The Fate of Our Orca Whales

How Long do They Have Left?

Photo Provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

A Research Paper for Contemporary World Problems

Submitted By: Marissa Bouvier
27 February 2015

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Broad Perspective
Larger Picture
Marine mammals are greatly affected by human activities. Marine mammals get caught in
fishing gear worldwide, killing thousands of sea creatures a year. Small sea mammals to larger
whales are affected by nets, often times the mammal drowns due to not being able to
surface(Ocean Blueprint).This adds the the increasing amount of stress that marine mammals go
through. Ship traffic, offshore development, and competition with fisheries for food are just
some of the factors that these mammals have to endure. Some species of sea mammals have yet
to recover from past commercial hunting, and continue to face the threat of oil spills, exposure to
toxins, and infectious diseases. Pollutants, a general scientific belief, have had negative effects
on marine mammals populations and reproduction. It has been estimated that over 70,000
chemicals are commonly used in industrial compounds, pesticides, food additives,
pharmaceuticals and other purposes. That number of chemicals increases by 1,000 each year. The
effects of these containments on marine mammals include infertility, birth defects, cancer,
behavioral changes, damage to kidneys, immune and nervous system dysfunction, and alteration
of hormone levels (SeaWeb Ocean Briefing).
Significance
Seventy percent of the Earths surface is covered with water, which makes the marine
ecosystem the largest ecosystem we have (HotSpot Ecosystem Research). Fish and crustaceans
have become a large part of the worlds diet, and have provided economic benefit. For
developing countries seafood is a relied on source of food. Developing countries are six out of
the top eleven for fish harvesting. Having a decrease in marine life will have a great impact on

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these areas. Marine tourism is also a beneficial factor; coastal areas provide scuba diving, glass
bottom boat rides, and whale watching vessels to make money (Hilchey). The diversity and
productivity of the worlds oceans is a vital interest for humankind. Our security, our economy,
our very survival all require healthy oceans. Having a healthy ocean allows humans to survive
and prosper. The oceans ecosystem provides us with a sixth of the animal protein people eat.
Healthy oceans will absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and reduce the amount of
impacts from climate change. The worlds oceans are a benefit to mankinds future (Why We
Protect).
Future
From the research I have conducted I predict that if marine ecosystems arent taken into a
brighter light we may lose vital resources that benefit us greatly. Our economic structures that
depend on sea life may fall as decreases in marine populations begin to occur.
Purpose
The purposes of this research is to deeply examine the impacts of human involvement on
Orca whales in the Puget Sound and show that it is a significant issue, propose potential
solutions, and while doing so devise an action plan to implement potential solutions.

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Deeper Investigation
Case Study
Orca whales or, Orcinus orca, are the largest member of the dolphin family and are a
highly sociable mammal. They live together in groups called pods; a pod can contain five to
thirty whales, who are led by females of the group. Populations of Orcas are currently unknown,
but it is estimated at around 50,000. Orcas have been seen in all oceans, as you can see from the
map below (See Figure 1) (Basic Facts About).
Figure 1: Orca Whale Movements

(Basic Facts About)

Killer whales in the Pacific Northwest are the best known and must studied orca whale
populations in the world. These animals are top predators that feed on a variety of marine
mammals and fish, but individual populations have begun to feed on particular species. Resident
Orcas only feed on salmon and inhibit the island waters of Washington and the British Columbia.
Transient Orcas are mammal eating and are occasional visitors to the inland Puget Sound. There

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they typically hunt for harbor seals. Residents have become one of the well-researched groups of
Orcas in the world. Transients, who are continuously on the move, are harder for scientists to
study (Pacific Northwest Orcas).

The Problem
The number of whales in pods J, K, and L has dropped to a level that hasnt been seen
since 1985. A total of 78 Orcas have been reported to be in the Puget Sound (Killer Whale
Population). In the past year there have been three calves that have been born. One of them being
born in the Pacific Ocean rather than the safety of the Puget Sound. A NOAA spokesperson has
said that they are wondering if being born away from these waters has an advantage rather to
being born in the Puget Sound. While these births are a hopeful sign, Orca whale populations
still remain dangerously low. Last year four Orca whales were lost, one of them had been a
pregnant female. Threats stills remain to these Orca whales (Cavaliere). Ken Balcomb suggests
that one of the threats to their decline is the lack of food in the Orca whales area (Killer Whale
Population).Orcas have a problem with food as well as a problem with the toxins that their food
gives them. Puget Sound is filled with toxics from pulp and paper mills, oil refineries, ports,
boatyards and storm-water runoff. These toxins are absorbed into the fish and then consumed by
the Orcas, contaminating them. The result of eating these contaminated fish have given these
whales some of the highest concentrations of highly carcinogenic polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs) of any marine mammal in the world, says Gary Wiles, a wildlife biologist with the
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (Olsen). Orcas also face stress from boat noise that
affects their everyday life. Orca whales rely on noise to hunt and reproduce and noise pollution
can lead to long term affects in Orcas (Whale Museum).

