Sunday, July 02, 2023

Federal, provincial governments 'ill-prepared' for transition into clean energy sector: report
RELATED IMAGES

A pumpjack draws out oil from a well head near Calgary, Alta., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Melissa Lopez-Martinez
CTVNews.ca Writer
Published July 2, 2023 

As the clean energy sector grows on a global scale, there's also growing concern for Canadian communities and workers dependent on the oil and gas sector as a new report says federal and provincial governments may be "ill-prepared' for a smooth transition.

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) detailed their findings in a report published on Tuesday, indicating the concern for communities across Canada and the thousands of jobs that will have to endure a drop in demand as Canada moves toward clean energy.

“As economies decarbonize, the risks and economic costs associated with Canada’s continued reliance on fossil fuels will intensify as time goes on. These risks and costs must be factored into policy and business decisions and signalled to investors," Nichole Dusyk, senior policy advisor of the IISD said in a news release.

"The consequences of not doing so are potentially catastrophic for a workforce and the communities that depend on this industry.”

SHRINKING DEMAND FOR OIL, NATURAL GAS MARKET WAVERING

According to the report, demand for oil is expected to peak and decline by 2030, largely because of the increased demand for electric products like electric vehicles. While the second biggest end use for oil, plastics, may still keep the market afloat for some time, the report says it won't be enough to change the decline past 2030.

As for gas, the report says the natural gas market has become increasingly unstable because of high gas prices and the shift to other renewable options. Since the U.S. is one of the main buyers of Canadian oil and gas, the report says the Biden Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act will speed up the transition to clean energy and significantly impact Canadian producers.

Researchers say communities that rely on fossil fuels like in Alberta, Saskatchewan and B.C. will be most vulnerable during this shift, as their average rate of total direct employment ranges from 9.3 per cent to over 30 per cent in 2016. The sustainability of jobs has been one of the main concerns the report indicated, as more than 53,000 jobs were cut between 2014 and 2019. These cuts were made during a time of increased oil production and once the pandemic occurred an additional 17,000 jobs were cut in early 2021.

GOVERNMENTS NEED TO TAKE ON "ACTIVE" ROLES

A report by the federal government said Canada's labour force won't be severely impacted during its transition to clean energy. The 32-page jobs plan released in February said jobs in the clean energy sector will likely cause a shortage in workers to fill them.

Despite this, and other federal initiatives aimed to support oil and gas decarbonization, the report says federal and provincial governments need to focus on four key actions to efficiently transition the country and meet net-zero climate goals.

The IISD recommends the strengthening of climate policies that support workers transitioning into the net-zero economy through the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, support for Indigenous governments' plans on economic diversification, update fiscal policies to include expectations of a declining oil and gas market, as well as preparing to plan a decline in production instead of expansion.

Ultimately, the report suggests a "federation-wide" approach between federal and provincial governments to ensure there is split jurisdiction to meet the needs of each region and their natural resources.

With files from The Canadian Press.


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America’s far right is operating in Canada. Why don’t we consider that foreign interference?

By focusing solely on China or Russia and other state actors, Canada is missing the potentially far more troubling forces that proved so disruptive during last year’s convoy protest, Susan Delacourt writes.

By Susan Delacourt
National Columnist
TORSTAR
Sunday, July 2, 2023

Police move in to clear downtown Ottawa near Parliament hill of protesters after weeks of demonstrations on Feb. 19, 2022. Is Canada ready to take a dark dive into foreign interference — the non-China variety? Susan Delacourt writes.
Cole Burston / THE CANADIAN PRESS

Canada is almost certainly headed toward some kind of inquiry into foreign interference in its democracy.

But if its focus is solely on China or Russia and other state actors, it won’t be tackling the potentially far more troubling forces that proved so disruptive to Canada during last year’s convoy protest.

Is the country ready to take that dark dive into foreign interference — the non-China variety?

Michael Kempa is a criminology professor at the University of Ottawa who closely watched the convoy protest and is now writing a book on who and what was behind it.

