Important new publication on Antarctic minke whales

Antarctic minke whales have been killed by whaling in the Southern Ocean under the justification of “scientific research”. However, SR3 has been involved in a new paper showing that non-lethal methods can be used to assess their demography and population health. SR3’s Dr. Holly Fearnbach and Dr. John Durban collaborated with colleagues from 12 international organizations on a manuscript titled “Demography of an ice-obligate mysticete in a region of rapid environmental change” recently published in Royal Society Open Science. SR3 contributed drone-derived aerial images that were measured to provide the first estimates of length of age structure of free-ranging Antarctic minke whales around the Antarctic Peninsula. Genetic and hormone analyses were also used to identify unique individuals and provide information on sex ratio and reproductive status. Together, these data provide important new information on the demography of Antarctic minke whales, an ice-dependent species that is being impacted by the rapid warming of the marine ecosystem around the Antarctic Peninsula.

High-resolution aerial images of Antarctic minke whales collected non-invasively using a remotely operated drone in the Antarctic Peninsula. Images were collected from an altitude > 100 ft under NMFS Research Permit # 19091 with support from the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund.

NEW PUBLICATION ON SIZE, GROWTH AND BODY CONDITION OF MAMMAL-EATING BIGG’S KILLER WHALES

A new publication featuring SR3’s non-invasive photogrammetry research on killer whales was published this week in the scientific journal Marine Mammal Science (read the paper here). The paper is titled “Morphometrics of mammal‐eating killer whales from drone photogrammetry, with comparison to sympatric fish‐eating killer whales in the eastern North Pacific”. The study was based on drone images collected in the U.S. and Canada by SR3’s Holly Fearnbach and John Durban, working collaboratively with Lance Barrett-Lennard from Ocean Wise. Analysis by Chloe Kotik, a graduate student at the University of California San Diego, provided the first data on length, growth and body condition of free-swimming Bigg’s killer whales (BKWs), from the West Coast Transient population of mammal-eating killer whales. These measurements were compared to data that we have previously published on length, growth and body condition of endangered Southern Resident killer whales (SRKWs), which differ in their diet by their preference for fish, particularly Chinook salmon. Despite having overlapping ranges, these BKWs and SRKWs have been experiencing contrasting population trajectories, with SRKWs declining in abundance, while BKWs have been increasing in recent decades. This new study also found BKWs to be longer and in better body condition than SRKWs, which we suggest at least partially reflects responses to the more abundant prey available for BKWs (e.g. harbor seals, sea lions and porpoise), compared to the limited Chinook salmon available to SRKWs.

Aerial images showing a group of Bigg’s killer whales hunting for harbor seals along a rocky reef (Left) and an adult male Bigg’s killer surfacing with an unlucky harbor seal in its mouth (Right). Images collected non-invasively using a drone flown > 100ft above the whales under Permit # 19091 from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and SARA license 2014-06 SARA-327 from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).

Southern Resident killer whales need precautionary conservation measures

Southern Resident killer whales need precautionary conservation measures, but it is important that these measures are based on objective, quantitative and adaptive science. SR3’S photogrammetry research is powerful for supporting these measures and hopefully monitoring their success.

An emergency order was issued this week by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), declaring 13 individual Southern Resident killer whales (SRKWs) as vulnerable based on measurements from SR3’s non-invasive drone photographs. Twelve of these whales were identified to be in poor body condition and one whale was measured to likely be in late-stage pregnancy. Whales in poor body condition have been found to have an increased probability of mortality in the coming months.

Remember to be Whale Wise when on the water: Washington law requires vessels to stay at least 300 yards from SRKWs on either side and at least 400 yards out of the path in front of and behind the whales. Vessels must also reduce their speed to seven knots within one-half nautical mile of SRKWs.

Not a picture of health: Aerial Images of two of the currently vulnerable whales (J27 and J56).

Aerial images of an adult male Southern Resident killer whale (J27) when he was in above average body condition (which has been typical for him) in 2018, prior to declining to poor body condition in 2022. Note how his body profile and the angle of his white eye patches change as the result of fat loss. Images were collected non-invasively using a drone flown at >100 ft under NMFS Permit #s 19091 and 22306.

