Coastal Resource Information System

Harbour Porpoise

Little information exists on the number and distribution of Harbour Porpoises in British Columbia. This species inhabits nearshore waters, shelves and banks shallower than 80 metres. Use of nearshore habitats may be greatest during the summer months. Herds are typically comprised of fewer than 50 individuals (Leatherwood and Reeves, 1986).

The following description of Harbour Porpoises is from the National Audubon Society Nature Guide: Pacific Coast by Bayard and Evelyn McConnaughy

In the Pacific, Harbour Porpoises range from the Gulf of Alaska and eastern Aleutian Islands to southern California. Harbour Porpoises are the smallest cetacean in the world. They prefer the subarctic, cold temperate waters, usually inshore within 18 meters of depth. They are rarely found in offshore depths of 175 meters or more. They will frequent bays, harbours, estuaries and river mouths. Of the six species of true porpoises, the Harbour Porpoise has the widest range and is most commonly seen. This species of porpoise tends to be wary of vessels and does not ride bow waves. They are often seen swimming quietly at the surface. Harbour Porpoises feed upon octopuses, squids and fish. Because they are found mostly inshore they are adversely affected by human activities, such as pollution and entanglement in fishing gear.