“I personally am more worried about the influence of the far right from the United States and elsewhere,” Kempa says flatly when I ask him about foreign interference. “Which is not to say, I don’t think that there’s nothing to worry about with the efforts of the Chinese government to corrupt our system, or Iran, or Russia.”

Kempa thinks it’s a good thing the Canadian political conversation has become seized with foreign interference over the past few months, but he also believes it’s been far too narrowly focused only on questions surrounding China.


“But there are all manner of non-state entities that are seeking to influence our electoral outcomes,” he says.

So would an inquiry help?

“Absolutely,” Kempa says. “An inquiry would help because it would start to illuminate the state and non-state networks of misanthropic actors that seek to influence electoral outcomes.”

Kempa’s book is due out next year. It’s called “The Freedom Convoy: Transporting the Dark Politics of the Far Right Across Canada.” It will confront some disturbing realities only hinted at during the formal inquiry into the convoy protest, led by Justice Paul Rouleau.

The Rouleau inquiry did feature testimony and participation from most of the convoy protest leaders — people such as Tamara Lich, Brigitte Belton, Chris Barber, James Bauder, Pat King and Tom Marazzo, to name a few. Kempa is interested in these characters, but also to the networks and financing that opened up to them as the convoy widened its grip on order in Canada.

Matt Gurney, co-founder of The Line, did some groundbreaking work in Ottawa during the convoy protest in February 2022, and he wrote memorably of the “hard men” lurking at the headquarters out on Coventry Road in Ottawa. He was referring to the more quiet organizers making their presence felt amid the horn honking, bouncy castles and hot tubs lining Wellington Street in front of Parliament.

While Kempa thinks the Rouleau inquiry and report yielded significant, groundbreaking work, he thinks the process treated the question of foreign influence in the same, limited way as Canadian political debate of late — as mainly a problem only when hostile governments are meddling.

One of the chapters in his book is titled “Global Misanthropes” — the name Kempa gives to actors who aren’t meddling in countries’ democracies on behalf of any government or even any coherent, political ideology. They’re just out to provoke chaos, disorder and distrust in the state and institutions.

Those forces were at play during the convoy, Kempa asserts, and there were all kinds of hints and warnings that some of the protest was being prodded along by forces in the United States.

Their organizational weakness is also their strength, it appears. They are hard to track simply because they are more of a movement, or a collection of grievances. Generally, those grievances can be summed up as “anti-modernity,” Kempa says — opposition to everything from science to banks or any kind of data-collecting institution.

Kempa says it’s important to note this movement cannot be seen as one centrally organized cause, but instead a loosely aligned network of fellow travellers, mainly on the far right, who are ready to latch on to any cause that causes disruption. COVID and the pandemic restrictions became a powerful cause for them because it fed on people’s long-simmering frustrations, especially after the Omicron wave in late 2021. Kempa calls the convoy protest “a tactic in search of a cause,” and urges people to recall that smaller convoys were bubbling up in the U.S. and as far away as Australia before it hit Canada’s capital and border points with the United States.

“They’re not a co-ordinated cabal. They tend to know one another because they’re wealthy, and they donate money to all kinds of these things,” Kempa explains. “They go to fundraisers and see each other and they rub shoulders with the more nasty characters that are more peripherally involved, especially in the United States.”

It’s worth remembering too, incidentally, that some of the foreign influence during the convoy was happening right out in plain sight, with the Canadian demonstrators being urged on by Fox News and even some leading Republican politicians.

If this all sounds like the makings of a fictional thriller or even a conspiracy theory, well, that’s hard to dispute. Then again, no one would have predicted that a ragtag demonstration against COVID measures would turn into three-week long occupation of Canada’s capital and an economy-threatening blockade at the biggest border point between Canada and the U.S in early 2022.

It remains to be seen how large an inquiry or an investigation is being negotiated among the government and opposition parties right now. Back in the winter, when Katie Telford, the prime minister’s chief of staff, was asked about the prospects of an inquiry, she said that much revolved around what question(s) an inquiry would have to address.

There’s a real danger, in other words, of making an inquiry so large that it will only skim the surface of foreign meddling in Canada’s democracy.

