Wednesday November 20, 2024
The Seattle Times —
The southern resident orcas have been spy-hopping, breaching, slapping their tails, chasing down chum salmon and dazzling onlookers from the shores of the Salish Sea.
For nearly a month, they have been spotted mostly hanging around the “Possession Triangle,” or the waters from the south end of Whidbey Island to the Edmonds-Kingston ferry line. This may be one of the fish-eating orcas’ longest recent stretches in the inland waters.
The extended visit was a welcome sight for researchers working to better understand and protect the endangered orcas. And it was a reminder of the work needed to ensure they have more consistent access to food throughout their range.
The southern residents’ population is struggling. As of the latest census, just 73 southern resident orcas remain. It is one of the lowest tallies since the center counted 71 orcas when it began its survey in 1976.