More humpback whales in B.C., but study says oil spills could threaten gains

A humpback whale is seen in action near Alert Bay, B.C. (Handout/Rob Williams/THE CANADIAN PRESS)

VANCOUVER -- A study suggests the number of humpback whales on the northern coast of British Columbia nearly doubled in eight years, but possible oil spills could seriously hamper recovery efforts involving the threatened mammals.

The humpbacks were photographed and identified through unique markings on their massive flukes, or tails, around Gil Island, a summertime feeding destination for the migratory animals heading to Hawaii.

Marine conservation biologist Erin Ashe of the B.C.-based group Oceans Initiative says the number of whales in the study area increased from 70 humpbacks in 2004 to 137 whales in 2011.

The study says the animals tend to be concentrated in the coastal fjord, where tanker traffic would increase if the federal government approves an oil pipeline proposal that would see large volumes of crude oil shipped through the region.

Ashe says any oil spills could be catastrophic for humpback whales, which already face danger from becoming entangled in fishing gear and were legally hunted in B.C. until 1967.

The Gitga'at First Nation was also involved in the study, which was published Wednesday in the online journal PLOS ONE.