Kempa believes there’s a way to do an inquiry that would get at the questions he’s pursuing in his convoy research and forthcoming book.

“The way to do it would be to focus on the entry points of foreign interference,” he explains. “Instead of saying, ‘what are all the forms of foreign interference out there?’ you say, ‘where is the Canadian system targeted?’” For instance, he said, take a hard look at who and what is trying to fiddle with nominations at any political level — whether that’s state actors like China or Russia, or non-state players like we saw during the convoy.

In the coming days, Canadians will learn just how ambitiously the political class is seized with the issue of foreign interference. If it’s only about what’s been in the headlines these past few months, it’s an opportunity missed to shine a light on a darker, potentially larger threat to democratic integrity here.

Susan Delacourt is an Ottawa-based columnist covering national politics for the Star. Reach her via email: sdelacourt@thestar.ca or follow her on Twitter: @susandelacourt


Susan Delacourt is an Ottawa-based columnist for the Toronto Star, where she has been covering politics on Parliament Hill since the late 1980s.
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VANCOUVER
Orcas charmed Kitsilano beachgoers on Friday (PHOTOS/VIDEOS)
Sarah Anderson
Jul 1 2023

sail_west/Reddit

Vancouverites who were catching some sun in Kits last night got treated to a spectacular sight. According to social media posts, two orcas were spotted in the water extremely close to Jericho beach and Locarno beach.


According to one Reddit user, they spotted the orcas at around 12 pm. They shared a plethora of photos:



sail_west


sail_west



Commenters speculated that the whales are a mom and her offspring from the T99 pod of transient orcas, which are known to hunt mainly seals and porpoise. Daily Hive has reached out to the Center for Whale Research (CWR) for more information and will update this story.

In other orca whale news, according to CWR, on June 30, two new calves were spotted in the Straight of Georgia.


“CWR researchers encountered the two calves during a survey of a group of whales containing members of J pod and the L12 subgroup in the Strait of Georgia on June 30, 2023,” said the CWR.

“We estimate that both calves are at least two months old, and neither shows any immediate signs of illness or abnormality.”



Skin lesions on endangered killer whales are getting worse, study says
The endangered southern resident orca J17 is shown. (Photo: Melisa Pinnow)

Nono Shen
The Canadian Press
Staff
Published July 1, 2023 

Southern resident killer whales are increasingly suffering from skin diseases that leave large blotches on their distinctive black-and-white colouration, new research says.

The research, published Thursday in the journal PLOS One, analyzed photographs of more than 18,000 orca sightings from 2004 to 2016 in the Salish Sea, finding that the skin lesions have become “strikingly” more prevalent, posing another potential threat to a population already facing a range of challenges.

Co-author Stephen Raverty, a veterinary pathologist at the B.C. Animal Health Centre, said scientists who observed whales had previously noticed the unusual skin changes, but they had never before been assessed over time.

The study says that although the significance of the lesions was not clear, the possibility that they related to decreasing body condition and immunity in an endangered population was a concern.

It says scientists hypothesized the lesions could be an infectious agent and an indicator of the whales' declining ability to fend off illness.

The exact underlying cause of these skin issues wasn't clear, said Raverty, but they could result from human activities.

“We know that for sure there are consequences related to increasing vessel traffic, contaminant loads, increased noise in the marine environment, and lack of prey are sort of the major components that are recognized to impact southern resident killer whale health,” said Raverty.

Joseph Gaydos, chief scientist for the University of California, Davis, school of veterinary medicine and the study's lead author, said in a statement that before looking at the data they had no idea the prevalence of skin lesions was increasing so dramatically.

“It's worrisome. Now we need to try and isolate the potential infectious agent,” said Gaydos.

The study involved 141 whales, 99 per cent of which had evidence of skin lesions at some point in the study.

The most common types of lesions were “grey patches” observed in 27 per cent of sightings, followed by “grey targets” seen in 24 per cent of sightings.

Raverty said the study was a step forward in evaluating the health of whales via “non-invasive” assessment.

“(It) helps inform us in terms of whether these changes may be indicative of something that's going on systemically and might impact the health of the animals,” said Raverty.

