Two of B.C.’s iconic Killer Whale populations are facing serious threats to their survival, yet the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) still refuses to adequately protect their critical habitat.
The northern resident killer whale population is listed as threatened and the southern residents listed as endangered. Both their habitats are faced with increasing chemical pollution, physical disturbances, and declining food resources from salmon stocks. Industrial activities and military sonar exercises also pose serious threats to their survival.
The DFO declared this habitat was already adequately protected by existing policies. They stated they should only be responsible for the geophysical, and not the biological aspects such as polluted waters, of this habitat.
On behalf of nine environmental groups, Ecojustice challenged this disregard of Canada’s Species At Risk Act (SARA) in Federal Court. In December 2010, the presiding judge ruled decisively in the conservationists’ favour and found that the DFO must legally protect all aspects of this critical habitat. However, the DFO is still appealing the ruling.
This landmark case also potentially benefits the 90 other marine species listed under the SARA that would receive the same protection as the killer whales.
Sign this petition and help protect our provincial coastal waters.
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