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

Wolves walk out onto a muddy flat during a low tide, on the central coast, surrounded by giant forests and some eagles or hawks flap in the foreground.

The science and ethics of wolf conservation

Marked by a long history of persecution and astonishing resilience, wolves continue to be in the crosshairs of both the public and policymakers.
A Grizzly bear stands in the river with a giant salmon in their mouth and paws, water spalshing all about with grass and rocks in the background.

Standing our ground and recognizing a broader horizon

Applied science in its most productive form requires a commitment to acknowledging – and communicating – difficult realities.
Hexagons filled with whales and other illustrated marine animals as well as maps and machinery lay on top of a beautiful Rocky Mountain lake scene.

The Global Plastic Pollution Treaty negotiations failed: What this means for microplastic pollution in Canada’s environment

Over two decades of scientific research reveals that microfibres are the predominant form of microplastics contaminating virtually all reaches of our planet.
A rainy foggy scene unfolds along a river, as seen from a canoe, with green coniferous forest and brown grass trailing off through the mountains.

Final field days of 2024

Canoes, old-growth forests, and appreciating the cycle of life.
Southern Resident killer whales swim close to shore in a pod.

Hanging by a thread

Highly intelligent, social, and sensitive, with sophisticated communication skills and strong family ties, these whales have an intrinsic right to live their lives.
A single killer whale is seen at a distance in a grey light scene, where water and sky almost blend, but the dark black of the killer whale makes the scene look magic; we can see the whale's breath.

Snapshot of Raincoast actions for Southern Resident killer whales

Raincoast has been working to implement adequate recovery measures for endangered Southern Resident killer whales for almost 20 years.
A swarm of youth sit on the bow of Achiever on a sunny day, with Pascale leading SSES curriculum.

Sailing, stewardship, and sound

Raincoast’s youth program, Salish Sea Emerging Stewards, aims to educate, inspire, and empower the next generation of conservation leaders.
Members of the Cetacean Conservation Program stand on Achiever and take photos of a killer whale.

Pelagic bird surveys and other research on board Achiever

The goal is to reduce Achiever’s carbon emissions, significantly reduce the amount of underwater noise (from our engines), and become a leading example for other small ships working and traveling the coastal waters of BC.