Mourning Notcho: How a Whale’s Death Teaches Us About Ecological Grief

Why Notcho’s death resonated

Notcho was identified as BCX1700, a humpback whale whose death followed a collision with a BC Ferries vessel. Fatal ship strikes are not unusual, but this case became national news because people witnessed it, his injury was preventable and he was familiar to the area.

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw recognized Notcho as a relative and held a ceremony to honour him. His death also highlighted a growing risk in the Salish Sea: humpback numbers have recovered since commercial whaling protections began in 1966, and more whales in the area mean greater exposure to ship strikes.

Understanding ecological grief

Ecological grief describes emotional responses to environmental destruction, species loss, declining biodiversity and climate change. It can follow the loss of an individual animal, a cherished tree, an entire species or an ecosystem.

Researchers and the public increasingly recognize this grief as a healthy, valid response. Yet, while it has been studied and described, practical ways to cope with it and mourn environmental losses remain less understood.

Three ways to cope

Preliminary research described in the article examines three approaches: action-focused, emotion-focused and meaning-focused coping. After learning about Notcho, the writer saw examples of all three in public responses to a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Facebook post about the ceremony.

Some commenters expressed frustration over ferry speed limits and called for changes. Others asked whether Notcho’s body would be returned to the ocean to nourish the marine ecosystem. These responses connected grief with possible action to prevent future harm or support ecological restoration.

The role of mourning practices

Other people used words and emojis to convey sorrow, heartbreak and love. For Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, mourning included bringing Notcho to their territory to care for his remains under their laws and holding a sacred ceremony; many online responses expressed gratitude.