The Southern Resident killer whales are a genetically and culturally distinct population of orcas within the Pacific Northwest and consist of three separate pods: J, K, and L Pods. Like other ecotypes of orcas, the Southern Residents are matriarchal, which means females are the leaders.

Mar 18, 2019 · K-pod orcas are the smallest of three orca pods belonging to the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale population. K-pod is often the last pod to show up in the Salish Sea during the spring and summer months.

Feb 9, 2025 · Puget Sound was a global kelp capital for millennia. If we work together, we can enlist the next generation of conservationists to jumpstart the recovery of kelp, salmon, and orca.

Feb 7, 2025 · “Kelp is one of the superheroes of our marine ecosystem,” said Nance. “It can be a key player in protecting Puget Sound and our efforts to boost salmon populations and save our endangered orcas. The first step is to raise awareness and help folks understand why this is such a vital resource.”

Dec 5, 2024 · A Southern Resident orca swims with kelp on its nose, a behavior known as "kelping." Sometimes, the orcas are also seen carrying the large algae on their dorsal fins. Jill Hein, Orca Network

Mar 4, 2025 · “Naming bull kelp as our marine state forest will help raise awareness of this super seaweed and its critical role in saving endangered salmon and orca.” From northern California up through the Alaskan coastline, bull kelp flourished for 32 million years in Pacific waters, but satellite images show that canopy rapidly dwindling from ...

One of the most iconic creatures of the Pacific Northwest is the orca, also known as the killer whale. Orcas are apex predators that play a critical role in the region's marine ecosystems by keeping prey populations in check and dispersing nutrients throughout the ocean.

The Oregon Kelp Alliance brings together divers, scientists, tribal members, drone pilots, guides, and chefs to protect and maintain kelp forests. As kelp restoration advances along the Oregon coast, ORKA will continue to work with local, regional, and global partners to develop networks that support healthy kelp forests in Oregon and around ...

Sep 29, 2022 · They come when a boat is quiet, the posse of adolescent orca whales looking to rumble. Finding the propeller still, they crash into it like semi trucks, each animal a monochromatic, five-ton...

Dec 9, 2024 · A steady decline in salmon species due to overfishing, dam construction, and other causes has landed the southern resident ecotype orca on the U.S. endangered species list.