Status of the Northern Right Whale Dolphin, Lissodelphis borealis, in Canada

Abstract

The Northern Right Whale lives in abundant numbers in Pacific waters from Alaska to Baja California. Siting records in Canadian waters have increased in recent years, which is attributed to the experimental squid fishery, which has improved recordings of this species. Of the seventeen occurrences cited, seven were of animals netted by the Canadian experimental Flying Squid fishery operation (since discontinued). Canadian waters represent the limits of this species' habitat, and as sightings are relatively rare, the Northern Right Whale dolphin's population status in this area is unknown.