Six New Killer Whale Calves In BC and Washington Waters
PRESS RELEASE:
Six New Killer Whale Calves In BC and Washington Waters
June 27, 2005
Six different female killer whales from the southern resident killer whale community have given birth over the past 18 months. This wave of births began in December 2003, with a calf born to a 33 (est.) year old female known as K-12. Ten months later two calves were born to L-Pod females, and by Christmas 2004, K-Pod had had another calf, as did J-Pod. The most recent addition, again an L-Pod whale, is thought to have been born at the end of May or in early June. This very exciting news brings the population back up to 89 animals, from the recent (2001) low of 79 animals.
Each whale is identifiable by its natural markings and all are given an alphanumeric identification code. The Centre for Whale Research, based on San Juan Island (WA), conducts an annual photographic census of the southern resident population.
The first count was in 1976, when the Center for Whale Research recorded 71 whales. In general, the population grew over the next 20 years, and in 1995, the population peaked to 99 whales. Between 1995 and 2001, the population declined to 79 animals. Less than four years later, the population has again risen to 89 whales.
These killer whales are well known to British Columbia and Washington State residents as they frequent the inland waters year-round. The killer whales are especially common in the summer months and form the basis for the local whale watching industry.
The Whale Watch Operators Association Northwest reminds all boaters to give the killer whales at least the required 100-metre/yard minimum distance and to respect all marine wildlife by remembering that the six new calves and their families will be in the inland waters throughout the summer months.
Contact: Anna Hall, Executive Director, Whale Watch Operators Association Northwest, 250-727-5709
Email: ExecutiveDirector@nwwhalewatchers.org
Second Contact: Shane Aggergaard, President, Whale Watch Operators Association Northwest, 1-800-465-4605
Email: President@nwwhalewatchers.org
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