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Endangered Vaquita Remain Genetically Healthy Even in Low Numbers, New Analysis Shows

Study found no sign of inbreeding or “extinction vortex” often linked to small populations.
October 23, 2020 - Feature Story ,
West Coast
Person looking through binoculars Researchers search the Gulf of California for some of the last remaining vaquita, a highly endangered species of small porpoise.

Give Pregnant Killer Whales Space to Forage

Washington regulations require boaters to stay 300 yards from Southern Resident killer whales, 400 yards in front and behind.
August 13, 2020 - Feature Story ,
West Coast
An adult orca is swimming underwater, and a calf is next to its dorsal fin. The calf is surfacing from the water.

What is Nearshore Habitat and Why Does it Matter to Orcas?

Restoration focuses on valuable shoreline habitat where juvenile fish grow.
June 22, 2020 - Feature Story ,
West Coast
School of young salmon Young salmon

Meet Harvey Walsh: Ecosystem Monitoring Program Lead

The desire to spend time outdoors as a child in Minnesota led to a career in fisheries research. Harvey Walsh was hooked once he spent time studying larval and juvenile fish in the ocean.
June 17, 2020 - Feature Story ,
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Harvey Walsh inspecting sampling gear, bongo nets, and zodiac on deck.

Sound Strategy: Hunting with the Southern Residents, Part 2

Southern Resident killer whales tell one salmon from another with sound. Southern Resident Connections - Post 8
June 15, 2020 - Feature Story ,
West Coast
Diagram illustrating a killer whale using echolocation This illustration of echolocation by Uko Gorter shows a whale sending out sound waves to locate prey, and the sound echoes that bounces back to the whale from a salmon.

Sound Strategy: Hunting with the Southern Residents, Part 1

Researchers study the foraging behavior of the Southern Resident killer whales to inform management of the endangered population. Southern Resident Connections - Post 7
June 12, 2020 - Feature Story ,
West Coast
Acoustic recording tags on the back of a partially submerged killer whale Digital acoustic recording tags temporarily attached to killer whales measured vessel noise reaching the whales. The suction cup tags eventually fall off without harming the whales. Photos taken under NOAA Fisheries and Department of Fisheries and Oceans research permit (No.781-1824 and 16163).

L41 is Missing. What Does This Mean for the Southern Residents?

Researchers discuss L41’s broad genetic influence on the population and inbreeding risk for the Southern Resident killer whales. Southern Resident Connections - Post 6
May 28, 2020 - Feature Story ,
West Coast
Killer whale swimming in Puget Sound

Researchers Probe Orca Poop for Microplastics: Part 2

Chemicals in plastics could hurt the Southern Residents. Southern Resident Connections - Post 5
May 20, 2020 - Feature Story ,
West Coast
Hands lift a pile of microplastics out of a bucket Microplastics can be found in all major seas and oceans. Photo credit: NOAA Ocean Service.

Researchers Probe Orca Poop for Microplastics: Part 1

What are microplastics and why are researchers looking for them in whale feces? Southern Resident Connections - Post 4
May 18, 2020 - Feature Story ,
West Coast
Researcher aboard a small vessel trailing orcas NOAA researchers collecting fecal samples. Photo taken under federal research permit.

Killer Whale Recovery Begins With Salmon Habitat, and That Begins With You

By Barry Thom, Regional Administrator, West Coast Region Southern Resident Connections - Post 3
May 11, 2020 - Leadership Message ,
West Coast
Aerial view of Snohomish Estuary