Orcas have become an icon of Canada’s Pacific coast. From simply looking at photos of these magnificent whales (Orcinus orca also known as killer whales) as they leap from the waters off the coast you wouldn’t be able to tell that these marine creatures are actually laden with toxins.
Extensive scientific research has been carried out over the past three decades which has provided government and the public with much important information about the plight of the Northwest orcas. What this research shows is that southern orca population is small with just 85 members and it has been declining by 17% between 1995 and 2001. The northern orca population has declined by 7% from 1999 to 2003 and contains 205 members.
Other known threats to BC’s orca populations include disturbance from vessel traffic and other human activities as well as reductions of their primary prey.
Threats and sources of toxins...more
To stop the outflow of toxic pollution into waterways and oceans the Wilderness Committee wants:
Chemicals need to be properly tested before they are approved for use.
PBDEs, commonly known as flame-retardants, is a chemical that shares many characteristics with PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) which were banned three decades ago.
Mandatory right-to-know labeling would require manufacturers of consumer products to include ingredient and plain language hazard labels on all products to ensure that consumers can make informed choices.
A lack of federal standards and money to support new infrastructure has led to some Canadian cities, such as Victoria and St. John’s, having sewage treatment systems below the standards of some under-developed countries.
It was a WILD summer having 42 WWOOFERs (organic farm volunteers from all over the world) stay with my extended family on our land at Seton Portage. Thanks to the Wilderness Committee for organizing this and thanks for all the help building trails, cabins, working on the farm, and caring for the land. See you in 2010!