Fisheries and Oceans Canada says a striped dolphin found dead in the Tlell River marks the first confirmed sighting of the species on Haida Gwaii — and the northernmost report in Pacific Canadian waters to date.
Striped dolphins are rarely seen in B.C., with just 15 confirmed records since 1948, all on Vancouver Island. None of those have been of live animals.
“This is the first time that a stranded striped dolphin has been reported on Haida Gwaii,” said Dr. Thomas Doniol-Valcroze, lead of DFO’s Cetacean Research Program at the Pacific Biological Station in Nanaimo. “It’s a very rare occurrence.”
The species, which prefers deep, warm waters, is known for travelling in large groups up to 100 and for its striking pattern of black stripes and acrobatic leaps. It typically inhabits tropical and temperate regions of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
The dolphin in Tlell was discovered alone. The cause of death is unknown, and no necropsy has been performed.
“Even with a proper autopsy, a cause of death can’t always be determined,” Doniol-Valcroze said. “The one photo I’ve seen shows no obvious signs of predation, boat strike or entanglement, but it only shows one side of the animal — so nothing can be ruled out.”
Locals reported that the head of the dolphin was removed shortly after the animal was found. The department says there are no specific laws prohibiting the dismemberment of marine mammals, but tampering with carcasses can interfere with conservation and research efforts. Also, due to health and other concerns, it is highly recommended that the public refrain from handling the dead carcasses of any wild animals.
“It is not uncommon for people to collect parts of marine mammal carcasses, such as teeth, jaws or skulls,” said Doniol-Valcroze. “Unfortunately, this usually prevents the collection of valuable information.”
DFO urges the public not to handle the carcasses of wild animals and to report incidents of harassment, injury or entanglement of marine mammals to the Observe, Record, Report hotline at 1-800-465-4336 or by email at [email protected].
Although striped dolphins remain abundant worldwide and are not considered at risk under most jurisdictions, Doniol-Valcroze said it’s uncertain whether warming ocean conditions could increase their presence in B.C. waters over time.
“It’s too early to say,” he said. “But we have seen a slight increase in sightings of another warm-water species, the common dolphin, since the 1990s.”