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Protecting Orca by Restoring Salmon

After nine births, Southern-resident orcas in Puget Sound number 85.

By Evan Bush , Seattle Times staff reporter
January 20, 2016

orca.times.mom.calfIn just over a year, Puget Sound has welcomed nine baby Southern-resident orcas to the fold, as the pod continues to rebound from 30-year-low numbers reported at the end of 2014.

The newest members of the J and L pods, which inhabit Washington’s inland waters along with the K pod, face myriad hazards, including pollution, busy shipping traffic and a threatened food supply.

The cetaceans have been listed since 2005 for protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Chinook salmon, the orcas’ favorite food, are also listed under the ESA.

In photos taken from a drone, released last fall, the whales appear to be in good health:

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/killer-whales-enjoy-rebound-in-health-5-more-orcas-counted-in-seattle-area/

Evan Bush: 206-464-2253 or ebush@seattletimes.com

on Twitter: @EvanBush.

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/puget-sound-orca-numbers-rise-fast-after-30-year-low-in-2014/

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