Today is World Orca Day! Did you know that there are three different eco-types of orca that exist off the coast of British Columbia, known as offshores, transients and residents? The Resident killer whales are divided into north and south populations and are known to be particularly vocal while travelling in tight-knit pods.
Unlike other populations of orca, the Resident killer whales rely heavily on Chinook salmon as a food source. Chinook and all other Pacific salmon species are anadromous, meaning they are born in freshwater, spend their lives at sea, and return to specific freshwater streams to spawn. However, habitat degradation due to timber harvests, urbanization, agricultural development and more has impacted the abilities of salmon to return to their native streams and reproduce – in turn impacting a complex ecological web.
Releasing Coho salmon in the Millstream Creek Watershed.
Earlier this year, in partnership with Goldstream Salmon Hatchery, Peninsula Streams Society, Tsartlip First Nation, and Greater Victoria Greenbelt Society, TLC released 2,500 salmon smolt into Earsman Creek and Mary lake. Located on the recently acquired Millstream Creek Watershed property, this area protects 27 acres of Douglas-fir ecosystem and salmon freshwater habitat. This habitat will now remain protected so that salmon can safely return and spawn, with full-grown females and males returning as early as fall 2022!
Did you know: it is a common misconception that orcas are whales – they actually happen to be the largest species of the dolphin (Delphinidae) family!
