Top Predators at the Bottom of the World!

SR3’s Dr. Holly Fearnbach and Dr. John Durban, joined by their colleague Kiirsten Flynn, had a great start to their Antarctic research season onboard the M/V National Geographic Endurance. Last week the team was able to collect photo-identification and aerial photogrammetry images of a group of the elusive “pack ice killer whales” (Antarctic Type B1). These are the least abundant type of killer whales found around the Antarctic Peninsula, with recent declines in abundance that are likely due to the loss of sea ice in their habitat. The whales were observed killing a Weddell seal, their preferred prey, and some of these individuals had first been photographed during our research in 2009, providing a 13-year history for these whales. Photo-identification and aerial photogrammetry images will be integrated into SR3’s long-term monitoring data on the health and status of killer whale populations in the rapidly warming marine environment around Antarctic Peninsula. This research is supported by the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund. Stay tuned for more updates as this research continues….

(Left) Photo of a “pack ice killer whale” (Antarctic Type B1) with the M/V National Geographic Endurance in the distance. (Right) Aerial image of a pack ice killer whale swimming between sea ice in search of seals. Aerial image was collected non-invasively from > 100ft above the whales using remotely-controlled hexacopter drone. Research conducted under NMFS Permit No. 22306 and Antarctic Conservation Act Permit ACA 2017-029.

Heading back to the ice!

SR3 recently published scientific papers on our research to assess the health of individual whales and their populations around the Antarctic Peninsula. This work is of great relevance for documenting and understanding the impacts of climate change in one of the fastest-warming regions on earth. SR3’s Dr. Holly Fearnbach and Dr. John Durban are now on their way to Antarctica onboard the M/V National Geographic Endurance, for the first time since 2020 due to COVID disruptions. They will continue their research on the health of top predators (killer whales) and top consumers (humpback and minke whales) with support from the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund. More updates to come! 

Aerial image of a group of Type B2 killer whales in the coastal waters of the Antarctic Peninsula; note young calves swimming below their mothers. This image was collected non-invasively from > 100ft above the whales using remotely-controlled hexacopter drone. Research conducted under NMFS Permit No. 19091 and Antarctic Conservation Act Permit ACA 2017-029.

2022 Southern Resident Killer Whale Research

This month brings to close a hugely successful year of health research on the endangered population of Southern Resident killer whales (SRKWs). In 2022 we collected aerial images of SRKWs in seven months and we have health data on SRKWs in every month of the year during the fifteen years of our study. Our year-round monitoring allows us to detect both seasonal and annual changes in body condition to help inform adaptive management measures including regulations for commercial whale-watch vessels and salmon fisheries management. We will continue providing our SRKW health metrics to state and federal agencies in both the U.S. and Canada with the aim of helping to recover this endangered population by increasing their access to salmon prey.

Aerial image of members of the endangered Southern Resident killer whale population taken in November 2022 in the coastal waters of the San Juan Islands, Washington. Image collected non-invasively from an altitude > 100 ft using a multi-copter drone under NMFS Research Permit # 22306. 

Important new publication on Antarctic minke whales

Antarctic minke whales have been killed by whaling in the Southern Ocean under the justification of “scientific research”. However, SR3 has been involved in a new paper showing that non-lethal methods can be used to assess their demography and population health. SR3’s Dr. Holly Fearnbach and Dr. John Durban collaborated with colleagues from 12 international organizations on a manuscript titled “Demography of an ice-obligate mysticete in a region of rapid environmental change” recently published in Royal Society Open Science. SR3 contributed drone-derived aerial images that were measured to provide the first estimates of length of age structure of free-ranging Antarctic minke whales around the Antarctic Peninsula. Genetic and hormone analyses were also used to identify unique individuals and provide information on sex ratio and reproductive status. Together, these data provide important new information on the demography of Antarctic minke whales, an ice-dependent species that is being impacted by the rapid warming of the marine ecosystem around the Antarctic Peninsula.

High-resolution aerial images of Antarctic minke whales collected non-invasively using a remotely operated drone in the Antarctic Peninsula. Images were collected from an altitude > 100 ft under NMFS Research Permit # 19091 with support from the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund.

NEW PUBLICATION ON SIZE, GROWTH AND BODY CONDITION OF MAMMAL-EATING BIGG’S KILLER WHALES

A new publication featuring SR3’s non-invasive photogrammetry research on killer whales was published this week in the scientific journal Marine Mammal Science (read the paper here). The paper is titled “Morphometrics of mammal‐eating killer whales from drone photogrammetry, with comparison to sympatric fish‐eating killer whales in the eastern North Pacific”. The study was based on drone images collected in the U.S. and Canada by SR3’s Holly Fearnbach and John Durban, working collaboratively with Lance Barrett-Lennard from Ocean Wise. Analysis by Chloe Kotik, a graduate student at the University of California San Diego, provided the first data on length, growth and body condition of free-swimming Bigg’s killer whales (BKWs), from the West Coast Transient population of mammal-eating killer whales. These measurements were compared to data that we have previously published on length, growth and body condition of endangered Southern Resident killer whales (SRKWs), which differ in their diet by their preference for fish, particularly Chinook salmon. Despite having overlapping ranges, these BKWs and SRKWs have been experiencing contrasting population trajectories, with SRKWs declining in abundance, while BKWs have been increasing in recent decades. This new study also found BKWs to be longer and in better body condition than SRKWs, which we suggest at least partially reflects responses to the more abundant prey available for BKWs (e.g. harbor seals, sea lions and porpoise), compared to the limited Chinook salmon available to SRKWs.

