Mammals (marine)

Porpoise, Harbour  | Phocoena phocoena  |  Pacific Ocean population

Status: Special Concern

Last Examination and Change: November 2003 (Changed)

Canadian Occurrence: Pacific Ocean

Status Criteria: Not applicable

Reason for Designation: They appear to be particularly sensitive to human activities, and are prone to becoming entrapped and killed in fishing nets. They are a short lived shy species that are now rarely seen at the highly developed areas of Victoria and Haro Strait. Continued development and use of its prime habitat by humans are some of the main threats. They are displaced by underwater noise, and could be affected by contaminants in their food chain.

Status History: Species considered in April 1991 and placed in the Data Deficient category. Re-examined in November 2003 and designated Special Concern.

Find out more about this species on the Species at Risk Act Public Registry

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