Live-Capture Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) Fishery, British Columbia and Washington, 1962–73

Abstract

In British Columbia and Washington 263 killer whales (Orcinus orca) were caught during 1962–73 of which 50 were kept for oceanaria, 12 died during capture operations, and the remainder escaped or were released. Peak cropping years were 1967–70 when 77% of all whales removed from the water were taken. Lengths of cropped males were 2.49–6.98 m and females, 2.80–6.25 m. Of 28 females taken an estimated 43% were mature and of 30 males, 20% were adult. The equation relating body length in centimeters and weight in kilograms is W = 0.000208 L2.577. Revenue to netters from the sale of 48 killer whales is estimated to be about $1,000,000. Of 48 whales held in captivity 48% were still alive on April 1, 1974. Survival to the end of 2 yr in captivity is 75% in whales thought to be immature and 13% in adults. The history, capture localities and techniques, and management regulations of the killer whale fishery are also described.