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Saturday, November 30, 2002

Scientists ask public to help track orcas' winter homes

By LISA STIFFLER
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

During spring, summer and part of fall, orcas are tracked closely as they prowl Puget Sound and local straits. But where do they go in winter?

Maybe you can help solve this mystery.

Scientists are asking the public to call in when they spot the orcas, and send photos of individually recognizable killer whales.

From May to October, the 82 orcas that frequent our waters are regularly seen, but about this time of year they head out to the ocean, possibly following salmon migration. They've been observed down the coasts of Washington and Oregon, traveling as far south as Monterey Bay a few years back.

Scientists are trying to determine what's causing the decline in the number of orcas that live here, and learning where they spend their winters could help.

"If we are seeking to protect the whales, what areas would we look to for important habitat?" asked Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research in Friday Harbor

Knowing this could highlight areas where it's most important that toxic chemicals are cleaned up, or where pollution restrictions should be tightened, the whale scientist said. The buildup of toxic chemicals in the orcas is a leading factor suspected for their decline.

The center is working with the National Marine Fisheries Service on the tracking project. When killer whales are spotted this winter, the researchers need to know:

  • Number of orcas and distinguishing marks.

  • Date, time and location of sighting.

  • What they were doing, such as playing or feeding, and what they were eating.

  • If any were males, identifiable by tall dorsal fins.

Photographs are also helpful, particularly if they capture the dorsal fin and distinct white saddle patch that runs behind and along the fin.

Sightings can be reported at 360-378-5835 or 888-840-0309. More information is available online at www.nwfsc.noaa.gov

P-I reporter Lisa Stiffler can be reached at 206-448-8042 or lisastiffler@seattlepi.com

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