Exciting start to new killer whale health research in Alaska!

SR3’s Dr. Holly Fearnbach is off to Alaska to start a new research project in collaboration with Dr. John Durban, Craig Matkin and Dan Olsen from the North Gulf Oceanic Society. The study will focus on using drone-based photogrammetry to estimate the size and body condition of fish-eating Resident killer whales in the Northern Gulf of Alaska. In contrast to the declining abundance and the constrained size and body condition of the endangered Southern Resident killer whales that SR3 studies off Washington State, the Alaska Resident killer whales have been increasing in abundance in recent decades and offer the opportunity to study the health of a robust population. Therefore, this study will serve as a comparative assessment between the two populations to help establish health benchmarks to guide conservation measures to ensure that Southern Resident killer whales have an adequate supply of their preferred prey, Chinook salmon. This is the first year of the project, with an aim of continuing annual sampling in early and late summer for the long-term.

Photo of an Alaska Resident killer whale in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Image taken by John Durban, North Gulf Oceanic Society.

2021 Assessment of “Sounders” gray whales

Our 2021 condition assessment of the “Sounders” gray whales off to a great start!

The “Sounders” gray whales have begun returning to Puget Sound and we have already been able to measure the body condition of four individuals. This is the second year of this collaborative research project between SR3’s Dr. Holly Fearnbach, Dr. John Durban of Oregon State University and colleagues from Cascadia Research Collective (CRC). We are using a remotely controlled octocopter drone to non-invasively collect high resolution aerial images that we analyze to measure in the  body condition of individuals during their feeding stopover in North Puget Sound. Our aerial images can be linked to known individuals (some with 30+ year sighting histories!) thanks to the long-term monitoring efforts led by CRC. Both boat-based and aerial images were collected of all four whales, all of which were also imaged in 2020, allowing for evaluation of how body condition varies between years. One of these whales, CRC-723 or “Lucyfer”, was in much leaner condition compared to last year, likely an indication of a more recent arrival to the area. Hopefully we will see an improvement in condition for all of the whales as they fatten up on ghost shrimp before they resume their northbound migration to Arctic feeding grounds. This project will continue into early summer and results from this study will continue to provide important information on the body condition and health of gray whales during the current Unusual Mortality Event.

Aerial images of a “Sounder” gray whale (CRC-723, “Lucyfer”) taken on March 19th, 2020 and then again last week on February 24th, 2021. Note that Lucyfer appears more robust in the March 2020 image (left), likely the result of several extra weeks of foraging on ghost shrimp in Puget Sound. Images were collected non-invasively using a remotely-controlled drone flown at >150ft over the whales under NMFS research permit 19091. Photo by Holly Fearnbach (SR3) and John Durban (OSU).

Welcome to the Salish Sea

Chances are you know where to find the Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Strait of Georgia, but do you know where the Salish Sea is?  You’re not alone if you don’t. 

Reference map for the Salish Sea Bioregion with boundary highlighted in white. (Aquila Flower, 2020)

Where is the Salish Sea?

The Salish Sea is the inland sea that reaches from the south end of Puget Sound in Washington State, to the north end of the Strait of Georgia in British Columbia, and to the west opening of the Strait of Juan de Fuca where it meets the Pacific Ocean.  The combination of these three bodies of seawater plus the surrounding watershed basin forms a single integrated ecosystem. 

The Salish Sea spans approximately 49,000 sq. mi. (128,000 sq. km.).  Of that, 14% is seawater and 86% is the surrounding watershed basin, not including the upper Fraser River watershed. 

The geology here was built up by the forces of plate tectonics and volcanic eruptions, and then carved out by glaciers and erosion.  When the last glacier retreated about 12,000 years ago, it left behind an inland sea with channels that reach 2,130 ft. (650 m.) in depth and more than 400 islands.  Those deep channels allow cold, nutrient-rich saltwater from the Pacific to enter and mix with fresh water that drains from the surrounding river systems to create a habitat that sustains more than 3,400 marine animal species.

Coast Salish region and cultural groups. (Burke Museum)

Why give it a name?

The Salish Sea crosses the border between the U.S. and Canada. Yet, neither oil spills nor marine life recognize lines on a map. People began to fear an oil spill on either side of the border could foul the waterways of both countries. That fear drove scientists to study the circulation, salinity, and marine life throughout the inland sea. They found that it was a single ecosystem supporting one food web. That food web needed coordinated, multi-national protection. The habitat that supported that food web needed a name.

