Nova Zhang
Orcas, or killer whales, are found in every ocean on Earth. However, Puget Sound's Southern Resident killer whales hold a special place in the hearts and culture of those in Washington. These orcas are an endangered species, with a population of only 75 individuals in the J, K, and L pods. They are beloved by the Lummi Nation, who refer to them as qwe'lhol'mechen, meaning people beneath the waves. The Lummi people have a long history with these orcas, considering them kin and holding sacred ceremonies in their honour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Orcas, Killer Whales |
| Scientific Name | Orcinus orca |
| Location | Puget Sound |
| Population | 75 individuals in 2023 |
| Population Goal | 86 individuals by 2030, 110 by 2050 |
| Pods | J, K, and L |
| Diet | Chinook Salmon |
| Threats | Lack of prey, vessel noise, pollution, inbreeding |
| Cultural Significance | Lummi Nation considers them kin |
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What You'll Learn
Puget Sound's three Southern Resident killer whale pods
Orcas, or killer whales, swim in every ocean on Earth. However, Puget Sound's Southern Resident killer whales hold a special place in human culture and history. Even schoolchildren in Washington are familiar with the state's three resident pods, known as J, K, and L pods. These orcas, technically members of the dolphin family, are considered whales due to their size, with males reaching over 30 feet in length.
The Southern Resident killer whales were once a robust population of around 140 individuals. Unfortunately, in the 1960s, the community suffered a significant blow when nearly 50 whales were captured and displayed in marine parks. This event, known as the large capture event, specifically targeted K Pod in Yukon Harbor on the west side of Puget Sound in 1967. The Southern Resident killer whale population has since been listed as endangered.
The Southern Resident killer whales are considered kin by the Lummi Nation, who have sacred ceremonies dedicated to them. The Lummi refer to these orcas as "qwe'lhol'mechen," meaning "people beneath the waves." The Lummi Nation's oral traditions, recorded as early as the mid-1800s, provide valuable insights into the historical presence of these whales in the Puget Sound region.
The decline in the Southern Resident killer whale population is attributed to various factors, including pollution, a lack of prey, and the accumulation of contaminants in their bodies. One of the primary threats is the declining population of Chinook salmon, their primary food source. Efforts are being made to restore salmon populations and reduce other risks, such as oil spills, to support the recovery of these iconic whales.
The Southern Resident killer whales are highly social and communicate using complex vocalizations and echolocation. They are closely knit, matriarchal family groups, and their summer gatherings in Puget Sound, where all three pods meet, are celebrated as a "superpod."
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The decline of Southern Resident orcas
The Southern Resident Orcas, also known as the Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW), are a small community of orcas that live off the U.S. Pacific coastline. They are considered an endangered species, with a population of only 73 as of July 2024, down from a peak of 96-99 in the mid-1990s.
The decline of the Southern Resident Orcas can be attributed to various factors, including:
- Lack of prey and depletion of fish stocks: The Southern Resident Orcas are seafood lovers and dine almost exclusively on Chinook salmon, which make up more than 80% of their diet. However, the Chinook salmon population has been declining due to factors such as personal fishing in their upstream spawning grounds, aquaculture, and the presence of dams in the Lower Snake River Dam System, which has restricted the native salmon flow.
- Pollution: Noise pollution from vessels can interfere with the orcas' echolocation abilities, making it difficult for them to catch prey. Additionally, chemical pollution from toxins such as PCBs can bioaccumulate in the orcas' tissues, causing endocrine and immune system disruption.
- Whaling and capture operations: Between 1962 and 1977, a significant number of Southern Resident Orcas were captured or killed during capture operations in British Columbia and Washington State. These operations targeted physically immature orcas, and the removal of these individuals from their community disrupted the natural age structure of the population.
- Genetic alterations: Studies have found genetic alterations in some Southern Resident Orcas, which may have contributed to changes in their normal physiological functions and population decline.
The Southern Resident Orcas are culturally and economically significant to the Pacific Northwest. The Lummi Nation, for example, considers them kin and has sacred ceremonies dedicated to them. Efforts are being made to support the recovery of the orca population, including working to reduce the risk of oil spills, restoring salmon populations, and advocating for the breaching of the lower Snake River dams.
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The difference between Bigg's orcas and Southern Resident orcas
Orcas, or killer whales, swim in every ocean on Earth. However, the Southern Resident killer whales of Puget Sound hold a special place in the hearts and culture of humans. They are technically part of the dolphin family but are considered whales due to their size, with males growing to more than 30 feet in length.
Southern Resident killer whales are also known as Orcinus orca ater. They primarily feed on Chinook salmon, which they locate using echolocation. They are often found near seals and porpoises but do not typically consume them. They are highly social, with complex vocal communication systems. These orcas hold cultural significance for the Lummi Nation, who consider them kin and have sacred ceremonies dedicated to them.
