The little-known—and threatened—orcas of the North Atlantic

Anaïs Remili, PhD(AgEnvSc)'23, an ecotoxicologist and postdoctoral researcher, tracks contaminants that threaten the health of North Atlantic orcas. While Pacific orca populations are well studied, little is known about those that swim off the Canadian and European east coasts, and they are less protected.

The immune, endocrine and reproductive systems of these large marine mammals are negatively affected by the accumulation of chemical molecules such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides and flame retardants in their fats. Recent research has shown that toxic chemicals from wildfire smoke and oil spills are also accumulating in orcas.

"Orcas are among the most contaminated marine animals in the world. They are a very important species that regulates ecosystems. They must be protected," Remili told Québec Science in an interview.

Like many other animals, they are also at risk from other human activities, from boats to overfishing.

Anaïs Remili advocates for intensifying research efforts to better understand Atlantic orca populations, and for the implementation of conservation plans.