“Coast Salish” refers to the family of languages spoken by the many cultural groups of indigenous people who have lived here for more than 10,000 years. The Salish Sea name acknowledges these first stewards of this ecosystem. All of us who live in the Salish Sea watershed today live on the ancestral lands of the Washington State Tribes and First Nations of British Columbia. We must all work together to protect the Salish Sea.

Who lives here?

More than 3,400 marine species and 8 million people call the Salish Sea home.  Unless you are a diver, the animals you see most often are those who operate at the surface: graceful Humpback, Minke and Gray whales; agile killer whales, Dall’s porpoises, and Pacific white-sided dolphins; immense sea lions and ubiquitous seals; meticulously-groomed sea otters; bright-beaked Tufted puffins.  These are some of the iconic species that captivate us and symbolize our culture in the Pacific Northwest. 

These neighbors depend on thousands of species that are harder for us to see.  Our mighty salmon feed on small forage fish such as herring and smelt.  These fish rely on the shelter of bull kelp forests that serve as their nursery.  The kelp forests rely on the sea otters to eat urchins that would otherwise eat the kelp.  And on it goes…  All of the species that live here, the seen and unseen, are equally important members of an intricately connected food web.  If any one species in the web falters, the health of all is impacted, including humans.

What impact have we had on this ecosystem?

Despite this exquisite biodiversity, the Salish Sea is not the healthy home it once was.  113 local species are listed as endangered or threatened or are candidates for addition to the U.S. Endangered Species list because of the way we live.   

We pull too much out of our ocean.  Too many fish to eat.  Too much oil to burn.  Too many nearshore and watershed habitats to develop. 

We also put too much into the ocean.  Too much waste in the form of garbage, plastic, toxic chemicals, and carbon emissions.  Too many vessels that create noise and strike animals.  Too much fishing gear that entangles and kills animals not intended to be caught.

SR3 responds to, rehabilitates, and researches marine animals to help those in urgent need due to human impacts, as well as collect health data which informs conservation efforts.

With local human populations continuing to grow, the stress we put on local species is increasing.  If we don’t reduce that stress, it won’t just be our neighboring species who suffer.  Our food supply, cultures, and economies will suffer too.

What can we do?

We must protect the Salish Sea.  We know we can succeed.  We’ve done it before.  By the middle of the last century, marine mammals in U.S. waters, including humpback whales, sea lions and seals, had been hunted nearly to extinction.  Federal regulations enacted in the 1970s, including the Marine Mammal Protection Act, stopped the hunt.  With these protections in place, these animals have recovered and are once again thriving in the Salish Sea.  Their stories show us what we can protect when we work together.

Each of us can make a difference.  Use the following resources to learn how to give animals the space they need to feed, socialize and mate without disruption, reduce pollution in their water, and buy only sustainably-caught seafood to prevent depletion of fish stocks.

Learning from local research.  SR3 is on the frontlines of local marine animal research and recovery.  By opening the Pacific Northwest’s first marine wildlife specialty hospital, we are gaining a better understanding of the ever-changing threats that marine animals face and how we can best address those issues. 

Working together in partnership.  When we work together, we can achieve more.  SR3 works with many organizations and community supporters to respond to animals in distress, rehabilitate them, and conduct research that informs conservation efforts.  And now, SR3 welcomes the Mission Blue team to our community of stewards as we recognize the Salish Sea as a Hope Spot.  We welcome their support in working to restore and preserve this unique place that we are fortunate to call home.

Whale Surveys to Prevent Entanglements

A humpback whale is spotted diving amongst California sea lions during a whale survey. These surveys are helping inform fishery management decisions to protect whales from life-threatening entanglements.

Now that the peak whale entanglement season in the Pacific Northwest is over, SR3 is working with partners in California to respond to entanglements there and help conduct surveys to prevent them. In September, SR3’s Entanglement Response Specialist, Doug Sandilands, an entanglement response team, and our response boat, “Nova,” began heading down the Washington coast toward Monterey Bay, California, conducting whale surveys along the way. Despite the forest fire smoke and unseasonably windy weather, the team had success collecting over 100 sightings.

A humpback whale is seen here lunge feeding during a whale survey designed to help prevent entanglements.

