Crowding grey whale off Vancouver coast could cause ‘live stranding,’ officials warn

We’re used to seeing orcas off the coast of Vancouver, but getting an up-close look at grey whales is far less common.

The sight of a grey whale surfacing just off the coast of Vancouver this week has been a rare treat for onlookers—but the public’s fascination with the massive marine mammal has raised concerns about potential harms as well.

The whale has been spotted over recent days feeding across English Bay, from Jericho Beach to the waters off Stanley Park, often easily visible from land.

“What an opportunity,” said Paul Cottrell, marine mammal co-ordinator for Fisheries and Oceans Canada. “I can see why the public is interested.”

But with that interest comes risks, to both people and the cetacean.

As hopeful whale watchers try to catch a glimpse of the creature, officials are reminding them of the strict restrictions in place under Canada’s Fisheries Act when it comes to viewing marine wildlife.

Swimming up to a whale, feeding a whale or otherwise interacting with a whale is forbidden, as is approaching them by boat—which includes kayaks.

Watchers are required to remain at least 100 metres from grey whales, and a minimum of 200 metres if the whales are resting or accompanied by a calf. Those who fail to do so can face fines of up to $100,000 for a first offence.

“Your best viewing is from shore,” Cottrell stressed. “That’s safe, and that gives the animal space.”

Worries about ‘live stranding’

Cottrell said the grey whale has been feeding on amphipods, sometimes called “ghost shrimp,” in shallow water throughout the bay.

Crowding the creature could result in a “live-stranding,” when a marine mammal gets caught somewhere so shallow it’s unable to swim away.

“I’ve just recently seen a paddle boarder getting far too close,” Cottrell said. “Folks need to respect this animal’s space.”

Kathleen McCormick, a wildlife photographer, said she saw similar behaviour when she went to capture pictures of the whale from the shore.

“There were a few kayakers that got very, very close,” she said. “They need like a football field. They’re big creatures and we’re only seeing their backs.”

Even if the whale doesn’t become stranded, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is worried about boaters and swimmers interrupting the feeding process.

Grey whales are currently migrating north for the summer, Cottrell said, and need their nourishment for the journey.

“There are some skinny gray whales out there, and that’s why it’s so important that they’re fattening up on their way north,” he added.

Five grey whales have already been found dead in B.C. waters so far this year, and other deaths have been reported down the coast off the U.S. states of Washington, Oregon and California as well.

Canadian officials have been working with experts across North America in the hopes of understanding the problem. As they do, Cottrell urged anyone interested in the majestic creature to keep a respectful distance.

With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Shannon Paterson