Sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 1

Assessment Summary

Assessment Summary – May 2003

Common name : Sei whale (Pacific population)

Scientific name : Balaenoptera borealis

Status : Endangered

Reason for designation : This was one of the most abundant species sought by whalers off the British Columbia coast (with over 4000 individuals killed) and was also commonly taken in other areas of the eastern North Pacific. Sei whales have not been reported in British Columbia since whaling ended and may now be gone. There are few, if any, mature individuals remaining in British Columbia waters, and there is clear evidence of a dramatic decline caused by whaling and no sign of recovery.

Occurrence : Pacific Ocean

Status history : Designated Endangered in May 2003. Assessment based on a new status report.

Assessment Summary – May 2003

Common name : Sei whale (Atlantic population)

Scientific name : Balaenoptera borealis

Status : Data Deficient

Reason for designation : This species is seen off Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.  However, data are lacking to determine the degree of depletion caused by whaling, or to assess current population size, or to determine whether the population has recovered in any way since whaling ended.  The effects of current threats, especially oil and gas exploration and development, are unknown.  There is also uncertainty regarding possible population substructure.

Occurrence : Atlantic Ocean

Status history : Designated Data Deficient in May 2003.  Assessment based on a new status report.

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