Aerial images of a young Southern Resident killer whale (J56) when she was in poor body condition in 2021 (and was previously designated as vulnerable by WDFW) and again in 2022, when her condition had declined even further. Note how her white eye patches trace the shape of her skull in 2022 when she is extremely emaciated. Images were collected non-invasively using a drone flown at >100 ft under NMFS Permit # 22306.

Three Simple Ways You Can Protect Killer Whales!

June is Orca Action Month, helping to raise awareness of the threats to the Pacific Northwest’s endangered Southern Resident killer whales (SRKWs). Most of us know that they are struggling, but do you know what you can do to help? 

Read on to get inspired and decide where YOU can jump in to help - not just this month - but all year long!

1. Preserve Chinook (“King”) Salmon Populations

We know that Southern Resident killer whales primarily eat Chinook (aka King) salmon, but identifying specific salmon stocks that are most critical to their food supply has been challenging in the past. Now, research from SR³ and colleagues has linked changes in SRKW body condition to the abundance of specific salmon populations in different areas!

For the whales in J pod, their body condition in late summer is linked to the abundance of Chinook salmon returning to the Fraser River in the preceding summer months. L pod whales’ body condition is connected to how many Chinook salmon are returning to the Puget Sound in the summer. For K pod, it’s likely that their summer diet comes from a variety of Chinook populations, since their body condition didn’t correlate with salmon abundance from any specific area or tributary.

One of the biggest threats the SRKWs are currently facing is limited access to their preferred prey, Chinook (aka King) salmon. When Chinook salmon populations increase in abundance, so does the likelihood of healthy SRKWs. 

The simplest way you can help is to make sure your seafood choices aren’t depleting their food supply!

Want to take it a step further? Healthy streams are critical to healthy salmon populations, and your choices at home impact local waters more than you might think. More than 60 percent of water pollution actually comes from small, dispersed sources like fertilizers and pesticides from lawns and gardens, cars leaking oil, and pet waste.  

When you wash your car in your driveway - rather than at a commercial car wash - the soapy water that enters your storm drain is flowing directly into local creeks and streams. Most soaps contain phosphates and other chemicals that harm fish and water quality.

By reducing your impact on local watersheds, you can help provide a healthy habitat for the salmon that SRKWs need to survive.

2. Give Whales Space

Aerial image of an adult female Southern Resident killer whale, successfully foraging alongside her juvenile offspring. Image collected by Holly Fearnbach and John Durban, from SR³ and NOAA, respectively, using a drone that was flown non-invasively >100ft above the whales under NMFS permit #19091.

Studies have shown that boats and ships can cause disturbance, particularly by creating noise that impacts killer whales’ ability to navigate, communicate, and most importantly, find food. 

There are many beautiful spots along the Washington coastline where you’re likely to spot whales from shore! Visit The Whale Trail for an interactive map and loads of information about viewing marine mammals throughout the Salish Sea and along the Pacific Coast.

If you do head out on the water, please remember that boats in Washington State are required to slow their engine speed to less than seven knots if within a half-mile of Southern Resident killer whales. Regardless of your speed, laws also require that you stay at least 400 yards away from their path (when in front or behind them) and 300 yards away if on either side of them. Visit the “be whale wise” website for more information.

3. Reduce Your Plastic Footprint

From laundry detergent sheets to shampoo bars and deodorant in cardboard containers, the options for eco-friendly products are constantly expanding.

Plastic debris is one of the biggest threats to the marine ecosystem today. Not only does it pose life-threatening risks to animals who become entangled in it, but as it breaks down, the microplastics it leaves behind are being ingested and carried up the food chain. This is significant because plastic contains chemical additives and contaminants that can be harmful to marine life, even at very low concentrations. For animals at the top of the food chain, such as killer whales, microplastics and their toxic effects are likely bioaccumulating in their systems. 

Cut down on plastic waste by refusing it wherever you can. And vote with your dollars by purchasing products that avoid plastic packaging!

Feeling inspired? Join SR³’s team for the Plastic Free Ecochallenge, a 31-day, global challenge to reduce and refuse single-use plastics beginning on July 1!