Aerial images showing a group of Bigg’s killer whales hunting for harbor seals along a rocky reef (Left) and an adult male Bigg’s killer surfacing with an unlucky harbor seal in its mouth (Right). Images collected non-invasively using a drone flown > 100ft above the whales under Permit # 19091 from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and SARA license 2014-06 SARA-327 from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).

Southern Resident killer whales need precautionary conservation measures

Southern Resident killer whales need precautionary conservation measures, but it is important that these measures are based on objective, quantitative and adaptive science. SR3’S photogrammetry research is powerful for supporting these measures and hopefully monitoring their success.

An emergency order was issued this week by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), declaring 13 individual Southern Resident killer whales (SRKWs) as vulnerable based on measurements from SR3’s non-invasive drone photographs. Twelve of these whales were identified to be in poor body condition and one whale was measured to likely be in late-stage pregnancy. Whales in poor body condition have been found to have an increased probability of mortality in the coming months.

Remember to be Whale Wise when on the water: Washington law requires vessels to stay at least 300 yards from SRKWs on either side and at least 400 yards out of the path in front of and behind the whales. Vessels must also reduce their speed to seven knots within one-half nautical mile of SRKWs.

Not a picture of health: Aerial Images of two of the currently vulnerable whales (J27 and J56).

Aerial images of an adult male Southern Resident killer whale (J27) when he was in above average body condition (which has been typical for him) in 2018, prior to declining to poor body condition in 2022. Note how his body profile and the angle of his white eye patches change as the result of fat loss. Images were collected non-invasively using a drone flown at >100 ft under NMFS Permit #s 19091 and 22306.

Aerial images of a young Southern Resident killer whale (J56) when she was in poor body condition in 2021 (and was previously designated as vulnerable by WDFW) and again in 2022, when her condition had declined even further. Note how her white eye patches trace the shape of her skull in 2022 when she is extremely emaciated. Images were collected non-invasively using a drone flown at >100 ft under NMFS Permit # 22306.

Three Simple Ways You Can Protect Killer Whales!

June is Orca Action Month, helping to raise awareness of the threats to the Pacific Northwest’s endangered Southern Resident killer whales (SRKWs). Most of us know that they are struggling, but do you know what you can do to help? 

Read on to get inspired and decide where YOU can jump in to help - not just this month - but all year long!

1. Preserve Chinook (“King”) Salmon Populations

We know that Southern Resident killer whales primarily eat Chinook (aka King) salmon, but identifying specific salmon stocks that are most critical to their food supply has been challenging in the past. Now, research from SR³ and colleagues has linked changes in SRKW body condition to the abundance of specific salmon populations in different areas!

For the whales in J pod, their body condition in late summer is linked to the abundance of Chinook salmon returning to the Fraser River in the preceding summer months. L pod whales’ body condition is connected to how many Chinook salmon are returning to the Puget Sound in the summer. For K pod, it’s likely that their summer diet comes from a variety of Chinook populations, since their body condition didn’t correlate with salmon abundance from any specific area or tributary.

One of the biggest threats the SRKWs are currently facing is limited access to their preferred prey, Chinook (aka King) salmon. When Chinook salmon populations increase in abundance, so does the likelihood of healthy SRKWs. 

The simplest way you can help is to make sure your seafood choices aren’t depleting their food supply!

Want to take it a step further? Healthy streams are critical to healthy salmon populations, and your choices at home impact local waters more than you might think. More than 60 percent of water pollution actually comes from small, dispersed sources like fertilizers and pesticides from lawns and gardens, cars leaking oil, and pet waste.  

When you wash your car in your driveway - rather than at a commercial car wash - the soapy water that enters your storm drain is flowing directly into local creeks and streams. Most soaps contain phosphates and other chemicals that harm fish and water quality.

By reducing your impact on local watersheds, you can help provide a healthy habitat for the salmon that SRKWs need to survive.

2. Give Whales Space

Aerial image of an adult female Southern Resident killer whale, successfully foraging alongside her juvenile offspring. Image collected by Holly Fearnbach and John Durban, from SR³ and NOAA, respectively, using a drone that was flown non-invasively >100ft above the whales under NMFS permit #19091.

Studies have shown that boats and ships can cause disturbance, particularly by creating noise that impacts killer whales’ ability to navigate, communicate, and most importantly, find food. 

There are many beautiful spots along the Washington coastline where you’re likely to spot whales from shore! Visit The Whale Trail for an interactive map and loads of information about viewing marine mammals throughout the Salish Sea and along the Pacific Coast.

If you do head out on the water, please remember that boats in Washington State are required to slow their engine speed to less than seven knots if within a half-mile of 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.

