Happy Holidays

Last week we celebrated the Solstice with an overflow crowd at C&P Coffee Company in West Seattle. It was a full house and a packed agenda. We heard from Tara Galuska, Washington State Orca Recovery Coordinator; researchers Mark and Maya Sears; and scientist Brad Hanson, who directs southern resident orca research for NOAA’s Northwest Science Center.

Our theme was “Finding Light in the Dark for the Whales.” My introduction focused on the progress we have made to recover the southern resident orca population, and reasons for hope, which include the following:

• In 2023 Washington State passed new legislation to protect the orcas, by requiring boaters to stay 1,000 yards away from them year-round. The legislation was based on NOAA research showing the impacts of vessels on foraging are worse than anyone knew: female southern resident orcas stop foraging when vessels approach closer than 400 yards, and all southern residents are less successful at foraging when boats approach closer than 1,500 yards. Creating a protective buffer around the orcas will give these vulnerable animals the acoustic space they need to forage, rest and tend their young.
• The legislation requires WDFW to form an advisory group, so that boaters have the information they need to comply with the law. I was asked to serve on the advisory group, and I can’t wait to get started on this work.
• Give them Space. The new distance requirement takes effect in 2025. The whales still need protection between now and then. We encourage boaters throughout the orcas’ range to voluntarily give the orcas the space they need, and take the pledge at givethemspace.org.
• There are nine calves under five years old in the population, and six of those are female. The future of the population is here. The orcas’ fate rests on how well create the conditions that allow the calves to survive, and thrive, into adulthood. Giving their families the space they need to find food and hear each other is a giant step in the right direction.

It’s a beautiful day in Seattle. J pod is in Puget Sound as I write – they have a history of returning to this area between Christmas and New Years. Our binocular bags are packed and we’ll be ready when they are near.

Wishing you a warm and wonderful new year, and whales wherever you are. Deepest thanks to the site hosts, partners, supporters and volunteers who make everything we do possible. And thanks to the West Seattle Blog for the in-depth coverage of our winter gathering. Read more about it here.

Hope to see you The Whale Trail in 2024!

Donna