Surge in Bigg's Killer Whale Sightings in Salish Sea

The Salish Sea is experiencing an unprecedented surge in sightings of Bigg's killer whales, with 214 unique sightings recorded in July alone, marking a 70% increase compared to the previous year. This trend, noted by the Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA) and the Orca Behavior Institute (OBI), has persisted daily since March 12, indicating a significant uptick in local orca activity. The rise in sightings is attributed to an abundance of prey, such as seals and sea lions, which has facilitated the growth of the Bigg's population, now estimated at around 380 individuals, with 14 calves born this year. In contrast, the critically endangered Southern Resident killer whales continue to face challenges, with fewer than 75 remaining. Experts suggest that the presence of Bigg's whales may actually benefit Southern Residents by disrupting the food chain and allowing for greater access to salmon. Overall, the current whale-watching season has been exceptionally fruitful, with the PWWA anticipating record-breaking sightings this year.