Southern resident orcas return to Puget Sound

Endangered southern resident orcas have returned to Puget Sound, prompting calls for boaters to maintain a respectful distance. Members of the J pod were observed in inland Puget Sound on September 3, marking their first appearance in the area since February. Members of the L pod were also spotted following the J pod earlier that same day.

These salmon-eating whales typically spend more time in Puget Sound during the fall to forage on Chinook and chum salmon. The southern resident population is currently endangered, with fewer than 75 whales remaining. Major threats to their survival include declining salmon populations, contaminants, and vessel noise, which can disrupt their ability to use sound to hunt.

Washington regulations require recreational boaters to stay at least 1,000 yards away from southern resident orcas. If whales surface within 400 yards, powered vessel operators must disengage their transmissions when safe to do so. The Orca Network advises observers who cannot distinguish southern residents from the mammal-eating Bigg’s orcas to follow the more restrictive distance requirements.