T H R E A T S
Orca whales do not fear their predators. They are the predator. Despite that, their population is still slowly declining,
and that is due to natural dangers and and the countless threats imposed by human activity and carelessness.
and that is due to natural dangers and and the countless threats imposed by human activity and carelessness.
N A T U R A L T H R E A T S
Just like any other marine animal, Orca whales suffer from diseases and illnesses, but threats branching from
human activity is far worse. Orca Whales can suffer from fungal or bacterial infections as well as parasite
infections. They can also contract diseases that humans suffer from such as Hodgkin's disease (form of cancer),
tumors, stomach ulcers, and skin diseases.
human activity is far worse. Orca Whales can suffer from fungal or bacterial infections as well as parasite
infections. They can also contract diseases that humans suffer from such as Hodgkin's disease (form of cancer),
tumors, stomach ulcers, and skin diseases.
H U M A N T H R E A T S
C O M M E R C I A L H U N T I N G
Commercial hunting is a lot less common now than it was in the past due to newly established hunting and fishing
laws. Despite the ban on Orca whale hunting, the occurrence of it during the early 1960's where mass hunting Orca
whales was accepted has left a lingering effect on the populations today.
C A P T I V I T Y
Orca whales were captured in the past for entertainment, and still are. Places like Seaworld in Orlando have shows
exhibiting Orca whales to entertain audiences. Orca whales held in captivity are stripped from their natural healthy
and suitable environments and put into a cage where they are abused and mistreated. The picture above is a perfect
example. The whale is suffering from malnutrition and as a result its dorsal fin is flimsy and weak. The documentary
"Blackfish" captures the injustices of Orca whales held in captivity and describes the problems associated with it.
O V E R F I S H I N G
The main ecotype that dwell in the oceans of British Columbia is the Resident Orca whale. They're salmon experts,
with a diet composed almost completely out of salmon, most of it consisting of Chinook salmon. Unfortunately,
Chinook salmon has been over fished in the oceans of British Columbia, leading to a great shortage of food for the
enormous appetite of the Orca whale and is the leading reason why their population along the coast of British
Columbia is declining
B O A T C O L L I S I O N S
Collision with boats are common accidents experienced by Orca whales. These collisions cause severe cuts and
wounds that weaken the Orca whale which makes them more susceptible to deadly infections.
P O L L U T I O N
Orca whales are the most contaminated marine animals on Earth. Because of their extensive habitat range, they visit
various areas and are exposed to all sorts of toxic waste and pollution. These toxins find their way into Orca
Whales and as a result, they are killed.