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Toxins
PCB is a harmful chemical that was banned over 40 years ago, but is still present in
todays environment. The toxin causes health problems in human and wildlife organisms. It
targets the immune, nervous, and reproductive system. PCB disrupts thyroid hormone levels in
animals and humans, which hinders growth and development (Harmful Effects Chemicals).
PCBs were manufactured organic chemicals that were primarily used as coolants and lubricants
in electrical equipment, but were also used in common materials such as paints, cement,
adhesives, and even the flame retardants used in some childrens clothing. PCBs have been able
to thrive in fish and marine mammals. As a result Orca whales have had a buildup of PCB in
their system due to eating, their primary food supply, the Chinook salmon. The toxins are
considered a Persistent Organic Pollution (POP) because once the toxin has been ingested; they
build up in the fatty blubber of the Orca whales. Only females who have sexually matured have a
chance of getting rid of any PCBs. When a female gives birth a small amount of PCBs are
transferred over to the calf. Even more toxins are given to the calf through the mothers break
milk which is extremely rich in fat. This transfer of PCB levels to calves have led to many
premature deaths. It often times takes a female multiple tries to have a calf with low enough PCB
levels to survive. Researchers believe that PCB concentrations may not decrease to a safer level
for at least another 30 years (Britt). Orca whales numbers have gotten to a level that hasnt been
seen since the mid 1980s (See Figure 2) (Britt).

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Figure 2: Line Graph of Orca Populations

(Britt)
Noise Pollution
Communication is an important factor in the Orcas whales everyday life. They use sound
for survival as well as reproduction. Orcas face noise challenges from both the environment and
human activities. Sound exposure has caused concern especially in cases such as beaked whale
mass stranding that occurred with naval mid-frequency sonar exercises. An occurrence of these
sounds is relatively rare, although the exposures might lead to death. A more common source of
sound pollution is motorized vessel traffic. Long-term exposure to this man made noise can have
a permanent effects on marine life populations. This is a larger issue in areas that have a high
concentration of vessels in the area. Coastal waters of Washington state and British Columbia are
prevalent with vessels such as, ships, ferries, whale-watching boats, and private boats. These
inlands waters are important hunting areas for Orca whales, particularly in the summer and fall.
The average amounts of boats that surround Orcas during these times are around 20. During the

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summer you can find up to 50 boats on busy weekends and holidays. These boats give off loud
frequencys that interfere with the Orca whales communication system. Orcas depend a great
deal on communication when hunting (Holt). Underwater sound environment is thought to be the
most critical component of Orcas sensory and behavioral lives. Orcas have been known to
communicate with each other using a variety of clicks, chirps, squeaks and whistles, along with
using echolocation. They use this to locate prey and navigate their way through the water. Noise
pollution may not have a noticeable effect on their behavior, but it will begin to damage their
sensory abilities and have a gradual effect on their population health (Whale Museum). A recent
proposal from the U.S. Navy suggests using sonar and other training exercises off the Pacific
Coast. Animal advocates have said that the use of theses sonar exercises would harm whales and
other creatures that lie in these waters. The Navy says they want to use up to 720 sonobuoys
which would be close to 12 nautical miles off the coasts of Washington, Oregon and Northern
California. The devices, about 3 feet long and 6 inches in diameter, release sonar signals
underwater so air crews can train to better detect submarines. The Navy still needs to receive
authorization from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration under the Marine
Mammal Protection Act, in order to continue with this proposal (Navy Wants Increase).
Salmon
A critical food supply for Puget Sound Orca whales is Chinook salmon, who also have
been listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. A limited food supply has
been thought to be one of the primary reasons for Orca whale population decline. Efforts have
been made to increase the salmon population, including having volunteer labor to recover habitat
in the region, having hatchery management undergo many changes, and to decrease the amount
of harvest rates. Even with the efforts that have been made salmon populations, both hatchery