Remember, you are not just one alone, but together we are a whole community of ocean heroes. As we each take small, thoughtful steps in our daily lives, it WILL have a ripple effect that goes well beyond our own front doors. 

Together we can create a safer and healthier home for killer whales - and for all of us!

Updating condition assessments for vulnerable killer whales

Since the turn of the year, SR³’s Dr. Holly Fearnbach and Dr. John Durban have had several encounters with endangered Southern Resident killer whales (SRKWs), most recently in April. Using their remotely controlled octocopter drone, they have been able to collect aerial images of all members (n=25) of J pod, including the new calf J59, and 23/33 members of L pod. These aerial images are currently being measured to provide quantitative data on their body condition during winter and spring, allowing the team to monitor changes across seasons and years. These data will be provided to state and federal managers in both the US and Canada to help inform adaptive conservation measures, which could include seasonal changes in vessel regulations if whales are found to be in vulnerable condition. 

Holly and John will spend the next two weeks off the Kenai Fjords in Alaska, joining Dan Olsen from the North Gulf Oceanic Society for a second year of aerial photogrammetry research on fish-eating Alaska Resident killer whales (ARKWs). The team will collect aerial images of ARKWs to estimate the size and body condition of this abundant and increasing population as a comparison to the small and declining population of SRKWs.  

Aerial image of the J16 matriline in January 2022 (left) and J37 and her new calf J59 in April 2022 (right). Newborn calves are approximately 1/3 of the length of their mother at birth. These images were collected using a remotely controlled octocopter drone that was flown non-invasively >100ft above the whales under NMFS Research Permit # 22306.

SR3’s RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS THE PLIGHT OF CRITICALLY ENDANGERED NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALES

We don’t just study whales off our Pacific coast. SR3’s collaborative research is also helping to understand the challenges critically endangered North Atlantic right whales (NARWs) are facing. Using measurements of aerial photographs of NARWs in Cape Cod Bay, collected over two decades from airplanes and drones, our new publication has demonstrated that larger females have more calves. This is a problem because we have also found that NARWs are growing to smaller adult body lengths in recent years. This new paper, published today in the journal Marine Ecology Progress Series, is the result of collaborative research between SR3’s Dr. Holly Fearnbach, Dr. John Durban and colleagues from NOAA’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center, New England Aquarium and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. NARWs currently number less than 400 individuals, and declines in both abundance and body size have been linked to impacts from vessel strikes and entanglements in fishing gear, as well as changes in both the abundance and availability of their copepod prey. The new results show that reproductive females with larger body size had shorter inter-birth intervals, produced more calves per potential reproductive year and produced more calves over longer reproductive life spans. This provides evidence that recent trends in declining body size are likely contributing to the observed low birth rates over the past decade, which is a cause for concern for this critically endangered population. Conservation management aimed at reducing these human impacts are imperative for the recovery of this population.     

 An adult North Atlantic right whale mother that brought her young calf from the calving grounds off the coast of Florida and Georgia to coastal waters of Cape Cod Bay in April 2016. Image taken with a drone at non-invasive altitude of at least 130ft above the whales, under NMFS research permit # 17355. Photo by John Durban and Holly Fearnbach, SR3.

2022 Condition Assessment of “Sounders” gray whales

SR3’s Dr. Holly Fearnbach and Dr. John Durban have restarted monitoring the body condition of the “Sounders” gray whales that have once again returned for their annual migration stopover in Puget Sound to forage on ghost shrimp. As in previous years, the team is using a remotely controlled research drone to non-invasively collect high resolution overhead images that will be analyzed to measure changes in individual condition over the spring stopover and across years. This project is a collaboration with colleagues from Cascadia Research Collective (CRC), enabling us to link our aerial images and measurements to known individuals with long sighting histories (some over 30 years!) from CRC’s photo-identification studies. So far in 2022, the team has conducted two surveys, collected aerial images of seven individuals, six of which were also measured in both 2020 and 2021. In previous years, most individuals improved in condition prior to resuming their northbound migration to Arctic feeding grounds and hopefully we will document a similar trend this year. This project will continue into early summer, providing important information on the body condition and health of gray whales during the ongoing  Unusual Mortality Event.

