Posted on Jan 4, 2024
'They're our relatives.' Samish Indian Nation prepares to welcome new orca calf to Puget Sound
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Posted 5 mo ago
Responses: 2
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."During his first year of life, J60 will have to survive an ecosystem that humans have had a significantly negative impact on, and have a responsibility to address, Wooten said. He sees J60's birth as a good sign of momentum toward a thriving orca population: The whales are an apex predator and their health is an indicator of the health of their ecosystem.
“In terms of factors that limit their survival, sufficient salmon prey, vessel traffic and noise, and toxic pollutants that collect in their bodies are some of the primary threats,” said Michael Milstein, a spokesperson for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which has monitored southern resident orcas since the 2000s. “In addition, inbreeding within the small population has also emerged as a factor.”
A new law signed last year, Senate Bill 5371, will require a 1,000 yard buffer between recreational boats and any whales when it takes effect in 2025. For commercial boats, there’s been a trial period of slowing ships down in hopes of making it easier for orcas to “see.”
..."During his first year of life, J60 will have to survive an ecosystem that humans have had a significantly negative impact on, and have a responsibility to address, Wooten said. He sees J60's birth as a good sign of momentum toward a thriving orca population: The whales are an apex predator and their health is an indicator of the health of their ecosystem.
“In terms of factors that limit their survival, sufficient salmon prey, vessel traffic and noise, and toxic pollutants that collect in their bodies are some of the primary threats,” said Michael Milstein, a spokesperson for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which has monitored southern resident orcas since the 2000s. “In addition, inbreeding within the small population has also emerged as a factor.”
A new law signed last year, Senate Bill 5371, will require a 1,000 yard buffer between recreational boats and any whales when it takes effect in 2025. For commercial boats, there’s been a trial period of slowing ships down in hopes of making it easier for orcas to “see.”
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