Dead porpoise washes up near Qualicum Beach
Published 5:30 pm Thursday, October 23, 2025
A dead porpoise has washed up on Eaglecrest Beach and it will likely be there for a while as it decomposes.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) said it received two reports of the animal in Qualicum Beach on Oct. 13 and Oct. 16.
The DFO noted it is “not uncommon” for dead marine mammals to wash up on shore and said each incident report is reviewed and analyzed to determine the best steps for the specific case.
“Not every dead mammal requires removal,” the DFO told the PQB News. “It is recommended that the carcass be left to decompose as it is part of the ecosystem, but if there is concern that the animal is a public nuisance, the removal of dead marine life within municipal boundaries is a municipal responsibility.”
Harbour porpoises are listed as special concern on the Species at Risk registry. The public is strongly advised not to touch or disturb harbour porpoises and to report sightings to DFO to support monitoring and conservation efforts. For health and public safety reasons, the DFO advised that the public refrain from handling the dead carcasses of any wild animals.
“Marine animals can transmit deadly bacteria to humans and other animals i.e. leptospira and Mycobacterium (which causes tuberculosis),” the DFO statement said. “This is an added incentive not to handle a seal or sea lion dead, or alive — their bite is extremely dangerous.”
Under the Marine Mammal Regulations, people are required to keep their distance from live marine mammals.
If you see a marine mammal being harmed or harassed, please report it to DFO Pacific region’s toll-free violation reporting line at 1-800-465-4336, or email the details to DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.