In an effort to protect very skinny pregnant and endangered killer whales this summer, whale-watching boats are under an emergency order to stay a half-nautical mile away from southern resident orcas.
A killer whale expert with the state told KIRO 7 on Friday that at last count, there were only 73 southern resident orcas left.Twelve of the orcas were determined to be too skinny for their age and they could possibly die within the next several months.
However, the good news is that several of the orcas are pregnant but it is a very vulnerable time for them as female orcas often give up combing for food when boats come within 400 yards, and it is very concerning for pregnant or nursing mothers caring for their calves. “Whales often give up on trying to forage when boats are nearby and particularly the female southern resident orcas are most likely to give up on trying to find food when whales are within 400 yards. So we’re trying to give them as much space as possible so that they can focus on finding the food that is there.
Watson told KIRO 7 that whale-watching boats have been restricted in distance for the last nine months but other kinds of whales, like humpbacks, grey whales and minke whales can be seen on a boat tour. While officials are asking boaters to give the southern resident orcas plenty of room, state law requires boats to remain 300 yards away from the whales.More news from KIRO 7
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The spirit of the whale: Utqiaġvik celebrates Nalukataq with feast and dancingUtqiaġvik residents celebrated a successful whaling season with a four-day festival that included community meals, the blanket toss and traditional dancing. “We celebrate the life of that whale, and the spirit lives amongst us,' whaler Billy Adams said.
Read more »
Song complexity is maintained during inter-population cultural transmission of humpback whale songs - Scientific ReportsScientific Reports - Song complexity is maintained during inter-population cultural transmission of humpback whale songs
Read more »
Emergency order declared to keep boaters away from endangered killer whales this summerOfficials with the Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) issued an emergency order on Thursday, requiring whale watching vessels and boaters to keep away from Southern Resident killer whales this summer. This reminder follows a recent declaration of 13 whales being considered ‘vulnerable’.
Read more »
The spirit of the whale: Utqiaġvik celebrates Nalukataq with feast and dancingUtqiaġvik residents celebrated a successful whaling season with a four-day festival that included community meals, the blanket toss and traditional dancing. “We celebrate the life of that whale, and the spirit lives amongst us,' whaler Billy Adams said.
Read more »
July 4 fireworks: How to buy, where to watch and what’s canceled in Southern CaliforniaWe’re heading into July 4th weekend! If you’re still making plans, we’re here to help.
Read more »
1 Dead After Boats Collide in San Francisco BayOne person died Thursday in a boat collision on the San Francisco Bay that resulted in one of the vessels spinning out of control, police said.
Read more »