Center for
Orca Survey Since 1976
Since 1976, the Center for Whale Research (CWR) has been the leading organization monitoring and studying Southern Resident killer whales in their critical habitat: the Pacific Northwest’s Salish Sea. CWR performs an annual census and regular health assessments of the orca population, informs the government of the whales’ ecosystem needs, shares their stories with the world, and promotes ecosystem recovery. Our 48 years of research have created the only long-term data set about the Southern Residents’ behavior, health, and social dynamics.
UPDATE on SRKW calf L128
L128 with L83 during Encounter #99, October 5, 2024
New calf L128 was documented by researchers from the Center for Whale Research (CWR), SR3, Orca Behavior Institute, Wild Orca, NOAA, and SeaDoc Society over multiple days starting on 9/15/2024. CWR did not note anything obviously wrong with either mother or calf based on behavior and gross physical state during their two brief encounters with them. SR3's quantitative photogrammetry categorized L90 as being in "normal" body condition (within the middle 40th-60th percentile) for a female SRKW of her age at this time of year, but did raise concerns about how small and young the calf clearly was (https://www.sealifer3.org/news/hot-off-the-camera).
The photographs that CWR's field staff, Mark Malleson, acquired during Encounter #99 on October 5, 2024, showed an obvious decline, with the shape of the skull clearly visible in several photographs. The behavior he describes and documented is also concerning, with the calf remaining limp for long periods of time while being pushed by L83. It's unclear why the calf was with L83 rather than L90.
CWR researchers were back out west the next day (Encounter #100) with Ks and Ls; however, L83, L90, and L128 were not located in the large spread of whales. We, therefore, are not yet categorizing L128 as missing or deceased; more data is needed to confirm this young whale's fate. This population needs every new addition it can get, and the loss of a calf is always tragic. For L90, in particular, the loss of her first documented live-born calf would be a major blow.
Please SUPPORT our ongoing work.
OUR HISTORY
48 years of RESEARCH
Every year for over four decades, we have collected detailed demographic data on the Southern Resident killer whale population, recording all observed births and deaths. We have also gathered detailed information on the behavior and ecology of these animals, including information on where the animals are in geographic location and time, and their social behavior and foraging patterns. This dataset has provided ground-breaking insight into killer whale biology and ecology that we hope will help to inform management decisions to conserve this vulnerable and now endangered population.
CWR TAKING Action
ABOVE: Aerial view of CWR's BIG LEGACY Project,
Action: Center for Whale Research purchased a 45-acre ranch along Washington State's Elwha River, taking a BIG leap in conservation to preserve Chinook salmon habitat.
In October 2020, CWR added an ecosystem approach to saving the Southern Resident orcas by buying a ranch bordering both sides of the Elwha River, in a stretch of the mainstream river where a majority of the remnant native Chinook salmon now spawn. Balcomb BIG SALMON Ranch is smack in the middle of the recovering Elwha Valley habitat.
The salmon abundance from the Elwha River ecosystem, flowing into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, can provide a healthy food source for the Southern Resident orcas and a sustainable, nearshore artisanal fishery in the Strait.
Watch Sealife Productions’ Florian Graner’s new twelve-minute video Elwha River Salmon Recovery, a story about the Elwha salmon since Washington State removed the river’s two dams in 2012 and 2014. The wildlife documentary producer and marine biologist provides an update on the now thriving Elwha River ecosystem. The video offers an objective take on where salmon recovery is presently and what’s still to come. And it’s as educational as it is informative. The film footage of salmon species at different stages of their lives is riveting—Chinook/King salmon, in particular.
Orca Survey
OUTREACH & EDUCATION CENTER
185 S. First St., Friday Harbor, San Juan Island WA
OPEN Thursday - Sunday 10 AM - 4 PM
Become immersed in the world of whales through our interactive displays. Watch amazing videos and listen to the whales vocalize underwater. See big screen video footage of the whales in the wild as experienced from our research boats. Come meet the naturalists and researchers, they'll share their knowledge of the magnificent whales of the Salish Sea.
