Elliot Kim
Dolphins are considered rare in the Puget Sound, but sightings have been increasing since 2010. Species such as the long-beaked common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, and Pacific white-sided dolphin have been spotted in the area, with some even becoming permanent residents. The Puget Sound has also been home to porpoises, specifically the Harbor and Dall's porpoise species, which have made a comeback in recent years. As water temperatures rise, it is likely that dolphins will become regular inhabitants of the Puget Sound.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dolphin Species in Puget Sound | Long-beaked common dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Pacific white-sided dolphins, Harbor porpoises, Dall's porpoises |
| Frequency of Sightings | Rare, but sightings have increased since 2010, especially since 2016 |
| Behavior | Swimming, feeding, approaching boats, leaping out of the water, playing in the wake of boats |
| Diet | Fish (e.g. herring, mackerel), squid, octopus |
| Protection Status | Protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act |
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What You'll Learn
- Bottlenose dolphins have been Puget Sound residents since the 1990s
- Long-beaked common dolphins are increasingly frequenting the inshore waters
- Pacific white-sided dolphins are acrobatic and energetic, with short beaks
- Harbour porpoises returned to Puget Sound around 2000
- Puget Sound's water temperature rise is attracting subtropical species
Bottlenose dolphins have been Puget Sound residents since the 1990s
Bottlenose dolphins have been permanent residents of Puget Sound since the 1990s. They were first sighted in the area in 2010, with two individuals reported in south Puget Sound. Since then, sightings of bottlenose dolphins have increased considerably, with some people spotting them jumping out of the water and following boats.
Puget Sound is home to a variety of cetacean species, including several types of dolphins and porpoises. In the late 20th century, the only small cetaceans in the area were Dall's porpoises. Harbor porpoises, which were common residents of Puget Sound in the 1940s, disappeared from the area in the 1970s due to threats such as fisheries and pollution. However, they made a comeback in the early 2000s, with regular sightings in southern Puget Sound starting in 2008.
In recent years, Puget Sound has also seen an increase in sightings of common dolphins, including long-beaked and short-beaked subspecies. These dolphins are considered rare in the area, as they reach the northern limits of their range. However, as water temperatures rise, they are being spotted in the inshore waters more frequently. Additionally, Pacific white-sided dolphins, known for their acrobatic behaviour and highly social nature, are occasionally seen in the Straits of Juan de Fuca.
The presence of bottlenose dolphins in Puget Sound is significant as it indicates the impact of changing environmental conditions, such as rising water temperatures, which may be a result of global warming. The increase in bottlenose dolphin sightings in the area suggests that they have adapted to the changing environment and established themselves as permanent residents. This highlights the dynamic nature of marine ecosystems and the ability of certain species to expand their range in response to environmental changes.
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Long-beaked common dolphins are increasingly frequenting the inshore waters
Long-beaked common dolphins are subtropical species that have been increasingly frequenting the inshore waters of Puget Sound since 2010. They are considered rare in these waters, as they appear to reach the northern limit of their range here. However, as water temperatures rise, sightings of these dolphins are becoming more frequent.
Long-beaked common dolphins are distinguished from porpoises by their more traditional falcate-shaped dorsal fins. They are also more likely to leap out of the water and play in the wake of boats than their local porpoise cousins. They are quite vocal, producing a wide variety of sounds, including whistles and burst-pulse sounds, to communicate. They also produce echolocation clicks, which help them navigate, detect obstacles, and locate prey.
In June 2011, there were reports of 1-2 long-beaked common dolphins swimming, feeding, and approaching boats along the stretch of the south Puget Sound shore from Boston Harbor to just south of Burfoot State Park, Olympia. This was not the first time this species had been sighted in Puget Sound. Two long-beaked common dolphins were sighted near Boston Harbor, Dalco Passage, and Whidbey Island in the summer of 2003.
The long-beaked common dolphin is a subspecies of Delphinus delphis, known as D. delphis bairdii, that is more commonly found in coastal waters. They are quite acrobatic and are often seen associating with other species. They are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and it is prohibited to harass, chase, feed, or otherwise interfere with them.
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Pacific white-sided dolphins are acrobatic and energetic, with short beaks
Pacific white-sided dolphins are known for their distinct colouring, energetic behaviour, and short beaks. They are highly social and playful, often interacting with other species such as resident killer whales, Steller sea lions, and humpback whales. These dolphins have a unique appearance, with a dark grey back, light grey or white sides, and a white underbelly. Their dorsal fin is notably large and curved compared to their body size, and they have a short rostrum or snout.
Pacific white-sided dolphins are acrobatic and energetic, displaying behaviours such as bow riding, jumping, somersaulting, and spinning in the air. They are known to approach boats and play in the wake, making them a delight for observers. They are often seen in groups ranging from 10 to 100 individuals, but larger groups of up to 6,000 dolphins have been reported. These dolphins are opportunistic feeders, consuming a variety of prey, including small schooling fish such as anchovies, herring, sardines, and squid. They have specialised cone-shaped teeth that help them catch and hold onto their prey.
