After months without sightings, the Southern Resident Orcas have returned to the Puget Sound. On a cool October day, research and conservation groups celebrated the arrival of the endangered J pod, which is especially important due to their declining numbers. KIRO 7 reported that the pod was seen playing between Whidbey Island and the Kitsap Peninsula.
According to KOMO News, these marine animals are part of three stable social groups known as the J, K, and L pods. Recognized due to their unique dorsal fins and saddle patches, researchers have grown attuned to their unique profiles. The Orca Network's Executive Director Susan Berta emphasized the community's anticipation, noting, "This is the beginning of the season when we who live near the inland waters of the greater Puget Sound region are blessed with visits from our beloved Southern Resident orcas. It’s time to keep watch for them and hope for the thrill of catching a glimpse as they pass along our shores."
"Puget Sound is a key foraging area for Southern residents in the fall. They regularly travel into this region pursuing Chum salmon, which make up a large majority of their diet during the fall and early winter," Dr. Michael Weiss, Research Director at the Center for Whale Research on San Juan Island, explained in a statement obtained by KING 5 News.
Howard Garrett, the Orca Network president, pointed out that October is Orcas Salmon Month, a time to reinforce awareness for this vital connection. This sentiment of conservation extends to boaters as well, as they are urged to maintain a minimum distance of 300 feet from the Southern Residents to avoid disturbing them. Stephanie Raymond from Orca Network’s Share the Water boater education program put it succinctly: "If you encounter orcas on the water and you aren't familiar with the differences between Residents and Bigg's, it is best to assume they are Residents and keep your distance," as stated in a KIRO 7 interview.