They will remain in CA until the spring to conduct additional surveys, in partnership with Cascadia Research Collective and The Marine Mammal Center, and which are funded by the California Ocean Protection Council and NOAA's Prescott Grant.

By identifying areas with a high concentration of whales, these surveys reduce the probability of entanglements. Doug explained, ”Our surveys, along with California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) aerial surveys and sightings from Point Blue, whale watchers and fishermen, have all been finding concentrations of whales. Based on this information, the California Working Group recommended the commercial Dungeness crab gear season be delayed; and, the CDFW has now delayed the fishery until December 23rd to reduce the probability of entanglements.”

SR3’s response boat, “Nova,” is captured taking photo ids of individual whales, which help contribute to long-term population studies.

“These surveys are unique, in that we are not only identifying areas of whale concentrations, but also collecting photos that allow the whales to be individually identified. This information contributes to Cascadia's long-term population studies, and the images of scars and wounds from whales that have previously been entangled help us understand how often whales become entangled.”

Another particularly unique aspect of these surveys is our ability to actively help entangled whales. We carry all of the equipment and authorized personnel required to disentangle any entangled whales we may come across or which are reported nearby.

We are incredibly grateful to all of our partners and supporters who make this important work possible! Stay tuned in the spring for another update on these life-saving surveys.

A successful year of killer whale health monitoring!

SR3’s Dr. Holly Fearnbach and Dr. John Durban from Southall Environmental Associates (SEA) have had an extremely successful year of aerial photogrammetry, producing quantitative health metrics on two killer whale populations in the Salish Sea: endangered Southern Resident killer whales (SRKWs) and Bigg’s transient killer whales. The team uses a remotely controlled octocopter drone to collect high resolution images that are analyzed to measure size and track the body condition of individuals.

Aerial image of an adult female (J35) with her newborn calf (J57) from the endangered Southern Resident killer whale population. This image was collected in October 2020 using a remotely-piloted octocopter drone that was flown >100ft above the whales under NMFS Research Permit #19091.

In 2020, Holly and John extended their research efforts to include monitoring throughout the year, in an effort to provide greater resolution on if and when body condition changes. This is especially important for informing management decisions that aim to ensure adequate access to the SRKW’s primary prey, Chinook salmon, throughout the year.

The team was able to collect aerial images of 70/74 SRKWs known to be alive in the population and 35 individual Bigg’s killer whales. A number of SRKW females were identified as being pregnant, based on measurements of body profiles, and two of these whales successfully gave birth in September (see photos of both moms, J35 and J41, with their new calves right and below). These data extend a 13-year time series of health research to support recovery management of SRKWs and to compare their health to the increasing population of Bigg’s killer whales.

Aerial image of an adult female (J41) with her newborn calf (J58) from the endangered Southern Resident killer whale population. This image was collected in October 2020 using a remotely-piloted octocopter drone that was flown >100ft above the whales under NMFS Research Permit #19091.

Pregnant whales identified among the Southern Resident killer whales

Since early July, SR3’s Dr. Holly Fearnbach and Dr. John Durban from Southall Environmental Associates (SEA) have been able to collect aerial images of the majority of the endangered Southern Resident killer whale population. This ongoing project is using photographs from drones to non-invasively measure growth and body condition to track the nutritional health of the population over time. Quantitative measurements will be generated for all individuals encountered, but obvious shape changes in some individuals have revealed a number of pregnant whales (see images below) from all three pods. This is not unusual, and unfortunately the majority of recent pregnancies have not resulted in successful births. Studies by our colleagues at the University of Washington have shown that these reproductive failures are linked to nutrition and access to their Chinook salmon prey, so we hope folks on the water can give the Southern Residents plenty of space to forage at this important time. With such a small population (Center for Whale Research census current at 73 whales), every successful birth is hugely important for recovery.

L72 pregnancy: The picture panel above shows her shape change between September 2019, when she was several months into pregnancy, and recently in July 2020 when her increased width at mid body clearly indicates she is in the late stages of pregnancy. Pregnancy in killer whales typically lasts 17-18 months. Photos by SR3 and NOAA’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center in 2019 and SR3 and SEA in 2020, collected under NMFS research permit 19091.

Southern Resident Killer Whales Return to the San Juan Islands!