The Pacific white-sided dolphin is a protected species under the Marine Mammal Protection Act in the United States, where they are not considered endangered or threatened. However, they face threats such as entanglement in fishing gear. In Canada, they are listed as "not at risk". Pacific white-sided dolphins are distributed along the coasts of California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska, and they are occasionally sighted in the Puget Sound region.
The Puget Sound, located in Washington, has been home to a pod of bottlenose dolphins since the 1990s, with sightings of common dolphins and Pacific white-sided dolphins also reported in the area. The presence of these dolphins is a fascinating development, as it indicates the adaptability of these marine mammals to changing environments. The Puget Sound offers a unique habitat for these dolphins, providing a diverse ecosystem for them to explore and interact with.
In conclusion, Pacific white-sided dolphins, with their short beaks, energetic behaviour, and acrobatic skills, are captivating marine mammals. Their distinct colouring, social nature, and playful antics make them a joy to observe. The protection of these dolphins under the Marine Mammal Protection Act ensures their conservation and highlights their importance in the ecosystem. The occasional sightings of Pacific white-sided dolphins in the Puget Sound region add to the diversity and beauty of this area, contributing to the rich marine life of the region.
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Harbour porpoises returned to Puget Sound around 2000
Harbour porpoises were once a common year-round resident in the Puget Sound in the 1940s. However, by the 1970s, they had disappeared from the area, and their numbers had significantly decreased in nearby waters. The species' interactions with fisheries and pollution were two known problems that led to their near extirpation from the Sound.
In the early 2000s, harbour porpoises returned to the Puget Sound. The comeback was documented by WDFW aerial surveys, which showed an increasing trend in the population of harbour porpoises in the waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound. Regular sightings in southern Puget Sound began in 2008. The return was monitored by several organizations, including the National Marine Fisheries Service, WDFW, Cascadia Research Collective, and the Marine Mammal Stranding Network.
The harbour porpoise is mostly found in coastal waters, including bays and estuaries. They are relatively solitary, often seen alone or in small groups. Harbour porpoises have a dark grey, rounded head and a dark grey topside that gradually becomes lighter grey towards the front half of the body. They feed primarily on schooling fish, such as herring and mackerel, but their diet can also include squid and octopus.
The return of harbour porpoises to the Puget Sound is significant as it indicates a reduction in the impact of threats such as fisheries and pollution. Conservation efforts in recent decades have helped to protect marine mammals and reduce the impact of human activities on their populations. The comeback of harbour porpoises highlights the importance of ongoing conservation measures to ensure the long-term survival and well-being of these marine species in their natural habitats.
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Puget Sound's water temperature rise is attracting subtropical species
Puget Sound, a body of water in Washington, US, has seen a rise in water temperatures over the years. The average water temperature in Puget Sound during the summer is 57°F, with the warmest water temperature in August, averaging around 53.1°F. However, in recent years, the water temperature has risen, with the warmest water recorded in 2023 at 62.4°F. This increase in water temperature is consistent with the gradual rise in air temperature in the region, which has increased by about 1-2 °C in a century.
The rise in water temperature in Puget Sound has attracted subtropical species to the area. In 2010, two subtropical species, Bryde's whales and bottlenose dolphins, were encountered in southern Puget Sound. While these specific animals were later found dead, sightings of subtropical species in the area have continued. In 2011, there were reports of long-beaked common dolphins, typically found in the tropical waters of southern California and Mexico, swimming, feeding, and approaching boats in south Puget Sound.
Historically, Puget Sound was home to only a few small cetaceans, such as Dall's porpoises and, more recently, harbor porpoises. However, the increase in water temperature has likely contributed to the expansion of species in the area. In addition to the subtropical species mentioned, sightings of common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and Pacific white-sided dolphins have increased since 2010, with some even suggesting that these species have become permanent residents of Puget Sound.
The presence of these subtropical species in Puget Sound is a notable change and may be indicative of the changing environment and warming waters. The Washington State Department of Ecology actively monitors these long-term changes by collecting data on water properties, including temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen, to better understand the impact of these changes on the ecosystem of Puget Sound and the surrounding areas.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, several species of dolphins have been sighted in Puget Sound, including common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and Pacific white-sided dolphins.
Common dolphins are considered rare in Puget Sound and the greater Salish Sea, as they appear to reach the northern limits of their range in these waters. However, sightings of common dolphins in Puget Sound have been increasing since 2010, possibly due to rising water temperatures.
Dolphins in Puget Sound feed on a variety of prey. For example, Pacific white-sided dolphins are opportunistic feeders, known to feed on over 60 species of fish, including small schooling fish such as anchovies, herring, and sardines, as well as over 20 species of cephalopods, including squid. Harbor porpoises, another species found in Puget Sound, feed primarily on schooling fish such as herring and mackerel, but their diet can also include squid and octopus.
