Southern Resident killer whale

The Southern Resident killer whale is an endangered population of fish-eating orcas that ranges through the Salish Sea and nearby Pacific waters. Its three pods—J, K, and L—have distinct calls and strong ties to salmon.

Chinook salmon: Chinook salmon are the largest Pacific salmon species and anadromous fish native to the North Pacific. They are the Southern Residents’ preferred prey, especially when available in the Salish Sea.
Endangered Species Act: The Endangered Species Act is a United States law protecting species at risk of extinction and their habitats. It provides federal protections and recovery planning for Southern Residents.
Michael Bigg: Michael Bigg was a Canadian marine biologist who pioneered photo-identification research on killer whales. His identification work established the basis for tracking individual Southern Residents.
Southern Resident killer whale family ties: Southern Resident killer whale family ties are enduring maternal relationships within pods and wider kin groups. These bonds shape the population’s social structure and the effects of losing individuals.
Salish Sea: The Salish Sea is a network of coastal waterways connecting Washington State and British Columbia to the Pacific Ocean. Its waters form the core habitat of the Southern Residents.
Southern Resident killer whale recovery plan: The Southern Resident killer whale recovery plan is a federal strategy to address threats and support population recovery. It organizes actions on prey, disturbance, contaminants, and monitoring.
Killer whale photo-identification: Killer whale photo-identification uses distinctive dorsal fins and saddle patches to identify individuals. It enables long-term records of Southern Resident births, deaths, and family lines.
Center for Whale Research: The Center for Whale Research is a nonprofit organization that studies killer whales in the Pacific Northwest. It maintains a long-running photo-identification record of Southern Residents.
J pod: J pod is one of three socially distinct pods in the Southern Resident killer whale population. Its members are among the most frequently observed Southern Residents.
Vessel noise: Vessel noise is underwater sound produced by ships and boats. It can mask calls and echolocation used by Southern Residents.

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