Another co-author, Martin Haulena, head veterinarian with the Vancouver Aquarium, said the study can help scientists recommend conservation strategies.

As a highly contaminated group of animals, killer whales are affected by the conservation of salmon species, habitat and noise, he said.

“Healthy environment, minimal disturbance, those things are very important for the recovery of the whales,” said Haulena.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 1, 2023.

This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship.

 Endangered orcas in B.C. facing host of new threats to survival

Researchers are renewing their calls for Ottawa to take action to preserve the specie's main food source — Chinook salmon.

Sarah Grochowski
Published Jun 29, 2023  •  
orcas endangered in b.c.
A new-born calf was spotted in a pod of endangered southern resident orcas near Tofino earlier this month. PHOTO BY HOWIE TOM

Scientists have reported a glimmer of hope for B.C.’s critically endangered southern resident orcas, with a calf spotted earlier this month in a pod near Tofino for the first time in years.

But with the Pacific Northwest population having dwindled to a recent low of 73 whales, researchers are renewing their calls for Ottawa to take action to preserve the main food source — chinook salmon.

“It’s great to see that a new baby has been born,” says Howard Garrett, co-founder of the U.S.-based Orca Network organization.

The Center for Whale Research recently announced the baby orca on social media, saying images taken June 19 show what appears to be a new calf in L-pod near Tofino.

But Garrett says the mother will need a two-year supply of salmon to be able to nurse the calf to health.

“She’ll have to search high and low for chinook, but they are more scarce and smaller than ever.”

orca in wild
In an image from video provided by The Ocean Race, an orca moves along a rudder of the Team JAJO entry in The Ocean Race on Thursday, June 22, 2023, as the boat approached the Strait of Gibraltar. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Southern residents — which live in three matriarchal pods along the coasts of California, Oregon, Washington, and B.C. — have been struggling to survive man-made threats including a lack of quality chinook in their foraging range and pollutants such as noise from vessels and toxins that make it harder for them to hunt.

In six of the last 40 years, the animals have been in an energy deficit — meaning the vitality they get from available chinook salmon is less than what they expend during their hunts, according to University of B.C. research.

While U.S. conservation groups are pushing to remove Washington’s Snake River dams to free up more chinook to reach the Pacific Ocean, environmentalists across the border are asking for an end to the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 project.

orca in washington
In this Jan. 18, 2014, file photo, a female resident orca whale breaches while swimming in Puget Sound near Bainbridge Island, Washington. PHOTO BY ELAINE THOMPSON /THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Canadian Raincoast Conservation and David Suzuki foundations worry the construction of a three-berth marine container terminal near Delta will be putting salmon migrating out and feeding in the Fraser River estuary in danger.

Dyna Tuytel, a lawyer with Ecojustice, says Ottawa has a responsibility under the Species at Risk Act to “ensure feasible measures are in place to protect the iconic and endangered southern resident killer whales before approving harmful industrial projects.”

The group filed a federal court application last month to challenge Canada’s decision to approve the terminal expansion, which is expected to increase the port’s shipping capacity by up to 60 per cent.

A new study has also unveiled another threat to the southern residents — skin disease.

Scientists from the University of California analyzed photos from nearly 20,000 orca sightings off the Pacific northwest coast of Canada and the U.S., finding a “strong increase” in lesions from 2004 to 2016.

The marks, which appear on the whales as grey patches, erosions or black pin points, indicate things are not going well for the species.

“The possible relationship between these lesions and decreasing immunocompetence is concerning,” states the study, which calls for more investigation to pinpoint the cause behind increasing skin deformities among the endangered orcas.

Dr. Beth Volpov, a marine mammal researcher at UBC, says that while the species currently faces a series of threats, the new birth near Tofino is a reason to hope.

“A female orca can only be pregnant and give birth if there is a surplus of energy. This means the ecosystem is healthy enough that the species is growing.”

Researchers from the Center for Whale Research plan to visit the L-pod next week to assess the mother and the calf, which is estimated around three weeks old. The last birth to the L-pod was in 2021.

