VIDEO: Record-breaking year for whale sightings in the Pacific Northwest, report
The Pacific Whale Watching Association (PWWA) is calling 2022 a record-breaking year for whale sightings in the Salish Sea.
The Pacific Whale Watching Association (PWWA) is calling 2022 a record-breaking year for whale sightings in the Salish Sea.
Ken Balcomb, researcher who championed orcas in the PNW, dies at 82
Ken Balcomb, a researcher who spent five decades studying the Pacific Northwest’s charismatic and endangered killer whales — and whose findings helped end their capture for display at marine parks in the 1970s — died Thursday following an illness. He was 82.
Ken Balcomb, a researcher who spent five decades studying the Pacific Northwest’s charismatic and endangered killer whales — and whose findings helped end their capture for display at marine parks in the 1970s — died Thursday following an illness. He was 82.
'Quiet Sound' program offers hope for Southern Resident killer whales
Initial data shows 61-percent of commercial vessels voluntarily slowed down in Puget Sound to reduce noise for the endangered orcas.
Initial data shows 61-percent of commercial vessels voluntarily slowed down in Puget Sound to reduce noise for the endangered orcas.
Ships in North Sound to slow down to reduce noise pollution on orcas
Some ships may be voluntarily slowing down as they cross north Puget Sound through the rest of the year, as part of the ‘Quiet Sound’ program to reduce underwater noise for killer whales.
Some ships may be voluntarily slowing down as they cross north Puget Sound through the rest of the year, as part of the ‘Quiet Sound’ program to reduce underwater noise for killer whales.
Philanthropist says bringing Tokitae home is 'a real possibility'
Talks of Tokitae, a captive orca held in Miami, returning to the Salish Sea are beginning again after a surprise rebound in health in recent days.
Talks of Tokitae, a captive orca held in Miami, returning to the Salish Sea are beginning again after a surprise rebound in health in recent days.
VIDEO: Orcas and humpback whales battle in the Salish Sea
The Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA) witnessed a bizarre event in the Salish Sea on Thursday, which appeared to be a dramatic battle between a group of orcas and a pair of humpback whales.
The Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA) witnessed a bizarre event in the Salish Sea on Thursday, which appeared to be a dramatic battle between a group of orcas and a pair of humpback whales.
An oil spill comes to an end, is San Juan ready for the big one?
An oil spill off the west coast of San Juan island caused a lot of concern, but experts wonder whether the Salish Sea is ready for a big spill as traffic increases.
An oil spill off the west coast of San Juan island caused a lot of concern, but experts wonder whether the Salish Sea is ready for a big spill as traffic increases.
Divers hope to wrap up work, raise sunken fishing vessel near San Juan Island soon
Divers are back in the water near San Juan Island two weeks after a ship sank, putting wildlife at-risk due to an oil spill.
Divers are back in the water near San Juan Island two weeks after a ship sank, putting wildlife at-risk due to an oil spill.
Oil spill clean-up hits new snag, as biologists raise killer whales concerns
An oil spill that began on Saturday reached a new phase on Monday, and divers were able to begin a plan to plug and recover any remaining oil that went down with the Aleutian Isle, a 49-foot vessel that sank off the west side of San Juan Island.
An oil spill that began on Saturday reached a new phase on Monday, and divers were able to begin a plan to plug and recover any remaining oil that went down with the Aleutian Isle, a 49-foot vessel that sank off the west side of San Juan Island.
Clean up efforts continue after diesel, oil spill near San Juan Island; scientists concerned about orcas
It’s been nearly 36 hours since a fishing vessel sank off the west side of San Juan Island, and the fallout is still causing some concern.
It’s been nearly 36 hours since a fishing vessel sank off the west side of San Juan Island, and the fallout is still causing some concern.
Scientists concerned about orcas after diesel, oil spill near San Juan Island
A fishing vessel sank off the west side of San Juan Island, which has locals on the island concerned.
A fishing vessel sank off the west side of San Juan Island, which has locals on the island concerned.
Excitement surrounds baby Southern Residents, as scientists fear 'dried up twigs' on family tree
Each new birth within the Southern Resident killer whale population is met with fanfare, and for good reason. The famed Southern Residents have been listed as an endangered species in both the U.S. and Canada. Their numbers were nearing 100 a few decades ago – lately the total population has hovered in the mid-70s.
Each new birth within the Southern Resident killer whale population is met with fanfare, and for good reason. The famed Southern Residents have been listed as an endangered species in both the U.S. and Canada. Their numbers were nearing 100 a few decades ago – lately the total population has hovered in the mid-70s.
Researchers find cautious optimism with recent visits by Southern Resident orcas
From first light until long after sundown, Monika Wieland Shields was busy at work spotting Southern Resident Killer whales in late May.
From first light until long after sundown, Monika Wieland Shields was busy at work spotting Southern Resident Killer whales in late May.
First look at newest K Pod orca calf
On Saturday, the Center for Whale Research (CWR) photographed a new orca calf born recently to a pod of endangered Southern Resident orcas.
On Saturday, the Center for Whale Research (CWR) photographed a new orca calf born recently to a pod of endangered Southern Resident orcas.
New study says decrease in salmon threatens killer whales
Southern Resident killer whales have not had enough food for several years, which could affect their already small numbers, according to a study by the University of British Columbia.
Southern Resident killer whales have not had enough food for several years, which could affect their already small numbers, according to a study by the University of British Columbia.
Protecting Southern Resident orcas: What role do new regulations play?
As we approach July, whale watch boats are waiting to see whether they'll be permitted to approach any endangered Southern Resident orcas after stricter rules were put in place during the 2021 season.
As we approach July, whale watch boats are waiting to see whether they'll be permitted to approach any endangered Southern Resident orcas after stricter rules were put in place during the 2021 season.
Tokitae's health improving, locals hope it opens the door to her return home
Feared to be deathly ill, Tokitae – an orca plucked from the Salish Sea in 1970 – is on the mend, according to veterinarians.
Feared to be deathly ill, Tokitae – an orca plucked from the Salish Sea in 1970 – is on the mend, according to veterinarians.
Recreational boaters fined for getting too close to endangered Southern Resident orcas
NOAA has announced two fines for recreational boaters, including one – lowered to $2,700 after the boater admitted liability – after boaters were caught on camera operating too close to endangered Southern Resident orcas.
NOAA has announced two fines for recreational boaters, including one – lowered to $2,700 after the boater admitted liability – after boaters were caught on camera operating too close to endangered Southern Resident orcas.
Newest J Pod calf is a female, offering hope for endangered Southern resident population
The Center for Whale Research confirmed on May 26 that the new calf born to the J Pod is a female, offering a glimmer of hope for the endangered Southern resident orca population.
The Center for Whale Research confirmed on May 26 that the new calf born to the J Pod is a female, offering a glimmer of hope for the endangered Southern resident orca population.
Noise pollution harms endangered orcas, scientists are rushing to find solutions
Scientists are rushing to learn more information about noise pollution in our local waters, while more vessels are projected to travel the Salish Sea in the coming years.
Scientists are rushing to learn more information about noise pollution in our local waters, while more vessels are projected to travel the Salish Sea in the coming years.