Harbour porpoise (Pacific Ocean population) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 1

Assessment Summary

Assessment Summary – November 2003

Common name: Harbour porpoise (Pacific Ocean Population)

Scientific name: Phocoena Phocoena

Status: Special Concern

Reason for designation: They appear to be particularly sensitive to human activities, and are prone to becoming entrapped and killed in fishing nets. They are a short lived shy species that are now rarely seen at the highly developed areas of Victoria and Haro Strait. Continued development and use of its prime habitat by humans are some of the main threats. They are displaced by underwater noise, and could be affected by contaminants in their food chain.

Occurrence: Pacific Ocean

Status history: Designated Data Deficient in April 1991. Status re-examined and designated Special Concern in November 2003. Last assessment based on an update status report.

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