Mammals (marine)

Whale, Killer  | Orcinus orca  |  Offshore population

Status: Threatened

Last Examination and Change: November 2008 (In a higher risk category)

Canadian Occurrence: Pacific Ocean

Status Criteria: Met criterion for Endangered, D1, but designated Threatened, D1, because the population appears to be stable and threats do not appear to be currently severe enough to be negatively affecting the population.

Reason for Designation: This population has a very small number of mature individuals (~120). It is subject to threats from high level of contaminants, acoustical and physical disturbance, and potential oil spills. However, the population is monitored and appears to be stable.

Status History: The “North Pacific resident populations” were given a single designation of Threatened in April 1999. Split into three populations in November 2001. The Offshore population was designated Special Concern in November 2001. Status re-examined and designated Threatened in November 2008.

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

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