Secrets from DNA: Our new Conservation Genetics Laboratory

Our lab works closely with Raincoast’s Cetacean Conservation Research Program and also helps answer important questions for our other conservation initiatives.

2023 saw us launch our Conservation Genetics Lab, an integral part of Raincoast’s efforts to protect the land, waters, and wildlife of coastal BC. The DNA and RNA analysis we perform provides our scientists with reliable insights into the population structure, health, diets, resilience, and genetic isolation of coastal species. The lab works closely with our Cetacean Conservation Research Program and also helps answer important questions for our other conservation initiatives. 

Sequencing genomes of species has become increasingly possible. We recently sequenced the entire genomes of 141 Northern Resident killer whales to get a wide range of information on their levels of inbreeding, genetic diversity, and immune system strength. We are comparing the information in this dataset to a similar one for Southern Resident killer whales compiled by NOAA in the United States. The findings will give us insight into the comparative health of these important fish-eating populations of killer whales. We are also finalizing a study on the level of inbreeding in Bigg’s killer whales, which will inform our understanding of similarities and differences between North Pacific killer whale populations.

In the coming year, we will be using DNA found in killer whale fecal matter to uncover new insights about their prey, including identifying the specific stocks of salmon they feed on. To date, we have already found evidence of some interesting non-salmon fish in their diet. We will also be using genetics to find the links between stressors and contaminants, and genetic changes that occur in response.

This is an excerpt from our annual report, Tracking Raincoast into 2024.

Tracking Raincoast into 2024, annual report, cover and inside pages.

You can help

Raincoast’s in-house scientists, collaborating graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and professors make us unique among conservation groups. We work with First Nations, academic institutions, government, and other NGOs to build support and inform decisions that protect aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and the wildlife that depend on them. We conduct ethically applied, process-oriented, and hypothesis-driven research that has immediate and relevant utility for conservation deliberations and the collective body of scientific knowledge.

We investigate to understand coastal species and processes. We inform by bringing science to decision-makers and communities. We inspire action to protect wildlife and wildlife habitats.

Coastal wolf with a salmon in its month.
Photo by Dene Rossouw.