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Killer whales, or orcas, are found in all the world's oceans, but nowhere are they more accessible for viewing and studying than in Canada's west coast waters. Just a few miles north of the United States border, research scientist, Dr. John Ford and his colleagues have been investigating groups of killer whales that frequent the area annually for more than 25 years. More than 450 killer whales roam B.C.'s rugged coastline, usually travelling in close-knit family groups known as pods. Once widely feared, killer whales are now understood far better than they were only three decades ago.
With this new knowledge comes a greater appreciation of these animals, and a growing concern for their future. Pollution, boat traffic, over-fishing and other human activities all potentially threaten the whales and their fragile marine environment.
 What else do we need to know? Learning everything we can about killer whales is the best way to protect them.
Photo I.D. Photo-identification is one of the most useful tools of whale biologists. A good black and white photograph of the animal's left side showing the dorsal fin and saddle patch allows scientists to identify each individual whale according to nicks, scars and the shape of the fin. An annual photo identification census of each individual in the northern resident and transient community has enabled researchers to construct detailed family trees for each pod. It is also an invaluable method of monitoring the health of British Columbia's killer whale populations. A large percentage of the funds from the BC Wild Killer Whale Adoption Program goes towards continuing this annual photographic census. How will your support help? Studying killer whales in the wild is expensive work. Transportation, boat maintenance, fuel, film processing - these are just some of the many costs researchers face in the field. The BC Wild Killer Whale Adoption Program directly supports field research and conservation activities in B.C. and around the world. When you join you will receive:
Adopt a Whale | Family Trees | Conservation | |