Species at Risk

Habour Porpoise

Special Concern

Harbour Porpoises are among the smallest whales; in western Canada, individuals occasionally reach lengths of 2 m. The females grow more quickly and reach greater lengths than males. Like all porpoises, they have rounded heads that lack an obvious rostrum or beak. A small, triangular dorsal fin is located at about the middle of the back. The sides are a mottled greyish-white and fade to an almost white ventral surface. A black cape extends over the back and sides, although its extent varies considerably among individuals and populations. Individuals may also have dark patches on their faces. There is no difference in coloration between males and females, but the calves are usually darker than the adults.

The most important recent threat to the Harbour Porpoise Pacific Ocean population is bycatch, particularly in bottom-set gill nets used to capture groundfish. Other potential threats include: habitat degradation; loss of habitat resulting from the use of acoustic harassment devices, particularly around aquaculture sites; and environmental contamination by organochlorines, dioxins, furans, and heavy metals.

As you can see, these are all man-made causes, which is very sad because it is something we can do to stop this.