Southern Resident Connections—2023 Posts Archive
Southern Resident killer whales are icons of a vibrant but struggling marine ecosystem. Join us in exploring the ecological connections that tie this system together, and the ways we are protecting and working to recover the whales we care so much about.
Persistent Pollutants from Mother’s Milk Turn Dolphin Calves More Toxic Than Mom
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When bottlenose dolphins nurse their young, they transfer toxic pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and DDT to their calves through their milk. New research shows that the calves end up with higher concentrations of the toxins than their mothers.
Learn more about raised concerns for killer whales that are closely related.
Estimating the Age of Endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales Using an Epigenetic Clock
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Scientists have discovered a new way to estimate the age of endangered Southern Resident killer whales by analyzing DNA from their skin.
Learn more about new molecular technique to help us understand killer whales
Inbreeding Contributes to Decline of Endangered Killer Whales
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The small size and isolation of the endangered population of Southern Resident killer whales in the Pacific Northwest have led to high levels of inbreeding. This inbreeding has contributed to their decline, which has continued as surrounding killer whale populations expand, according to research published in Nature Ecology and Evolution.
Learn more about new genome sequencing.
Southern Residents Work Harder For Prey, But Catch Fewer Fish, New Research Finds
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Resident killer whales such as the Southern Residents set themselves apart from other killer whales by behavior more than appearance. They prey on salmon rather than marine mammals, travel and forage in larger groups, and follow the leadership of older females in family group.
Learn more about how researchers compared foraging of two resident killer whale populations.
Sharper Picture of Salmon in the Ocean Resets Threshold for Fishing Limits
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New research examines how Chinook salmon from West Coast rivers travel through the ocean. It shows that endangered Southern Resident killer whales do not have access to as many salmon prey as previously thought. That does not mean the number dropped, but that it has always been lower than estimated.
Coordinated Response Protected Southern Residents From Sunken Ship Leaking Oil
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What do you do when endangered Southern Resident killer whales are headed toward an oil spill?
That was the question NOAA Fisheries, along with federal, state, and local partners, wrestled with this summer. Endangered killer whales were spotted in the Strait of Juan de Fuca headed toward the San Juan Islands, where a fishing vessel had gone down and was leaking fuel. After determining that the crew was safe, the oil spill response team focused on protecting the environment, the iconic Southern Resident killer whales, and other precious resources.
NOAA Fisheries and partners diverted endangered whales from potential harm. Learn more