A statement from Fisheries and Oceans Canada says the fines follow an investigation by the department's whale protection unit.
The department says beach rubbing is a"unique quirk" of the northern residents, which enter shallow waters near the shore, then brush against smooth pebbles in a behaviour that's thought to help scrape off dead skin and strengthen family bonds. Ottawa's statement says it's the first time a fine has been issued in Canada for the unlawful use of a drone to capture footage of killer whales.
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