Conservation Genetics Laboratory 

Our conservation genetics research addresses threats to cetaceans, fish, and coastal carnivores. 

The Conservation Genetics Lab is 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, and 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. 

Two hands wearing blue gloves holding and organizing beakers.
Research scientist Adam Warner holding two small beakers while wearing a lab coat in a lab.

Cutting edge genetics and genomics analysis

The Raincoast Conservation Genetics Lab is equipped with a complete set of instrumentation to conduct molecular biology and genetics, including cutting-edge DNA sequencing technology. Our Research Scientist, Dr. Adam Warner, has extensive experience in genetics, genomics and DNA sequencing, has set up our lab space and has begun to carry out this research under the guidance of our Cetacean Research Program directors Dr. Lance Barrett-Lennard and Dr. Valeria Vergara. The lab works alongside Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which is hosting our lab space at the Pacific Science Enterprise Centre.

Understanding killer whale diet

A lack of sufficient Chinook salmon in the diets of Southern and Northern Resident killer whales has been linked to declines in population health. Our lab has the ability to extract and analyze salmon DNA from Resident killer whales feces, to identify the salmon stocks of most importance to the whales. Since we can identify the individual whales that produced fecal material genetically, we can link other health metrics such as stress hormone levels (also found in the fecal material) to individual killer whales. 

Overhead photo of a pod of killer whales swimming in the ocean.
Photo by Raincoast Conservation Foundation, taken under SARA Research License XMMS-2-2022.
Two killer whales surfacing on the ocean.
Photo by John Kelsey.

Killer whale population health and dynamics

Killer whales live in small populations that from their size alone would appear to be vulnerable to negative effects of inbreeding.  We recently sequenced the entire genomes of 142 members of the Northern Resident population to directly  assess inbreeding, genetic diversity, and immune system strength. We are comparing this information in this dataset to one for Southern Residents compiled by NOAA in the United States. This will help us gain insight into the comparative health of these important fish-eating populations of killer whales. We are also finalizing a study of inbreeding in marine mammal-eating Bigg’s killer whales, which will inform our understanding of similarities and differences between North Pacific killer whale populations.

Environmental DNA to aid research focused on wild salmon and coastal wolves

Our research on wild salmon and coastal wolf populations has the potential to be expanded through the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring and analysis. Through eDNA, we can track and assess salmon populations and determine abundance and diversity. Using wolf scat samples we can identify specific individuals, their sex, and the prey consumed. By learning more about these important populations, we hope to drive policy change to protect biodiversity.

Research scientist Adam Warner holding two small beakers while wearing a lab coat in a lab.
Photo by Alex Harris / Raincoast Conservation Foundation.

Recent articles

Astrid Vik Stronen in the snow and ice on Moon Lake in January, with ski goggles and icicles dangling from her toque and scarf.

Episode 5: Wolf genetics and ecology with Astrid Vik Stronen

In our fifth Of Wolves and Women episode, Astrid Vik Stronen delves into the fascinating world of conservation genetics, revealing how this field can guide wildlife protection amidst rapid environmental change.
Shelley Alexander kneels over some remains in the field with stunning snow covered mountains looming in the background.

Episode 4: The science and ethics of tracking wolves with Shelley Alexander

In our fourth Of Wolves and Women episode, Shelley Alexander reminds us that science, when divorced from ethics, fails to consider the whole picture.
A Southern Resident killer whale and a young one breath on the surface of the Salish Sea.

Why Southern Resident killer whales need emergency protection

Preventing extinction requires bold action. Will the Government act before it’s too late?
A grey and white wolf stands on the tree line looking out over the grass and meadow flowers.

Episode 3: Wolves, biodiversity, and food security with Susan Bragdon

In our third Of Wolves and Women episode, Susan Bragdon reveals what her observations uncovered about the role of female wolves.
A wolf lies down on a gentle slope in the snow and looks out over the low area.

Episode 2: Wolf social behaviour with Jane Packard 

In our second Of Wolves and Women episode, Jane Packard discusses the importance of learning to see the world through the eyes of another being — whether two-legged or four-legged.
The dorsal fin of the killer whale known as J35, or Tahlequah, is seen above the ocean surface as she pushes her dead newborn calf, J61, with her nose.

A mother’s grief, a population on the brink

This population is on a trajectory to extinction. But trajectories can change. There is still time.
Several Southern Resident killer whales surface together gliding quickly through the blue water.

Give your input to DFO on vessel management to protect Southern Residents

Input on recovery of Southern Resident killer whales and potential general vessel management measures for 2025 and 2026.
Diane Boyd stands in a cutblock holding a radio antenna up in the air while tracking wolves.

Episode 1: Gray wolf recovery with Diane Boyd

In our inaugural Of Wolves and Women episode, Diane Boyd reminds us “It’s people management, not wolf management.”