Center for
WHALE RESEARCH
Orca Survey Since 1976
The Center for Whale Research (CWR) is dedicated to the study and conservation of the critically endangered Southern Resident killer whale (orca) population in the Pacific Northwest.
Southern Resident killer whale K34 not seen in recent Encounters
Photograph of K34 seen during Encounter #36 on July 7, 2023.
K34 photographed September 5, 2019
The Center for Whale Research’s July 1st, 2023 census recorded no deaths since the 2022 census date. Since then, we have had three encounters with members of K pod (Encounter 44 8/17, Encounter 52 9/17, Encounter 67 10/18) in which we identified all members of the pod other than K34. K34 was last seen during encounter 36 on July 7. At the time, K34 appeared somewhat skinny, potentially indicating poor condition.
K34, born 2001 to mother K13, is a 22 year old male. K34’s matriline, the K13s, has lost several individuals in recent years, including K34’s older brother K25 and mother K13. K34 is also the uncle of the youngest member of K pod, K45.
Whales that are missing from encounters with their associates three times or more are very likely to be deceased, however it’s always possible that K34 shows up again. The Center for Whale Research reports on demographic changes in the southern resident population twice a year, representing the population’s status on July 1 and December 31. We will be able to make a more complete statement on the status of K34, and all other individuals in the population, as part of our early 2024 population update.
Population Update Details
The Center for Whale Research is tasked with monitoring the size, status, and trends of the southern resident killer whale population. The main way we do this is through complete photo-ID censuses. When the study began in 1976, July 1st was chosen as the census date, as this gave us time to document new calves that, at the time, were typically born in the winter months. This is still the date that our demographic report to the National Marine Fisheries Service represents each year. However, as the study progressed, it became clear that it’s also useful to report how the population changes within a calendar year. This better reflects how most people think about changes over time, and how other ecological datasets are often collected and reported.
Today, we provide demographic updates at two time points: July 1st and December 31st of each year. Each year we provide a report on all the whales alive in the population as of these dates, noting any births and/or deaths that have occurred since our last census date. This doesn’t necessarily mean we report the update right on those days. In fact, if we want to know which whales were alive as of July 1st, that often means conducting photo-ID surveys into September for us to have confidence who was in fact alive on July 1st. This is especially true in recent years as the SRKW are spending less and less time in their traditional summer habitat.
So, you can expect to see demographic updates on the southern residents at two times throughout the year. First, we will publish an update in the early part of the year, including any births or deaths that we can confirm since the last census date. Then, we will publish our July 1st demographic report in September of each year, at the same time we send our annual report on the southern resident killer whales to the USA government.
It’s important to keep in mind that our research can only look backwards. In September, we can look back and say who was alive on July 1st, but at any given moment we don’t know for a fact how many whales there are. Censusing marine mammal populations, even small, well-known ones, takes a lot of time and patience. Please reach out to us directly if you have questions about the current status of the 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.
47 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.
On the water
ENCOUNTERS
An Encounter refers to any time we observe killer whales (orcas), from one of our research boats or land, where at least one individual is identified and photographed. Typically, 2-4 staff are involved in an encounter. Once we come into contact with whales (i.e., within a distance of identifying individuals by sight), we have begun our encounter. During an encounter, our primary goal is to photograph every individual present from both the left and right sides.
Orca Survey
OUTREACH & EDUCATION CENTER
185 S. First St., Friday Harbor, San Juan Island WA
THURSDAY - SUNDAY 10:00 AM - 4:00 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.