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and wild, remain below what it was 30 years ago (Balcomb). Last year a young pregnant female
Orca whale was found dead near Vancouver Island. Nicknamed Rhapsody, she was one of the 12
reproductive females left. Experts gathered to the dead Orca conducted a necropsy; the reports
indicated that she had been malnourished, which was what lead to her death. Only a thin layer of
blubber remained and they had determined that she had not been eating adequately for a long
period of time. The south resident whale is thought to have died while giving birth to her nearly
for term calf (News). Some studies have shown that up to 90 percent of Orca whales diet is
salmon. Some of the extinct salmon stocks are the winter runs of the Chinook and Coho, the
preferred stocks to the resident Orca. This decrease in population may be what is affecting the
whales nutrition in the winter (Whale Museum).
History of Killer Whales
Resident orca whales used to be abundant in the Puget Sound. Over 200 Orcas swam in
the area in the late 1800s. It was during the late 1960s where Orca whales began to be captured
for oceanarium display. Forty seven killer whales were estimated to have been taken away from
the Puget Sounds waters and put into oceanariums. This had an immediate effect on the resident
Orca whales population. By 1971 the population had fallen 30 percent leaving only 67 whales in
the area. Numbers grew by 2003, having 83 left in the Puget Sound. But, resident Orca whale
numbers were still so low that in 2005 they were listed an as endangered under Endangered
Species Act in 2005 (Killer Whale).
Why is This Problem Important?
Orca whales have grown into an important factor for the local nearshore environment.
The San Juan Islands whale watching industry has made 10 million dollars in the past couple of

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years. The area can annually have up to 500,000 visitors participate in whale watching on
commercial vessels in the nearshore waters of Washington and British Columbia. This number
doesnt include the numbers of visitors who have their own private vessels (Kriete).
Conclusion
Based off of the research that I have collected and reviewed I believe that,
o Orca whales will not be in the Puget Sound in the next 50 years
o Vessels can become a significant issue
o Salmon populations have affected resident Orcas negatively

Recommendations
Based on the conclusions drawn above I recommend,
o Keep protection laws in place
o Have stricter laws on boat traffic in the Puget Sound
o Keep group projects that clean up rivers that Salmon swim through

Action Plan
o Keep my neighborhood streams clean of chemicals
o Follow the whale watching guidelines that are set
o Conserve water, more water for salmon means more food for Orcas (Orcas
Puget Sound)

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Final Thoughts
This research paper has allowed me to explore the difficulties that Orca whales face and
discover ways that I could positively impact them. While they suffer greatly by the impacts of
human activities, they still are resilient against the odds and fight for their survival. I am now
aware of what chemicals I use and how it will impact the cycle of organisms.

Bibliography

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Balcomb, Ken, Martha Kongsgaard, and David Troutt. "To save Orcas, We Must save Salmon."
The Seattle Times. The Seattle Times, 22 Feb. 2015. Web. 16 Mar. 2015.
<http://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/to-save-orcas-we-must-save-salmon/>.
I found this source to be credible due to the amount of unbiased information that was
given. The source also provides names of the individuals who wrote the piece and was
found on an informational website.

"Basic Facts About Orcas." Defenders of Wildlife. 3 Apr. 2012. Web. 18 Mar. 2015.
<http://www.defenders.org/orca/basic-facts>.
This source was slightly bias in their information, but provided good detailed information
about Orca whales. There was no author, but information was provided by an
organization.

" Britt, Cathy. "The Killer Affecting Killer Whale Populations." QUEST. 19 July 2011. Web. 4
Mar. 2015. <http://science.kqed.org/quest/2011/07/19/the-killer-affecting-killer-whalepopulations/>.
This source had an author and gave good information about the factors that affect Puget
Sound Orcas. The information was needed in my paper.

Cavaliere, Victoria. "Third Calf Born to Endangered Killer Whale Population in U.S. Pacific
Northwest." Yahoo! News. Yahoo!, 27 Feb. 2015. Web. 14 Mar. 2015.
<http://news.yahoo.com/third-calf-born-endangered-killer-whale-population-u205933455.html>
The information is new and gave an insight to my paper that wasnt there. The source is
authored and provides information on new calves that have been born.

Guarino, Ben. "If You Want To Watch Wild Orca Whales, Great - But Do It Responsibly." The
Dodo. The Dodo, 22 Aug. 2014. Web. 12 Mar. 2015. <https://www.thedodo.com/if-youwant-to-watch-wild-orca-685353287.html>.