After several months away, members of J and K pod from the endangered Southern Resident killer whale population returned to the San Juan Islands. After being sighted early last week off Northern Vancouver Island, SR3’s Dr. Holly Fearnbach and Dr. John Durban (Southall Environmental Associates, SEA) were able to intercept members of K pod as they briefly passed through the San Juan Islands on July 1st. The team flew their remotely controlled octocopter drone over 10 whales from the K12 and K13 matrilines to collect aerial images to contribute to our ongoing research to monitor growth and assess body condition. Holly and John have collected aerial images and all 22 members of J-pod (see picture below of J16 capturing a salmon). The team will continue collecting data on the nutritional health of Southern Resident killer whales through the summer, particularly during their usual focused month-long effort in September, to help inform management decisions to aid in the recovery of the population.

Aerial images of endangered Southern Resident killer whales collected in July 2020. The top image shows a group of K-pod whales and the bottom image shows J16 chasing (and later eating) a small salmon. These images will be used in photogrammetry analyses of growth and body condition. Images obtained using a remotely-piloted octocopter that was flown >100ft above the whales under NMFS Research Permit #19091.

Celebrate Orca Awareness Month with Action!

June is Orca Awareness Month, which was created to inspire action on behalf of our region’s critically endangered Southern Resident killer whale population. You might be surprised how much of an impact you can have on the variety of threats these animals face. Read on to get inspired - and decide where YOU can jump in to help these black and white beauties - not just this month, but all year long!

Protect fish populations.

Killer whales, and many other marine mammals, can’t survive without healthy fish populations. Be sure your seafood choices aren’t depleting their food supply and harming the marine ecosystem on which we all depend. You can vote with your dollars by supporting salmon-safe farmers and businesses in the Pacific Northwest who work to reduce their impact on local watersheds. Find a list of these certified suppliers here, or look for the salmon-safe logo wherever you shop.

Your decisions about lawn care, washing your car, and even which household cleaners to use all play a role in maintaining healthy fish habitats, not to mention have a direct impact on your own health! Water runoff into storm drains flows directly into local creeks and streams and is a leading source of water pollution. Visit the Washington Department of Ecology website for tips on reducing your contribution to these common pollution sources. The Environmental Working Group also has a searchable database of cleaning product safety ratings that can help you make healthier decisions for yourself and the planet.

Last year, caring people like you helped us prevent nearly 1,000 pounds of garbage from entering local waterways and harming marine life.

Reduce plastic pollution.

Plastic debris is one of the biggest threats to the marine ecosystem today. Not only does it pose life-threatening risks to animals who become entangled in it, but as it breaks down, the microplastics it leaves behind are being ingested and carried up the food chain.

Cut down on plastic waste by refusing it wherever you can. While many stores are no longer welcoming reusable bags during the ongoing pandemic, that doesn’t mean you have to accept single-use products. Simply have your goods loaded right back into your cart, then bag them at your car into reusable bags like this 100% recycled cotton canvas SR3 tote!

When storing all of your home-cooked leftovers, use glass containers, beeswax wrap, or cloth bags instead of ziplocs. And don’t forget to decline any single-use plasticware and straws when you indulge in carry-out!

Support scientific research.

SR3’s research team and colleagues are now able to conduct year-round health monitoring of the endangered Southern Resident killer whale population. This critical data helps inform conservation actions important to their survival. For instance, it helps recover salmon stocks most critical to their food supply. It also helps identify vulnerable animals who need extra space from boats, which can interfere with their ability to find food and communicate. Your support can help this valuable research continue!

Give whales space.

Studies have shown that marine vessels create noise that may impact a killer whale’s ability to navigate, communicate, and most importantly, to find food. Fast-moving boats create even more noise and are more unpredictable and difficult for whales to avoid. To help ensure that whales have plenty of quiet, safe space to forage, boats in Washington State are required to slow their engine speed to less than seven knots if within a half-mile of any Southern Resident killer whales. Regardless of your speed, laws also require that you stay at least 400 yards away from their path (when in front or behind them) and 300 yards away if on either side of them. Visit the “be whale wise” website for more information.

Speak up.

Stay current and provide your input on any local marine policy measures being considered in your own backyard! Reach out to your elected officials and ask them to oppose any changes that would weaken the Endangered Species Act or the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Feeling overwhelmed by everything on this list? Just choose one or two small steps you feel comfortable taking today and go from there. None of us will always make perfect environmental decisions, but if we all take small steps, it WILL add up to a big difference. Together we can create a safer and healthier home for killer whales - and for all of us!