– With files from The Canadian Press

sgrochowski@postmedia.com


Discover How Fast Orcas Can Swim: Killer Whale Top Speeds!


Written by Ashley Day
A-Z-Animals 
Published: July 1, 2023

The orca whale, also known as the killer whale, is a remarkable marine creature with considerable power and beauty. As the largest member of the Delphinidae family, the orca is renowned for its intelligence, complex social structure, and impressive hunting abilities. Though the orca whale is a dolphin, all dolphins are considered whales, scientifically speaking. In this article, we will highlight how fast orcas can swim and provide a brief overview of these magnificent creatures to understand their fast swimming abilities.

Let us delve in!

Orcas are powerful apex predators of the sea.
©Willyam Bradberry/Shutterstock.com

How Fast Can Orcas Swim?

Orca whales are awe-inspiring creatures that are divided into three ecotypes. Each type possesses incredible swimming abilities that may differ slightly from each other or specific population. Overall, these marine giants are renowned for their speed and agility in the water. They are among the fastest marine mammals, capable of reaching impressive speeds as they glide through the ocean depths.

The orca’s physical strength is intense. These marine mammals possess exceptionally powerful tail flukes that propel them through the water. At cruising speed, orca whales swim approximately 3 to 4 knots (3.5 to 4.6 mph). This steady pace allows them to cover moderate distances while navigating their marine habitats. At cruising speed, orcas demonstrate their agility and efficiency in propelling themselves through the water.

Orca whales can exhibit astonishing bursts of speed. An example would be during hunting pursuits when they can reach remarkable velocities that leave their prey with little chance of escape. With their exceptional swimming ability, orcas can achieve top speeds of roughly 30.4 knots (35 mph). However, they are capable of slightly faster bursts of speed during times of particularly intense activity.

The high swimming speed of orcas enables them to launch powerful attacks on their prey. When hunting marine mammals like seals, sea lions, or even other whales, orcas employ strategic tactics and utilize their agility to their advantage. They often create large waves and employ synchronized movements to disorient and separate their prey from their group. Once isolated, they can unleash rapid and forceful bursts, using their powerful tails to deliver swift and incapacitating blows. The impact from their fast and forceful strikes can cause significant damage to their prey, stunning or even killing them.

Porpoising

Orcas also employ a technique called “porpoising,” which involves powerful speed. This technique involves leaping out of the water, exposing their body before diving back in. Porpoising allows them to reduce water resistance and increase their velocity, reaching even higher speeds. This behavior occurs during periods of high activity or when they are engaged in energetic pursuits, such as hunting or social interactions.

Orcas utilize a technique called “porpoising.” This involves fast speeds to break the surface of the water.
©theycallmethewildrose/Shutterstock.com

Techniques Used to Measure Orca Speeds

Researchers and scientists utilize various techniques and technologies to measure orca whale swimming speeds. One standard method involves attaching digital tags to the whales. These tags are equipped with sensors and recorders that gather data on the orcas’ movements, including speed and acceleration. By analyzing the information collected from these tags, researchers can determine the swimming speeds of orcas during different activities and behaviors. The University of British Columbia has conducted thorough research studies involving this technique.

Additionally, researchers may use hydrophones and underwater microphones to detect and record the vocalizations produced by orcas during their swimming activities. By analyzing the frequency and pattern of these vocalizations, scientists can gain insights into the speed and intensity of the orcas’ movements.

Orca Swimming Speeds Vary

It is important to note that the swimming speed of orcas can vary depending on various factors, including their age, health, ecotype, and the specific circumstances in which they are swimming. Factors such as water temperature, prey availability, and social interactions can also influence their swimming speeds. Additionally, different populations of orcas may exhibit variations in their swimming abilities and speeds based on their unique environmental conditions and hunting strategies.
Orcas can reach speeds upwards of 35 mph during periods of intense activity.
©Petr Slezak/Shutterstock.com

There are Three Ecotypes of Orcas

These majestic marine mammals exhibit an incredible range of characteristics and behaviors, leading to questions about the existence of different species or subspecies within Orcinus orca.

