Killer whales are found throughout the world’s oceans in distinct populations, each specializing in certain prey. Around Puget Sound the population is fortunate to find a resident population foraging, traveling and sometimes frolicking at least a few months of every year.

From late October through early January the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales (known as “orcas”) often travel through Admiralty Inlet deep into southern Puget Sound in search of chum salmon, which are a mainstay of their diet at this time of year.

Beginning in April until early October they are often seen in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, around the San Juan Islands and in Georgia Strait, searching for Chinook salmon, which comprise 80 percent of their diet at that time of year. In mid-winter, many Southern resident orcas have been seen as far south as Monterey, Calif., and as far north as the Queen Charlotte Islands searching for food in historic Chinook salmon areas.

Orca Network works closely with NOAA Fisheries and the Center for Whale Research to publicize our toll-free hotline number for whale sightings reports. NOAA and its contractors are conducting research projects to study the travels, prey species, and health of the Southern residents both in Puget Sound and in Pacific coastal waters.

Sighting reports provide important data toward assessing habitat used by Southern Resident orcas pursuant to fulfilling the Orca Recovery Plan mandates of the Endangered Species Act.

Whale reports collected by Orca Network are posted on our website and sent to our Whale Sighting email list.

According to Susan Berta, Orca Network co-founder, “Sightings data have also been used by the U.S. Navy to create maps of where the orcas are most likely to be on a seasonal basis, and by the Department of Fish and Wildlife in the event of an oil or fuel spill.”

“We appreciate the working relationship that is developing with the Navy and Coast Guard to protect these beautiful animals” said former Washington Secretary of State Ralph Munro.

Men and women aboard Navy ships can provide important input to this sighting system, whenever reporting does not compromise location of forces. Sighting reports by off-duty Sailors are encouraged.

“A healthy environment and a healthy population of marine creatures are important components of national security in the long term.” Said Ken Balcomb, executive director of the Center for Whale Research.

Between 1996 and 2001 the population declined from about 99 to only 78, a drop of almost 20 percent. Briefly, the population showed some signs of recovery; but in 2008 the Southern Resident orcas lost seven members, including two reproductive-age females - a substantial loss of reproductive potential. Only one calf born this year has so far survived.

Currently the Southern Resident orca community consists of 83 individuals. There is no dispersal of either gender from this extended clan and no recruitment from outside the community. Throughout life all members remain in association with their maternal group. Mating occurs across pods but within the community.

Any reports of sightings of orcas (and other whales) anywhere in Washington or Pacific coastal waters will be greatly appreciated and will improve understanding of the foraging needs of this small and fragile community of orcas. Please call 1-866-ORCANET (866-672-2638) or e-mail with any reports of orcas in Washington waters or anywhere in the eastern Pacific.

Core information includes the date and time, location, number of animals, direction of travel, and the number of adult males, identified by their six-foot tall dorsal fins. Any further information about behavior is also useful.