A dead killer whale calf was discovered near Nootka Island on Wednesday.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada took DNA samples of the animal, which could identify whether the killer whale was a transient, northern resident or southern resident.

The whale was discovered in Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation Territory and about 60 of the Nation鈥檚 members participated in a ceremony to 鈥渁llow the spirit of the whale to go home,鈥� on Thursday morning according to Mowachaht/Muchalaht administrator Kevin Kowalchuk.

鈥淭oday鈥檚 ceremony showed the respect that the Mowachaht/Muchalaht people have for all living creatures,鈥� the Nation said through a media release. 鈥淭hey are the keepers of the land and are the best managers of the resources in their Territory, whether they be on land or in the waters.鈥�

Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation Chief Mike Maquinna has asked DFO for a report on the whale鈥檚 cause of death.

鈥淭his is very concerning to our people,鈥� Maquinna said through the release. 鈥淲e ask DFO to report back to us as to the cause of death of this young whale so that we can understand what is happening in our waters.鈥�

The whale is expected to be transported to the provincial animal health care centre in Abbotsford to determine a cause of death.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
Like us on and follow us on