A second year of Harbor seal condition monitoring

Harbor seals are an abundant predator in the Salish Sea, with increasing in abundance over the last several decades only recently showing signs of leveling. They primarily feed on fish such as groundfish (e.g. rockfish), forage fish (e.g. herring) and salmonids and the seals themselves are an important prey item in the diet of the mammal-eating Bigg’s killer whales. In parallel to our health studies of endangered Southern Resident killer whales, SR3 started a pilot project in May 2019 to measure growth and body condition of harbor seals in the San Juan Islands using aerial photogrammetry with a small, non-invasive drone. Over the long term, these measures will allow us to identify changes in the Salish Sea ecosystem by monitoring the health of another upper-level predator.

In early May 2020, we recently started the second year of monitoring, with one photogrammetry flight already successful in imaging over 150 individuals conducted to date. The initial aims of this study include validation that: 1) individual harbor seals can be identified from high altitude (>100ft) aerial images using spotting patterns on their pelage, 2) individuals can be re-identified across weeks and possibly across years, and 3) estimates of body length and condition can be obtained from these individuals and monitored over time. There were a large number of pregnant females identified in the images collected, as would be expected as we approach the peak of pupping season.

Aerial image of an aggregation of harbor seals on a tidal haulout in the San Juan Islands, WA collected in May 2020. Analyses are underway to identify individual seals, with the objective of monitoring body condition and growth at an individual level through the collection of quantitative measurement. Image obtained form an unmanned hexacopter that was flown >150ft above the seals under NMFS permit #19091.

ELEPHANT SEAL PUP TREATED AFTER LIKELY COYOTE ATTACK

Northern elephant seals are a rare sight in the Puget Sound, so when Eloise was born here this past March, she was a welcome addition to the Whidbey Island shoreline. Eloise is the third offspring of her mother Ellie, who was first sighted on Whidbey in 2010. Eloise's older brother Ellison was born in 2015, and her sister Ellie Mae was born in 2018.

An elephant seal generally nurses her pup for just four weeks, then leaves the pup on their own to learn to swim and forage for food. So by the end of April, Eloise was fully weaned from her mom and living independently. 

It is strongly suspected that the deep wounds on Eloise’s flippers were the result of a coyote attack.

One late April evening, an island neighbor heard peculiar cries in her yard and discovered a badly injured Eloise on her deck. It is strongly suspected that Eloise had been attacked by a coyote while she was resting on the beach. Attacks like these are being observed in California as well, and it's not clear yet what is behind them - whether coyote populations have increased, human activity is affecting their distribution, or if their food sources are running low. Whatever the cause, Eloise suffered deep wounds, left with pieces of her back flipper dangling and open fractures.

A huge thank you to the Whidbey Island community for their concern and care for Eloise!

Thankfully Eloise had chosen a safe refuge, as the Whidbey homeowners and neighbors were familiar with the Marine Mammal Protection Act and knew how to respond to marine wildlife in distress. They called the PNW Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline (1-866-767-6114), then monitored Eloise until SR3 and network partners arrived to provide emergency medical care. 

Eloise’s wounds were cleaned and treated with topical antibiotics; she was also given subcutaneous fluids and long-lasting, injectable antibiotics. While ideally Eloise would have been hospitalized until she fully healed, unfortunately SR3's marine wildlife hospital will not be ready to receive patients until later this summer. Instead, the decision was made to relocate Eloise to a safer location and hope she would be able to heal on her own.

Eloise the elephant seal pup, recovering after receiving emergency medical care.

SR3 continues to help monitor her condition, and she is healing well and engaging in normal seal pup behaviors. We are hopeful that this spunky pup will make a full recovery and live a long, wild life.  

Eloise’s rescue was possible thanks in part to caring neighbors and SR3’s stranding network partners at NOAA and the Orca Network.     

You can download the Dolphin & Whale 911 app so you always have emergency numbers with you!

If you find a seal or sea lion in distress, remember:

• Give these animals at least 100 yards of space (the length of a football field)  

• Call for help: 1-866-767-6114

• Keep pets leashed

• Limit noise and move farther away if the animal starts to stare, fidget, or flee

SR3 is grateful for our generous community of donors who make rescues like this possible. Together we are building the Pacific Northwest’s only specialized marine wildlife hospital to help more animals like Eloise! Click here to learn more.