Orca sightings are way up this year in the Salish Sea, mostly thanks to increased sightings of Bigg’s killer whales, also known as transients.
According to the Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA) and the Orca Behaviour Institute (OBI), in July alone, sightings were up 70% compared to the same time last year.
“It’s quite the streak,” said Erin Gless, executive director of the PWWA, in a news release. “Knock on wood, but the season has been very good for viewing killer whales so far.”
There has also been a baby boom, with 14 calves added to the population this year. Eight were born this year and six last year, but hadn’t been added to the official population count. There are now at least 380 individuals in the local population.
Several large groups, including one up to 41 different animals from different families, have been observed travelling together.
Bigg’s killer whales hunt seals and sea lions which are abundant year-round, and their population is increasing. That’s in contrast to the southern resident killer whale population, which is endangered and struggling at fewer than 75 individuals, and which eats almost exclusively Chinook salmon.
The PWWA represents companies on both sides of the border who operate eco-tourism and whale watching businesses. They say they do their best to avoid the endangered southern residents.
