A humpback whale, later identified as the long‑tracked individual known as “Notcho”, has died following a collision with a BC Ferry near the Grace Islands on the evening of 26 October. The Marine Education and Research Society (MERS) confirmed the death after staff on the ferry reported striking the animal, which was observed surfacing with blood in the water. Although initial photographs were of poor quality, a subsequent public tip and detailed matching work have now linked the deceased mammal to the celebrated whale, whose movements have been recorded since at least 2016.
Fatal Encounter and Immediate Response
The strike was first reported by BC Ferries on the night of 26 October. According to Caitlin Birdsall, executive director of MERS, “The animal was seen surfacing after that strike with significant blood in the water,” she said. “Unfortunately, we were not able to identify which animal was involved in that strike, due to lower quality pictures at the time.” Staff on the ferry later spotted a deceased whale in the water on Monday, prompting an immediate recovery operation by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. While the agency has not definitively confirmed that the two incidents involve the same individual, the proximity of the locations and the timing make it highly probable.
From Public Tip to Positive Identification
The breakthrough came when a resident of Gambier Island supplied photographs that allowed the team to match the whale’s distinctive markings. Under the umbrella of the Canadian Pacific Humpback Collaboration, a member of the Humpbacks of the Salish Sea project, Tasli Shaw, cross‑referenced the images with a long‑term data set. The pectoral fin pattern confirmed the animal was “Notcho,” a whale that has been documented travelling to Hawaii for breeding and returning to the region each summer to feed. Birdsall noted that sightings of Notcho date back to around 2016, making it a familiar presence for local researchers and ferry crews alike.
Investigation, Accountability and Prevention Strategies
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is leading the investigation into the collision and is assessing the circumstances surrounding the death. In a statement, BC Ferries emphasised its responsibility: “We share these waters with whales and other marine wildlife, and take that responsibility seriously,” the company said. “We have measures in place to help reduce the risk of vessel strikes, including crew training, marine mammal reporting procedures and operational practices intended to reduce interactions with whales. We continue to review our practices and work with federal agencies and marine conservation partners to identify opportunities to further reduce these risks.”
MERS’s Birdsall highlighted additional steps that could improve safety. She called for the expansion of slow‑down zones in known whale corridors, the strengthening of the whale‑report alert system, and the deployment of acoustic and infrared detection technologies. “These tools can give vessels early warning of nearby mammals, allowing them to alter speed or course before a collision occurs,” she explained.
Broader Marine Conservation Context
The loss of Notcho underscores the ongoing challenges faced by marine mammals sharing coastal waters with increasing vessel traffic. Humpback populations in the Pacific Northwest have shown signs of recovery, yet accidental strikes remain a critical threat. Recent reports from other regions—such as Quebec farmers voicing concerns over a proposed high‑speed rail project, rising wildfire‑smoke related deaths, and debates over permanent daylight saving time—illustrate the complex interplay between development, climate and wildlife. In British Columbia, the focus remains on balancing transportation needs with the preservation of iconic species like the humpback.
Why it Matters
The death of Notcho is more than the loss of a single animal; it is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of marine life in busy waterways. Each collision diminishes a population that, while rebounding, still requires careful management to ensure its long‑term survival. The incident has already prompted renewed calls for stricter protective measures, enhanced monitoring technologies, and greater collaboration between ferry operators, researchers and regulators. By addressing these gaps, British Columbia can safeguard its marine ecosystems and preserve the natural heritage that attracts tourists, supports fisheries and enriches the cultural fabric of coastal communities.
