Humpback whale prey consumption in British Columbia and the effects of a growing population on the food web in the Strait of Georgia

Since the end of whaling, the population of humpback whales feeding in the Canadian Pacific waters has
been steadily increasing. As generalist feeders, these large cetaceans aggregate near the coast of British
Columbia to feed on krill, Pacific herring, and other schooling fish. Yet, the consumption of prey by humpback
whales in Canadian Pacific waters has not been estimated. The aim of this research is to quantify how much of
each prey population the humpback whale population consumes from the Strait of Georgia. This project will also
predict the effects of a growing population of humpback whales on the food web. This study will help inform both
conservation and fisheries management strategies as it focuses on economically and culturally valuable species.

Faculty Supervisor:

Villy Christensen

Student:

Partner:

Marine Education and Research Society (MERS)

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: