A Rare Bryde’s Whale Washes Ashore on Vancouver Island, Sparking Concern

In a potentially unprecedented event for British Columbia, a Bryde’s whale – a species typically not seen north of California – has been discovered on Vancouver Island. The whale was found on the shores of Port McNeill Bay, situated on the northern side of the island, as reported by the ‘Na̱mg̱is First Nation.

Upon examination by experts, it was confirmed that the whale was a young Bryde’s whale, a baleen whale known for filter feeding, similar to humpback whales. These whales are usually found in tropical to temperate waters, with rare sightings as far north as Washington state in the past.

Jackie Hildering from the Marine Education and Research Society expressed that, to her knowledge, this is the first documented sighting of a Bryde’s whale in British Columbia. ‘Na̱mg̱is Chief Victor Isaac stated that a necropsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death, expressing deep concern over the rarity of this species appearing so far north.

“Namgis First Nation is deeply saddened and alarmed by the impact of the climate crisis on our oceans,” Isaac emphasized. “We are committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to unravel the circumstances surrounding this individual whale and to enhance our stewardship of the environment.”

This Bryde’s whale marks the third marine mammal to be found deceased on B.C. shores this month, following the discovery of two dead grey whales – one on Vancouver Island and the other on Haida Gwaii.

Following a mass die-off of grey whales that was declared over by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration last year, researchers are concerned about the potential reasons behind the recent whale deaths. Hildering suggested that the grey whales may have succumbed to starvation due to a lack of food in the Arctic.

While it is too early to draw conclusions about the Bryde’s whale’s death, Hildering pointed out that it is essential to conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause and to gather valuable insights about a species rarely encountered in the region.

“This incident underscores the importance of ongoing research and learning,” she emphasized. “One data point does not establish a trend, and we must explore all possibilities at this stage.”