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
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.