Southern resident orca population grows to 76 as second consecutive year of recovery continues
The Center for Whale Research counted 76 Southern resident killer whales as of July 1, up two from the previous year. Four calves were born during the census period, with two surviving.
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The endangered Southern resident orca population reached 76 individuals as of July 1, up two from the previous year, marking the second consecutive year of population growth, according to the Center for Whale Research in Washington.
Four calves were born during the census period. Two survived: K47, a female calf born to mother K43, and L130, a calf of unknown sex born to mother L91. Both appear in normal health. J64 survived less than a month. L129 was photographed during a single encounter only. No other whales died during the survey period.
The population is distributed across three pods: L Pod with 34 individuals, J Pod with 27, and K Pod with 15. Before the marine park capture era of the 1960s and 1970s, the population is believed to have exceeded 100. The Center for Whale Research's first census in 1976 counted 72. The population peaked at 98 individuals in 1995, then declined again. The Center noted that previous growth periods have been followed by longer decline periods.
Michael Weiss, research director at the Center for Whale Research, said in a statement: "These whales face stress from human caused noise and disturbance, pollutants, and most crucially a lack of large, fatty chinook salmon, their primary prey. Saving these whales means restoring chinook salmon habitat, improving fisheries management, and addressing the sources of noise and toxicants in their environment. Doing these things is the only path towards more years of population growth."
On October 3, female orca J31, also known as Tsuchi, was observed near Sombrio Point in the Strait of Juan de Fuca carrying a dead newborn calf on her nose. The Center for Whale Research assessment was unclear whether the calf had been carried to full term, died after birth, or was stillborn.
The Center for Whale Research assessed the current population as "much smaller than historical levels." The source material contains no statement from fisheries management agencies on salmon habitat restoration plans or timeline.
By the numbers
How many Southern resident orcas were counted as of July 1?
The Center for Whale Research counted 76 Southern resident killer whales as of July 1, representing an increase of two from the previous year.
How many calves were born to Southern resident orcas during the census period?
Four calves were born during the census period. Two survived: K47, a female calf born to mother K43, and L130, a calf of unknown sex born to mother L91.
How are the 76 Southern resident orcas distributed among pods?
L Pod contains 34 individuals, J Pod contains 27, and K Pod contains 15 Southern resident killer whales.