Bigg's killer whales, on the other hand, are a separate subspecies known as Orcinus orca rectipinnus. They are also referred to as transient orcas. Bigg's killer whales have evolved to feed on marine mammals such as seals, sea lions, and porpoises. Their skulls exhibit morphological differences from Southern Residents, with a wider rostrum (beak), presumably adapted for hunting larger prey.
The two subspecies of killer whales live in close proximity but remain distinct, rarely interacting or intermixing. Scientists have proposed recognising Bigg's and Southern Resident killer whales as separate species, highlighting their unique physical and genetic characteristics. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these orcas and ensure their thriving presence in Puget Sound for years to come.
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The Lummi Nation's relationship with Southern Resident orcas
The Lummi Nation has had a relationship with Southern Resident killer whales in the Salish Sea for thousands of years. The Lummi Nation refers to these whales as qwe'lhol'mechen, which translates to "people beneath the waves". The Lummi Nation considers the Southern Resident killer whales as kin and has sacred ceremonies dedicated to them.
The Southern Resident killer whales are an endangered species of whale, commonly referred to as "fish-eating orcas" or "SRKW". They are technically part of the dolphin family, but because of their size (males can reach over 30 feet in length), they are also considered whales. They are called "resident" because they stay in the same area for long periods, unlike transient orcas, which are constantly on the move.
The Lummi Nation has been actively involved in efforts to protect and conserve the Southern Resident killer whales. They have campaigned for the elimination of new stressors to the Salish Sea, the creation of a healthy salmon population, and the redirection of marine vessels and development plans that could harm the whales. The Lummi Nation has also worked to free Tokitae, also known as Lolita, a Southern Resident Orca captured from the Salish Sea in 1970 and sold to the Miami Seaquarium, where she remained until her death in 2023.
The Lummi Nation's dedication to protecting the Southern Resident killer whales is evident in their use of Traditional Ecological Knowledge to support the orca population. They recognize the rights of the whales, including their right to life, autonomy, culture, adequate food supply, and free and safe passage. The Lummi Nation has also joined forces with animal protection groups and the Earth Law Center (ELC) to advocate for systemic change and legal rights for the Southern Resident Orcas, demonstrating their commitment to ensuring the survival and well-being of these majestic creatures.
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Chinook salmon's role in the survival of Puget Sound orcas
The Southern Resident orcas of Puget Sound are an iconic presence in the region, with a special place in the culture and history of the Lummi Nation. These orcas, or killer whales, are facing a significant threat to their survival due to the decline in Chinook salmon populations, their primary prey.
The Southern Resident orcas are a unique community of whales that belong to the dolphin family but are considered whales due to their size, with males reaching over 30 feet in length. They are known for their complex social structures and vocal traditions. Historically, their population numbered around 140, but various factors, including capture operations and habitat loss, have reduced their numbers. In 2021, there were only 74 individual whales, and they are now considered endangered.
Chinook salmon is the main prey of the Southern Resident orcas. The orcas' survival depends on the abundance of this fish species. The average Southern Resident orca must consume 18-25 adult Chinook salmon daily to meet its energy requirements. The orca community needs to capture at least half a million salmon a year to sustain their population, and even more if they are to recover to their previous numbers.
The decline in Chinook salmon populations is attributed to several factors. One significant issue is overfishing and habitat loss, with native salmon flow heavily restricted by dams on the Lower Snake River. Pollution, predators, and changes in the food web also contribute to the decline. Additionally, ocean conditions, such as the presence of "The Blob," a mass of warm water that depleted the ocean's food supply, have negatively impacted salmon populations. The mortality rate of Chinook salmon is further impacted by the presence of pink salmon, which spawn in the same waters every other year, creating competition for food and attracting predators.
The recovery of the Southern Resident orca population is closely tied to the recovery of Chinook salmon populations. Efforts to restore salmon spawning streams and habitats are crucial for the survival of both species. The Lummi Nation, with their deep cultural connection to the orcas, has been actively supporting orca population recovery using Traditional Ecological Knowledge.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are Orcas in Puget Sound.
There are two types of Orcas in Puget Sound: the Bigg's (or transient) Orcas, and the Southern Resident Orcas.
Bigg's Orcas hunt marine mammals, while Southern Resident Orcas are seafood lovers and dine almost solely on Chinook salmon.
The population of Orcas in Puget Sound has been increasing year after year. In 2023, there were 75 Southern Resident Orcas in the J, K, and L pods. There were 1,270 unique sightings of Bigg's Orcas in the Salish Sea in 2023, surpassing the previous record of 1,220 in 2022.
The three main threats to the Southern Resident Orcas in Puget Sound are a lack of adequate food, vessel and boat noise, and pollution in their food.
