Southern resident killer whale population falls to 73
The Center for Whale Research's (CWR) annual census of the southern resident killer whale (SRKW) population shows a decrease in the number of the endangered orcas that seasonally live in B.C. waters.
According to the Washington state-based whale research agency, as of July 1 the SRKW population consisted of 73 individuals, which is a decrease of one from the July 1, 2021 census, when the orca population was 74.
This year's report was released in September and was completed for the National Marine Fisheries Service in Bellingham, Wash.
The CWR reports that the SRKW population is a large extended family or clan that make up J, K and L pods. Members of J pod are the clan most likely to be seen year-round in the waters of the Salish Sea.
The pod used to frequent the inland waters from Washington state’s lower Puget Sound to the Georgia Strait from late spring to early fall.
In recent years the timeframe for J pod's "visits" have shortened to late summer through to early fall.
DEATHS THIS YEAR
The most recent census data shows the SRKW population had three deaths – K21 "Cappuccino," L89 "Solstice" and K44 "Ripple" – from July 1, 2021 to July 1, 2022.
"From community observations, we know that K44 was alive in late April 2022, however he was not seen in subsequent encounters with his family," reads this year's CWR census report.
The agency states that the body of a juvenile male killer whale, matching K44’s size and markings, was found entangled off the Oregon coast in late June. It says that due to a lack of photographs or biological samples, a definitive identification of the deceased orca could not be made.
"If there is even a chance that we are losing members of this endangered population – possibly otherwise completely healthy and productive members – to entanglement, this is an issue that needs immediate attention, discussion, and action," the report adds.
The agency’s researchers note that L89 "Solstice" was seen in late 2021, but despite repeated encounters with his mother and social group, the orca has not been seen in 2022.
LOWEST COUNT FOR L POD
This year's SRKW census marks the lowest number of orcas in L pod, at 32, since the study began in 1976.
Meanwhile, K pod has the lowest number of orcas in its family in the past two decades, with just 16 individuals.
The census report indicates that J pod, with no deaths and one birth, now totals 25 orcas.
The whale research organization reports that during the SRKW census period this year, there were two births among the endangered orca population.
In February, J37 gave birth to her second calf, J59, which the CWR determined to be a female.
Then sometime in April, K20 also had her second offspring, K45, but despite multiple encounters by the CWR with the calf, its sex is currently unknown.
Recent observations of the two orca calves show that they appear to be healthy.
This year's full SRKW census report can be found on the Center for Whale Research website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6972087.1721581281!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Joy in Newfoundland after 'Lucky 7' fishers survive harrowing days lost at sea
There was a powerful word being repeated in the joyful Newfoundland community of New-Wes-Valley on Sunday: 'Miracle.'
Here are the signs you're ready to downsize your home
Amid the cost-of-living crisis, many Canadians are looking to find ways to save money, such as downsizing their home. But one Ottawa broker says there are several signs to consider before making the big decision.
A 12-year-old girl is accused of smothering her younger cousin over an iPhone
A 12-year-old girl in Tennessee has been charged with murder, accused of smothering her eight-year-old cousin as the younger girl slept. A relative said they had been arguing over an iPhone.
Trudeau and family head to British Columbia for vacation in unnamed location
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will head to British Columbia on Sunday, where he will be on vacation with his family until Aug. 1.
Even if your kids roll their eyes, keep making jokes, research says
Researchers surveyed about 300 people about their experiences being raised with or without humour and their views on their childhood, according to a study published Wednesday in the journal PLOS One.
Hazmat response to north London, Ont. apartment complex
Circumstances around a deceased individual in an apartment raise concerns for first responders.
How to protect yourself from West Nile virus
It's been a hot, humid and wet summer so far in Ottawa, making it the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and elevating the risk of West Nile virus.
'I live a good, clean life': Socialite veteran 'just keeps going' ahead of 100th birthday
Thomas Archibald Franklin reflects on being 100 years young ahead of milestone birthday on Tuesday, bringing family and community together
Quebec woman's death warns of dangers of cosmetic surgery abroad
Brian McConnell's daughter, Florence McConnell, died after a liposuction surgery complication in Morocco. Now, he warns others against undergoing cosmetic surgeries abroad.