Harbor Porpoise Project
Biota Maxima’s Harbor Porpoise Project has changed a species that was “too difficult to monitor” to a species that is now recognized as a sentinel for the health of the Salish Sea. We used a strong citizen science program that trained volunteers to work with scientists to collect observation data, and we used six underwater monitors to collect acoustic data continuously. |
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife had listed the harbor porpoise as a Candidate Species of Concern but did not have the funding for a status review. Canada has listed them as a Species of Special Concern because of their sensitivity to human activities. Now, the Puget Sound Partnership is considering the harbor porpoise as one of the indicator species for their clean-up effort. Our work will assist these agencies to better manage marine resources through the information we have recorded and methods we have developed, described in the links below:
- History. Read about the status of our work with harbor porpoises.
- Sentinel Species. A consideration of the harbor porpoise as a sentinel species.
- Videos. Watch videos of harbor porpoises made during our project work.
- Vancouver Aquarium work. Read about our acoustic work with Daisy, the rescued harbor porpoise at Vancouver Aquarium.
- Harbor porpoise natural history. Read about the natural history of the harbor porpoise.
- Project observation data. View harbor porpoise observation data recorded by our project participants.
- Reports. Read reports about our work starting in 2009.
- Citizen Science Volunteer Resources - Regionwide. Learn about marine wildlife identification and behavior, ideal observation locations, and access volunteer protocol and the data collection forms that can be used across the Salish Sea.
- Citizen Science Volunteer Resources - Burrows Pass. Learn about marine mammal identification and behavior, and access volunteer protocol and the data collection form.
- Citizen Science Volunteer Resources - Rosario Head. Learn about marine mammal identification and behavior, and access volunteer protocol and the data collection form.
- Citizen Scientist Volunteer Calendar. You can use this calendar to schedule your observation activities.
- Marine Mammal Identification and Behavior. This PowerPoint includes photos and information about the different marine mammals you might see at Burrows Pass or Rosario. In the last ten years, quite a number of species have appeared or increased their presence.
- WDFW Status of harbor porpoise. Read about how the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife designates a Species of Concern. The harbor porpoise is a candidate for this listing.
- Donate. And don't forget to donate to this work. It is for a good porpoise.
- Follow us on Facebook!
Photo credits: Florian Graner, Aileen Jeffries, Peter Morrison, Vancouver Aquarium, Steven Gnam
Copyright © Biota Maxima
PO Box 298,
Winthrop, WA 98862