Scientists at the University of British Columbia are getting a rare glimpse into the underwater behaviour of northern and southern resident killer whales off the B.C. coast, with the help of aerial drones.
The unique footage, filmed in collaboration with the Hakai Institute, will help researchers determine if endangered southern residents are getting enough of their preferred prey, Chinook salmon, to meet their nutritional needs. The insights will inform conservation and recovery efforts for the population that has dwindled to under 75 individuals.
The footage in this video shows pods of northern resident killer whales, filmed in the Johnstone Strait off the north east coast of Vancouver Island, and off Calvert Island, on B.C.'s central coast.
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The research was conducted under DFO and UBC animal care permits (XMMS 6 2019 and A19-0053).
Funding and support for the project provided by the Government of Canada's Whale Science for Tomorrow initiative, the Province of British Columbia, the Pacific Salmon Foundation, the Hakai Institute and Vancouver Whale Watch.
Videography: Keith Holmes/Hakai Institute
