Dolphin sightings up in BC

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Was that a Pacific white-sided dolphin in Howe Sound?  Sightings of ‘schools’ are way up in local waters.

At the BC Cetacean Sightings Network at the Vancouver Aquarium, research assistant Heather Lord says 30 years ago they considered the animals more of an oceanic species of dolphin, so you would really have to go quite off shore to see them.

She explains these days the chances are great.  You may even spot a pod on a trip up to the Sunshine Coast or from the shores of Nanaimo.  “We’ve noticed an increase in sightings in the past several months now.  I’d say two or three days a week we’re getting sightings of Pacific white-sided dolphins in Howe Sound.  We even had a killer whale sighting last week as well.”

Lord adds they’re still working on explaining why the dolphins are closer to shore now.  It’s likely attracted by a food source like herring.   

The Network is eagerly studying the new phenomenon and counts on citizen sightings.  You can call your dolphin reports in to 1.866.I.SAW.ONE.

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