November 27, 2014 - Pod Party

The ferry ride to Whidbey Island had a welcoming party at the Clinton end of the run this afternoon.  A pod of Orcas was making their way south down the east side of the island and their run crossed the path of the ferry.

Beginning in October, Puget Sound Orcas, also known as Southern Resident Orcas are often seen headed South from the San Juan Islands following salmon into Puget Sound.  Three Orca pods, or socialized groups, are considered residents of Puget Sound.  They spend much of their time foraging in Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Georgia Straight. 

Killer whales will stay together with their mother for life, creating matrilines, groups of mothers, their offspring and their offspring’s offspring.  Each summer the three pods gather near the San Juan Islands, often socializing together.  

The total number of resident Orcas has fallen to 78, the lowest number since 1985.  Their declining numbers are largely believed to be associated with the decline in their primary food source – salmon.

In addition the resident Orcas, transient Killer Whales often spend time in Puget Sound.  These groups don’t typically socialize with one another.  The transient Killer Whales feed on seals and sea lions while in Puget Sound, not salmon.

When Orcas were being captured for marine parks in the 1960s and 1970s their numbers were dramatically reduced.  Since the practice stopped their numbers have gone up and down, peaking at 98 in 1995.  Orcas can live decades beyond their reproductive years that can go into their 40s.