Whale Highway: Proposed Pipeline Threatens Endangered Killer Whales

The proposed Alberta oil pipeline route poses a significant risk to the endangered southern resident killer whale population. According to Anna Barford of Stand.earth, one spill would have 'generations' worth of impacts on the marine population.

With only 74 whales remaining in the world, as of July 2025, the species is already at high risk. The proposed pipeline would carry approximately one million barrels of crude oil a day along roughly 1,250 kilometers, increasing tanker traffic in the Salish Sea.

The increased ship traffic poses numerous risks to the whales, including underwater noise pollution and air pollution. Barford stated that 'underwater noise is the obvious pollution footprint, but there's also air pollution.' The proposed pipeline route could end up near the Fraser River Estuary, a primary feeding area for these whales.

The federal government has acknowledged the risks of climate change on salmon populations in the area and has announced plans to spend $412.9 million over five years to protect and rebuild Pacific salmon populations. However, environmental groups are concerned that new pipelines will only exacerbate the issue.