3. Reduce Your Plastic Footprint

From laundry detergent sheets to shampoo bars and deodorant in cardboard containers, the options for eco-friendly products are constantly expanding.

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. This is significant because plastic contains chemical additives and contaminants that can be harmful to marine life, even at very low concentrations. For animals at the top of the food chain, such as killer whales, microplastics and their toxic effects are likely bioaccumulating in their systems. 

Cut down on plastic waste by refusing it wherever you can. And vote with your dollars by purchasing products that avoid plastic packaging!

Feeling inspired? Join SR³’s team for the Plastic Free Ecochallenge, a 31-day, global challenge to reduce and refuse single-use plastics beginning on July 1!

Remember, you are not just one alone, but together we are a whole community of ocean heroes. As we each take small, thoughtful steps in our daily lives, it WILL have a ripple effect that goes well beyond our own front doors. 

Together we can create a safer and healthier home for killer whales - and for all of us!

Updating condition assessments for vulnerable killer whales

Since the turn of the year, SR³’s Dr. Holly Fearnbach and Dr. John Durban have had several encounters with endangered Southern Resident killer whales (SRKWs), most recently in April. Using their remotely controlled octocopter drone, they have been able to collect aerial images of all members (n=25) of J pod, including the new calf J59, and 23/33 members of L pod. These aerial images are currently being measured to provide quantitative data on their body condition during winter and spring, allowing the team to monitor changes across seasons and years. These data will be provided to state and federal managers in both the US and Canada to help inform adaptive conservation measures, which could include seasonal changes in vessel regulations if whales are found to be in vulnerable condition. 

Holly and John will spend the next two weeks off the Kenai Fjords in Alaska, joining Dan Olsen from the North Gulf Oceanic Society for a second year of aerial photogrammetry research on fish-eating Alaska Resident killer whales (ARKWs). The team will collect aerial images of ARKWs to estimate the size and body condition of this abundant and increasing population as a comparison to the small and declining population of SRKWs.  

Aerial image of the J16 matriline in January 2022 (left) and J37 and her new calf J59 in April 2022 (right). Newborn calves are approximately 1/3 of the length of their mother at birth. These images were collected using a remotely controlled octocopter drone that was flown non-invasively >100ft above the whales under NMFS Research Permit # 22306.

SR3’s RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS THE PLIGHT OF CRITICALLY ENDANGERED NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALES

We don’t just study whales off our Pacific coast. SR3’s collaborative research is also helping to understand the challenges critically endangered North Atlantic right whales (NARWs) are facing. Using measurements of aerial photographs of NARWs in Cape Cod Bay, collected over two decades from airplanes and drones, our new publication has demonstrated that larger females have more calves. This is a problem because we have also found that NARWs are growing to smaller adult body lengths in recent years. This new paper, published today in the journal Marine Ecology Progress Series, is the result of collaborative research between SR3’s Dr. Holly Fearnbach, Dr. John Durban and colleagues from NOAA’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center, New England Aquarium and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. NARWs currently number less than 400 individuals, and declines in both abundance and body size have been linked to impacts from vessel strikes and entanglements in fishing gear, as well as changes in both the abundance and availability of their copepod prey. The new results show that reproductive females with larger body size had shorter inter-birth intervals, produced more calves per potential reproductive year and produced more calves over longer reproductive life spans. This provides evidence that recent trends in declining body size are likely contributing to the observed low birth rates over the past decade, which is a cause for concern for this critically endangered population. Conservation management aimed at reducing these human impacts are imperative for the recovery of this population.     

 An adult North Atlantic right whale mother that brought her young calf from the calving grounds off the coast of Florida and Georgia to coastal waters of Cape Cod Bay in April 2016. Image taken with a drone at non-invasive altitude of at least 130ft above the whales, under NMFS research permit # 17355. Photo by John Durban and Holly Fearnbach, SR3.

2022 Condition Assessment of “Sounders” gray whales

SR3’s Dr. Holly Fearnbach and Dr. John Durban have restarted monitoring the body condition of the “Sounders” gray whales that have once again returned for their annual migration stopover in Puget Sound to forage on ghost shrimp. As in previous years, the team is using a remotely controlled research drone to non-invasively collect high resolution overhead images that will be analyzed to measure changes in individual condition over the spring stopover and across years. This project is a collaboration with colleagues from Cascadia Research Collective (CRC), enabling us to link our aerial images and measurements to known individuals with long sighting histories (some over 30 years!) from CRC’s photo-identification studies. So far in 2022, the team has conducted two surveys, collected aerial images of seven individuals, six of which were also measured in both 2020 and 2021. In previous years, most individuals improved in condition prior to resuming their northbound migration to Arctic feeding grounds and hopefully we will document a similar trend this year. This project will continue into early summer, providing important information on the body condition and health of gray whales during the ongoing  Unusual Mortality Event.

Aerial images of a “Sounder” gray whale (CRC-723, “Lucyfer”) taken in March 2020, February 2021 and then again in March 2022. Images were collected non-invasively using a remotely-controlled drone flown at >150ft over the whales under NMFS research permit 22306. Photo by Holly Fearnbach and John Durban.