Overview
- The carcass of a humpback identified as Polyphemus was found near Lasqueti Island on Nov. 7–8, and DFO has opened an investigation.
- Polyphemus is a 21-year-old whale known to migrate between British Columbia waters and Hawaii, according to DFO photo identification.
- Cause of death remains unknown pending a DFO necropsy, which authorities say is needed to establish whether a vessel strike or another factor was involved.
- MERS says this is the third confirmed humpback death off B.C. since late September, following carcasses found after reported vessel incidents near Keats Island and following a BC Ferries strike report.
- Recent reports also include a high-speed ferry striking a calf in English Bay; advocates urge mandatory incident reporting and recommend MERS’s free Whale Safe Boating course to reduce collision risk.