Some of the points Lifeforce made in our recent letter to Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard, Canada

1. Re: Stop Shooting the Humpbacks

In August, DFO researchers were off Comox Harbour, BC with what looked like a crossbow to shoot skin biopsy darts into the sensitive bodies of Humpbacks!

The biopsies have been reported as causing harm such as “shaking and quivering” etc. in orcas. The Humpbacks here showed negative reactions such as major tail fluke slaps and evasive measures. A Humpback reacted by doing a forceful tail fluke slap right at the boat. This is also a threat to the safety of the researchers.  It is time to stop the Humpbacks’ physical and mental suffering.

2. These skin biopsies could possibly cause pathways for toxic pollution, bacteria and viruses.

Darting whales have killed them. Do we know if biopsied whales and dolphins all survived?

In 2016, an L pod orca and probably 2 other Transient orcas died due to infections from tracking darts. In 2021, a grey whale suffered from lesions/infection from a satellite tag.

3. Humpback Calving Season

For every first year the Moms bring their babies to BC. They could be living in fear! Mini “harpoons” could also scare all humpbacks away from our waters! At least stop shooting the moms and babies! Let Them Be!

4. Humane Methodologies Available

These experiments are an attempt to determine how much herring and krill the Humpbacks may need. Was collecting whale feces instead of biopsies considered? Whale feces can give information on a number of aspects of the health, natural history and ecology of an animal or group as it contains DNA, hormones, toxins, and other chemicals.

5. Conclusion

The need for this experiment is highly questionable. Humpbacks’ herring and krill needs can only be estimated and may vary over times.  Factors include the population numbers and other threats such as pollution and boat traffic hit/injuries. If Humpbacks and other species need this food, it would  be impossible to stop herring and krill industries in all countries!

Do the sufferings and deaths outweigh any uncertain conservation benefits?

Time to stop the experiments and let wildlife live in peace. We must end the excessive boat traffic, pollution and unnecessary experiments.

Please suspend these experiments pending a comprehensive review!