U.S. Research Reveals more About Iconic Orca Whales
Marine mammals, with pollutants particularly high in the youngest whales, according to information released Wednesday by U.S. scientists who have studied them for the past decade.
Biologists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration summarized a compilation of research findings that reveal the mysterious lives of a small population of endangered killer whales that frequent the Puget Sound off the northwestern U.S. coast.
The striking black and white whales have come to symbolize the Pacific Northwest and play an important cultural and spiritual role for many Northwest tribes.
Despite recovery efforts that include new vessel rules and designated critical areas, scientists say more long-term work needs to be done to ensure survival.
The southern resident killer whale population, which numbered more than 140 animals decades ago, declined to a low of 71 in the 1970s when dozens of the mammals were captured live to be displayed at marine parks and aquariums across the country. In 2013, there were about 82.
Local and regional efforts began in the early 2000s to conserve them. The federal government listed the population of orcas, known as southern resident killer whales, as endangered in 2005.
Scientists came up with a recovery plan in 2008 after noting that animals face three threats — lack of prey, pollution and disturbance from vessel traffic.
From 2003 to 2012, NOAA spent about $15.7 million on research and conservation projects, the agency said.
"We are in a much better situation with the information we have now," Lynne Barre, NOAA Fisheries Seattle branch chief, said during a telephone call with reporters.
Mysteries remain, though, including why this population hasn't grown; why certain whales die; and how high contamination levels impact a whale's health and reproduction.
Source: Associated Press
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