like us to report any sightings of Cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises).

photo by Mark T.

photo by Greg F.