While orcas are commonly referred to as a single species, Orcinus orca, recent research and scientific studies suggest that there may be different ecotypes or populations (subspecies) within this overarching classification. These various ecotypes of orcas have distinct characteristics, including variations in appearance, diet, behavior, and vocalizations.

Currently, three main types or ecotypes of orcas are recognized based on their geographical distribution, dietary preferences, and genetic differences. These are known as the resident, transient, and offshore ecotypes.

Resident Orcas

Resident orcas are primarily found in coastal regions and exhibit a preference for fish as their primary food source. They tend to stay within specific areas, forming stable social groups known as pods. These pods consist of related individuals and consist of strong social bonds. Resident orcas also have subtypes based on their specific geographic locations. Notable examples include the Southern Resident orcas in the northeastern Pacific Ocean and the Northern Resident orcas in the coastal waters of British Columbia.

Transient Orcas

Transient orcas, as the name suggests, have a more nomadic lifestyle and roam across larger expanses of the ocean. They are known for their dietary preference for marine mammals, such as seals and sea lions. Transient orcas exhibit a more solitary or small-group hunting behavior and often travel in smaller family units rather than large pods. They have a broader distribution range, spanning various coastal regions and open waters.

Offshore Orcas

Offshore orcas occupy deeper waters, away from the coastlines. They have a more elusive nature and are less well-studied compared to the other ecotypes. Offshore orcas are known to feed on schooling fish, such as herring and squid, in addition to other marine mammals. They have distinct genetic markers differentiating them from the resident and transient orcas.

Research and Evaluation are Ongoing

It is important to note that the classification of orcas into different ecotypes is an ongoing field of study, and scientists continue to refine our understanding of their taxonomy and evolutionary relationships. Further research, including genetic analysis and behavioral observations, is being conducted to unravel the complexities and potential subdivisions within the orca family.

The recognition of different ecotypes or populations within orcas raises intriguing questions about their level of genetic and behavioral divergence. Influences of these variations may include factors such as habitat, available prey, environmental conditions, and social dynamics. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective conservation strategies and management practices.

Orcas are categorized into three ecotypes, which include resident orcas, transient orcas, and offshore orcas.
©Tory Kallman/Shutterstock.com

How Far Do Orcas Swim Every Year?

Annual Migration and Habitat

Orcas are widely distributed throughout the world’s oceans, inhabiting cold and warm waters. They exhibit complex migratory patterns, with some populations undertaking extensive journeys spanning thousands of miles each year. These migrations are often influenced by the availability of prey, the geographical location, and the specific population of orcas.

Different populations of orcas exhibit varying migratory behaviors. Some remain resident in a particular region, while others are considered transient or nomadic.

Resident orcas are known to travel shorter distances and tend to occupy specific coastal areas or regions with abundant food sources. These populations have developed distinct dialects and exhibit strong social bonds within their pods.

Transient orcas, on the other hand, have a more wide-ranging lifestyle. They roam across larger expanses of the ocean. These transient orcas are renowned for their hunting strategies and ability to work together as a coordinated team to capture their prey.

Migration Varies Across Ecotypes

Aside from resident and transient populations, offshore orcas spend their time in deeper waters away from the coast. These offshore orcas have been studied less compared to the other ecotypes.

It is important to note that the distance covered by orcas annually can vary widely depending on the specific population and individual behavior. Resident populations tend to have more localized movements, staying within certain coastal regions and covering relatively shorter distances. Transient or offshore populations, on the other hand, exhibit a more nomadic lifestyle and are known to travel greater distances in search of prey.

The ability of orcas to swim such vast distances is a testament to their adaptability and physical prowess. With their streamlined bodies and powerful tails, they are capable of sustained and efficient swimming, allowing them to navigate vast stretches of open ocean and conquer the challenges posed by long-distance migrations.

Orcas can swim hundreds and even thousands of miles each year.
©Willyam Bradberry/Shutterstock.com

Characteristics of Orcas

Size and Shape

The orca whale boasts a distinctive appearance with a sleek, streamlined body. These creatures exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males typically growing larger than females. In general, weight and length can vary between the ecotypes of orcas.