Aerial images of a “Sounder” gray whale (CRC-723, “Lucyfer”) taken in March 2020, February 2021 and then again in March 2022. Images were collected non-invasively using a remotely-controlled drone flown at >150ft over the whales under NMFS research permit 22306. Photo by Holly Fearnbach and John Durban.

Continued lost pregnancies for the Southern Resident killer whales

In September 2021, we used high-resolution aerial images from non-invasive research drones to document three pregnant whales in J-pod, part of the endangered population of Southern Resident killer whales. These whales clearly displayed the anomalous body shape which results from pregnancy, notably increased width at mid-body as viewed from the air (see left photo). In response the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife issued an emergency ruling to designate these as vulnerable whales, which prevented commercial whale watching boats from approaching within one-half nautical mile of these individuals or their groups, to protect the whales’ ability to successfully forage.

Over the past month, SR3’s research team of Dr. Holly Fearnbach and Dr. John Durban have collected further drone images of J-pod. Unfortunately, these images have revealed that only one of the three whales (J37) is still pregnant, with J19 and J36 appearing to have decreased significantly in body width. Neither had new calves with them, so they have either lost their pregnancies or experienced neonatal death of a young calf that was not documented over the fall or winter months. We hope J37 continues to support a successful pregnancy: if so, a calving rate of 1/3 of the documented pregnancies will, unfortunately, be consistent with the high rate of reproductive loss that has been documented in recent years by our drone studies and by hormone research conducted by the University of Washington. Unfortunately, reproductive loss has become normal for this population. With only 73 whales remaining, every calf matters.

J36 lost pregnancy: The picture panel above shows her shape change between September 2021,

when increased width at mid-body clearly indicates she was in the latter stages of pregnancy, and

late February 2022 when she was no longer wide in the body and was not accompanied by a calf.

Photos by SR3, collected under NMFS research permit 22306.

Rare winter data on the condition of L pod

This past weekend, SR³’s Dr. Holly Fearnbach and Dr. John Durban had a rare winter encounter with L pod from the endangered Southern Resident killer whale (SRKW) population. Using a remotely-controlled octocopter drone, they were able to collect aerial images of all the whales encountered (28 individuals), which will be measured to provide the first quantitative data on their body condition in January. In recent years, the SR³ team has been successful in measuring the condition of the more regular J pod whales in different months, but year-round data on the health of K and L pods is an important data gap that needs filling to support management efforts to maintain adequate salmon prey for the whole population throughout the year. 

Our data on SRKW body condition continues to be used to support adaptive conservation measures, which could include seasonal changes in vessel or fisheries regulations if whales are found to be in poor body condition. A detailed analysis of our images is underway, but unfortunately there were a number of L pod individuals that appeared leaner than when we last imaged them in the fall, continuing a declining trend in the body condition of L pod whales in recent years, which correlates with an increase in recent deaths. Our research team will continue to monitor the condition of these endangered whales throughout the year to provide state and federal managers with information on vulnerable whales to support enhanced conservation measures.

Aerial image of a group of L pod whales from the Southern Resident killer whale population. This group is being led by the population’s oldest member (L25, estimated to be over 90 years old), and also includes its youngest member (one year old, L125). This image was collected using a remotely controlled octocopter drone that was flown non-invasively >100ft above the whales in January 2022 under NMFS Research Permit # 22306.

Scapegoating Sea Lions

by casey mclean, executive director

Seals and sea lions are an integral part of a healthy marine ecosystem. As several species were once hunted almost to extinction, they were protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act in the 1970’s. This act ended the bounty hunting that stemmed from the belief that seals and sea lions were the reason for declining fish populations. Despite the fact that seal and sea lion numbers decreased to a point where they almost ceased to exist, the fish populations did not return as expected. 

Even so, sadly this same misconception still exists today. While this belief is not new, habitat destruction, toxins, and overfishing have increased, causing even greater pressures on marine wildlife. These are the real culprits to our declining fish stocks and starving killer whales. 

