BURSTThe plight of the endangered southern resident killer whales remains in the balance despite a rise in their population.
The annual photographic census of the killer whales, conducted by Washington-based Center for Whale Research, found that as of July 1, there were 76 living individuals, up two from last year’s 74.
During the census period, four calves were born, with only two surviving.
“J64 survived for less than a month, while L129 was only photographed during a single encounter,” said the organization in a news release. “Calves K47 (female, mother K43) and L130 (sex unknown, mother L91) both survived and appear to be in normal health.”
No other whales died during the survey period.
The southern residents are divided into three family groups, known as J, K and L. According to the survey, there are 34 individuals belonging to L Pod, 27 with J Pod and 15 with K Pod.
While this is the second consecutive year of growth for the southern residents, the Center for Whale Research cautions the population is still “much smaller than historical levels.”
Before the marine park capture-era through the 1960s and 1970s, the population is believed to have exceeded 100 individuals. When Center for Whale Research carried out its first count in 1976, the population stood at 72, rising to a peak of 98 in 1995 before declining again.
The organization says the southern residents are reproducing at a slower rate than other killer whale populations. They also note that previous periods of growth have been followed by even longer periods of decline.
Addressing the threats facing the whales is crucial to sustaining any population gains, says research director Michael Weiss.
“These whales face stress from human caused noise and disturbance, pollutants, and most crucially a lack of large, fatty chinook salmon, their primary prey,” he said.
“Saving these whales means restoring chinook salmon habitat, improving fisheries management, and addressing the sources of noise and toxicants in their environment. Doing these things is the only path towards more years of population growth.”
The census results come days after another tragic loss struck the endangered whales.
Female orca J31 – also known as Tsuchi – was observed carrying a dead newborn calf on its nose near Sombrio Point in the Strait of Juan de Fuca on Oct. 3.
Center for Whale Research said it was unclear if the newborn had been carried to full term prior to birth, if it died after birth or was a stillbirth.
The death underscores the continuing challenge of successful reproduction within the population, said the organization.
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