Data spanning nearly half a century shows that endangered, fish-eating southern resident killer whales are spending less time in the inland waters of Puget Sound, while Bigg’s killer whales – transient predators that feed on seals, dolphins, and even other whales – are becoming increasingly common. The study found that the southern resident K and L pods are visiting Puget Sound less frequently, while the J pod continue to be well represented. Does the J pod know something that K and L don’t – or is the opposite true?
Researchers also found that southern residents and Bigg’s killer whales are sharing habitat more often than in the past. It remains unclear whether the two ecotypes interact or actively avoid one another; however, increasing overlap raises new questions about their relationship and highlights the need to consider both populations in future management and conservation decisions.
The findings were published June 24 in PLOS One – READ HERE