Despite the increasing pressures on the marine environment, many seal and sea lion populations have managed to recover, and we should celebrate this conservation success story. They are an important source of prey for top predators, including transient killer whales. These marine mammal-eating whales are increasing their presence in the Salish Sea thanks to a plentiful food supply.

Now that seal and sea lion numbers have returned to healthy levels, many who experienced what it was like prior to their protection perceive a population explosion. In reality, studies from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife show that most populations have plateaued and remained relatively stable. 

The Marine Mammal Protection Act, a U.S. Federal law states that it is illegal to kill marine mammals with the exception of self defense. Yet sadly, every year SR³ and our stranding network partners respond to numerous gunshot cases that always begin in the fall as salmon fishing opens. The targets are healthy sea lions, and sometimes seals, shot simply because they are seen as competition for salmon. In the past two years over 15 cases have been confirmed gunshot and those are just the ones that have been examined. 

In reality, there are many more gunshot cases which go unreported, as well as others outside of our region which we are not able to reach in order to collect x-ray evidence for NOAA Law Enforcement.

While this may provide a temporary outlet of frustration for some people, it does not solve the problems that stem from habitat destruction, a toxic environment, and overfishing. In fact, it’s possible that by removing seals and sea lions, there could be a decline in salmon populations. Seals and sea lions eat over 60 species of fish, some of which feed on salmon. For example, in British Columbia, almost half of harbor seals’ diet is hake, a fish species that is a major predator for young salmon. Remove the harbor seals, and there could be more predation on salmon than the harbor seals would have otherwise caused.

Dr. Andrew Trites of the Marine Mammal Research Unit at University of British Columbia provides an important reminder of the many ways seals and sea lions benefit the marine environment here. Not only may they actually help the salmon population, but they are also integral in nutrient recycling (yes, seal poop is a good thing, think of it as lunch for tiny ocean creatures), and they add to the diversity and resilience of the ecosystem.

Killing large numbers of top predators has been used as a management tactic in the past for marine and terrestrial species, always failing to produce the intended long-term results and often resulting in unexpected negative outcomes. 

The NOAA fisheries office in Alaska released a short video for fishermen, reminding them that shooting seals and sea lions is against the law.

A large number of these shootings are happening in our own backyard as well, right in the Duwamish waterway. This is an active and heavily-used waterway within the Seattle City limits, making shooting a particularly dangerous act. While sea lions are wild animals, their easy going demeanor generally means that if you don’t bother them, they won’t bother you, making it extremely unlikely anyone would need to shoot them in self defense. 

Necropsies (animal autopsies) have revealed that these animals often suffer from injuries such as shattered vertebrae, broken ribs, and internal organ damage before they die. These illegal, senseless, and inhumane shootings must stop. 

If you witness a marine mammal shooting or hear gunfire over the water, call 911. 

If you see an injured or dead marine mammal, please call the Stranding Network Hotline at 1-866-767-6114.

References:

Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans. 2010.  “Population Assessment Pacific Harbour Seal (Phoca vitulina richardsii).”  DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2009/011; Zier and Gayos, 2014. “Harbor seal species profile.” Encyclopedia of Puget Sound. SeaDoc Society/UC Davis’ Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center

Bowen and Lidgard. 2012. “Marine mammal culling programs: Review of effects on predator and prey populations.” Mammal Review 43 (3), January 2012. Pp. 207-220; and Morissette L, Christensen V, Pauly D (2012) Marine Mammal Impacts in Exploited Ecosystems: Would Large Scale Culling Benefit Fisheries? PLoS ONE 7(9): e43966. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0043966

Shields MW et al. 2018. “Increased presence of mammal-eating killer whales in the Salish Sea with implications for predator-prey dynamics.” PeerJ6:e6062 http://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.6062

Puget sound harbor seals leveling out based on 1999 survey: https://media.fisheries.noaa.gov/dam-migration/po2013sehr-wain_508.pdf

Coastal harbor seals leveling out in 90s based on early 2000s surveys: https://media.fisheries.noaa.gov/dam-migration/po2013sehr-owco_508.pdf

California sea lions leveling out in 2010s: https://media.fisheries.noaa.gov/dam-migration/ca_sea_lion_final_2018_sar.pdf