Adult males can reach lengths of up to 32 feet and weigh, on average, 6 tons or 12,000 pounds. However, though males can reach considerable lengths, they grow on average from 20 to 26 feet. Conversely, females tend to measure up to 26 feet in length and weigh about 3.5 tons or 7,000 pounds on average. Females more often measure between 16 to 23 feet. At birth, calves weigh as much as 400 pounds and measure roughly up to 8 feet in length.

Coloration and Markings

Orcas have a distinct black-and-white coloration. The upper surface, including the back and dorsal fin, is predominantly black, while the undersides and sides are white. These markings help to camouflage them when viewed from above or below, making it easier to blend in with their surroundings. The exact patterning can vary slightly between males and females, particularly around their genital areas.
Dorsal Fin

One of the most captivating features of orcas is their enormous dorsal fin, which can tower up to 6 feet in height in males, and roughly 3 feet high in females. Primarily males display this characteristic prominent fin, while females possess smaller and even more curved dorsals. These dorsal fins are unique to each individual and can assist researchers in identifying and studying different orca populations.

Pectoral Fins

Orcas have large, paddle-shaped pectoral fins on either side of their bodies. These fins provide stability and control during swimming, allowing them to make precise movements and maneuver through the water with agility. The pectoral fins also play a role in social interactions and communication within pods.

Tail Flukes

The tail flukes of orcas are their primary means of propulsion. The tail flukes are powerful and can generate significant thrust, propelling the orca through the water at impressive speeds. The shape and movement of the tail flukes are distinctive for each individual orca, and people use them for identification purposes.

Teeth

Orcas have a set of large, conical teeth highly adapted for hunting and capturing prey. Depending on the individual and ecotype, they typically have between 40 and 56 teeth. The teeth of an orca can measure up to 3 to 4 inches in length. These marine mammals use them for grasping and tearing apart their prey.

Blowhole

Like all cetaceans, orcas have a blowhole located on the top of their heads. The blowhole allows them to breathe at the water’s surface, expelling spent air and taking in fresh oxygen. The position of the blowhole is visible as a single, vertical slit when they surface to breathe.

Echolocation

Orcas have a highly developed echolocation system, allowing them to navigate and locate prey in their environment. They emit clicks and listen for the echoes, enabling them to build a detailed auditory image of their surroundings. Echolocation also helps orcas communicate with other members of their pod.

Ocras inhabit both warm and cold oceanic waters worldwide.
©Miguel Schmitter/Shutterstock.com

Other Fascinating Facts About Orcas

Orcas Are Apex Predators

Orcas occupy the top position in the marine food chain, earning their reputation as apex predators. They possess a diverse diet, feeding on a variety of prey, including fish, squid, marine mammals, and even other whales.

Orcas Have Intelligent Social Structures

Orcas exhibit complex social structures and live in tight-knit family groups known as pods. These pods can consist of multiple generations, with offspring staying with their mothers for many years. Within pods, orcas communicate using a distinct vocal repertoire, including clicks, whistles, and calls.

Orca Lifespan and Longevity

Orcas have one of the longest lifespans of any marine mammal. Females can live up to 90 years or more, while males typically have a shorter lifespan of around 50 to 60 years. This long lifespan allows for the development of intricate social relationships within their pods.
Orca Cultural Behavior

Orcas have displayed evidence of cultural behavior, with distinct populations exhibiting unique hunting techniques, vocalizations, and other learned behaviors. These cultural traits are passed down through generations and contribute to the diversity and adaptability of different orca populations.

Orca Conservation Status

Orcas face several conservation challenges, including habitat degradation, pollution, climate change, and interactions with humans, such as entanglement in fishing gear. Some populations, such as the Southern Resident orcas off the coast of North America, are listed as endangered or threatened.
Scientific Study of Orcas is Ongoing

The study of orcas is ongoing, with researchers continually uncovering new insights into their behavior, communication, ecological importance, and even classification. These majestic marine creatures remind us of the wonders beneath the ocean’s surface, inspiring awe and fostering a deep appreciation for the diversity of life in our world’s waters.

