Why are Humpback Whale collisions increasing?

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Humpback whales are returning to the Salish Sea in growing numbers, but between the rising population and the increase in vessel traffic, collisions are also becoming more common. Emma Shuparski is the coordinator for Straightwatch Quadra Island, under Cetus Research and Conservation Society. Christie McMillan is a Senior Habitat Assessment Biologist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), and fifteen years ago co-founded the Marine Education & Research Society (MERS).

Both experts shared their knowledge and experience working in research and conservation of humpback whales in this episode of Midcoast Morning, to understand the questions of why humpback strikes and mortalities seem to be increasing, and what can be done to improve humpback safety in the Salish Sea.

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Guests:

• Emma Shuparski, Coordinator for Straightwatch Quadra Island (Cetus Research & Conservation Society)

• Christie McMillan, Senior Habitat Assessment Biologist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) / Marine Education & Research Society (MERS)

Program Team:

• Heather — Guest Host and Producer.

• Joe Pugh — Host and Producer.

• Jesse Woodward — Executive Producer.

• Arbie Fru — Technical Assistance.

Podcast Photo:

• Humpback Whales (Elianne Dipp/Pexels)

Theme Music:

• Waste Management - First One

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Transcript:

Incoming.

Report Transcription errors by emailing production@chly.ca.

Funding:

This program is part of our our Nonprofit Newsroom Project. Sustain local news for many years to come by signing up for a monthly Sustaining Donation.