Orcas use top speeds while hunting prey.
©Foto 4440/Shutterstock.com

Conclusion

In conclusion, the orca whale is an impressive creature with exceptional swimming abilities. With their powerful tails and efficient propulsion, orcas can swim at an average speed of 3 to 4 knots (3.5 to 4.6 mph) and reach bursts of speed upwards of 30.4 knots (35 mph) or even more. Orcas’ remarkable swimming speed showcases their agility and adaptability in the marine world, cementing their position as mighty apex predators of the sea.







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CANADA
Tenants join neighbouring building in rent strike

CityNews
Jul 2, 2023
Tenants of two neighbouring building are protesting above guideline rent increases. Melissa Nakhavoly has more from renters and the landlords response.
 

Tenants worried about Hamilton apartment getting sold form co-op to buy building

The tenants have a year to make a 20% down payment on 

the $5.25M building

Bobby Hristova · CBC News · 
Three people stand outside an apartment building.
Laurel Robinson, James Reynolds and Emily Power are among the group of tenants aiming to buy the Hamilton building where they live. (Bobby Hristova/CBC)

Surprise and worry lingered when tenants learned, this past winter, their old, downtown low-rise apartment building in Hamilton was up for sale.

"It was a complete shock," said 76-year-old James Reynolds, who has lived in the building for over 30 years.

There were whispers of investment companies eyeing the $5.25-million property.

"We're all working-class people and the thought of facing a big rent increase … was quite daunting," said Emily Power, a tenant in the building.

But Power and her fellow tenants had a different idea — buying the building themselves.

The tenants have a conditional sale to purchase the 21-unit apartment at 272 Caroline St. S., and turn it into co-operative rental housing and maintain affordable rent rates.

'Interesting and innovative approach'

Some of the building's oldest tenants, who have called the apartment their home for decades, pay between $500 and $700 in monthly rent, far beneath market value due to rent control.

Average monthly rent in Hamilton for June 2023 was $1,877 for a single-bedroom apartment and $2,310 for a two-bedroom unit, according to Rentals.ca.

The city has been grappling with an affordability issue and a rising number of encampments. 

If the tenants are able to buy the Ward 2 building, it could offer a new solution for others trying to escape the rising cost of living.

"I think this is a really interesting and innovating approach," Ward 8 Coun. John-Paul Danko said during the June 21 city council meeting, adding council may want to incorporate it into policy.

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath and Ward 2 Coun. Cameron Kroetsch also praised the idea.

"We have to prevent the loss of current market affordable rentals because we are losing them significantly," Horwath said.

The deal for the building isn't final though — the tenants have a year to fundraise a 20 per cent down payment and apply for a mortgage.

Power also said the non-profit, rental co-op doesn't operate like a condominium board where residents have shares, but rather, rent (called a housing charge) goes toward building a reserve fund, which can be used for repairs and paying the mortgage.

That means money raised doesn't land in the tenants' pockets — it goes toward the building.

And the group has found success raising funds.

During that June 21 city council meeting, councillors contributed $84,000 through a forgivable loan toward the building's down payment.

A building.
The brick apartment building at 272 Caroline St. S. has 21 units and was originally listed for $5.25 million. (Bobby Hristova/CBC)

Power said they also got a loan through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and have had community donations.

She said tenants have received lots of support from non-profits and other groups, but the novelty of the idea has been a barrier to get more funding.

"We're hoping we can prove this works and some of these organizations built to help with things like affordable housing can help future groups."

'It's been my home for 30 years'

Andrew Robertson, the building's owner, said he was skeptical when he first heard about the tenants' plan, but said he's supportive of the tenants buying the property.

"Am I confident it'll happen? I'm more confident than I was three months ago," he said.

He noted there's an "impasse" now that the tenants have received inspection records.

Robertson said while he applauds the tenants' efforts, he's not letting emotion cloud his decision.

"They have to pay the price I think is fair or I'm not going to sell," Robertson said.

"I didn't get into owning a building for charity. It's always been a financial process."

For Reynolds, it's more than that.

"This has been my home. It's been my home for 30 years."


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