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This source provided information on how to watch whales appropriately and what
problems occur when you dont. The information greatly impacted one of my paragraphs
and gave a good insight. The source was authored.

"Harmful Effects of Chemicals of Concern | Controlling Toxic Chemicals in Puget Sound |

Saving Puget Sound | Washington Department of Ecology." Harmful Effects of
Chemicals of Concern | Controlling Toxic Chemicals in Puget Sound | Saving Puget
Sound | Washington Department of Ecology. Web. 4 Mar. 2015.
<http://www.ecy.wa.gov/puget_sound/toxicchemicals/effects.html>.
This source provided me with the necessary information about harmful chemicals.
It was crucial to my paper. It was not authored but the information was provided by a
government run website.

Hilchey, Jeff. The Importance of Protecting Marine Biodiversity 12 January 2003

This source provided me with important information about Orca whales conservation. It
had an author, and had an important part in my paper. It was an older source, but I felt it
necessary to have it.

Holt. M. Marla, Noren. D. D,Veirs. V,Veirs. S. "Speaking up: Killer whales(orcinus orca)
increase their call in response to vessel noise" 22 December 2008
Source was authored, and was up to date with my paper. It matched up with other
information that I had gathered and found it to be a great source for information. This
source was free from bias.
"Hotspot Ecosystem Research and Man's Impact On European Seas." Marine Ecosystems. Web.
23 Mar. 2015. <http://www.eu-hermione.net/learning/marine-ecosystems>.
This source was very important for the introduction of my paper and was much needed.
The source was not authored but it proved to be very educational and fit in with my
research.

"Killer Whale Population Declining in Puget Sound." CBSNews. CBS Interactive, 1 Sept. 2014.
Web. 2 Mar. 2015. <http://www.cbsnews.com/news/killer-whale-orca-populationdeclining-in-puget-sound/>.
This was a newer source that did not have an author, but provided me with newer
information about the whales. This source was given by a news provider and found it to
be reliable. The information was slightly bias, but information rich.

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"KILLER WHALES (Orcinus Orca) - Conservation & Research." KILLER WHALES (Orcinus
Orca) - Conservation & Research. Web. 18 Mar. 2015. <http://seaworld.org/animalinfo/animal-infobooks/killer-whale/conservation-and-research/>.

"Killer Whale (Orcinus Orca)." :: NOAA Fisheries. Web. 17 Mar. 2015.

<http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals/whales/killer-whale.html>.

Kriete, Brigit. "Orcas in the Puget Sound" Puget Sound Nearshore Partnership January 2007

News, CBC. "Pregnant Killer Whale J-32 Was Starving, Necropsy Reveals - British Columbia CBC News." CBCnews. CBC/Radio Canada, 15 Dec. 2014. Web. 16 Mar. 2015.
<http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/pregnant-killer-whale-j-32-wasstarving-necropsy-reveals-1.2872002?cmp=rss>.

"Navy Wants to Increase Use of Sonar-Emitting Buoys." Military.com. Associated Press, 26 Jan.
2015. Web. 14 Mar. 2015. <http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/01/26/navy-wantsto-increase-use-of-sonar-emitting-buoys.html>.

Olsen, Ken. "Orcas on the Edge - National Wildlife Federation." Orcas on the Edge - National
Wildlife Federation. 1 Oct. 2006. Web. 3 Mar. 2015. <http://www.nwf.org/news-andmagazines/national-wildlife/animals/archives/2006/orcas-on-the-edge.aspx>.

"Orcas in Puget Sound." Seattle Aquarium. Web. 25 Mar. 2015.

<http://www.seattleaquarium.org/orcas>.

"Pacific Northwest Orcas: Distinct Populations." Pacific Northwest Orcas: Distinct Populations.
Web. 23 Mar. 2015. <http://www.ptmsc.org/resident_transient_orcas.html>.

"SeaWeb - Ocean Briefing Book." SeaWeb - Ocean Briefing Book. Web. 21 Mar. 2015.
<http://www.seaweb.org/resources/briefings/chempol_mammal.php>.

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"The Whale Museum." The Whale Museum. Web. 9 Mar. 2015.

<http://whalemuseum.org/pages/issues-affecting-the-orcas>.

"Why We Protect Our Oceans." <i>Marine Conservation Institute</i>. Web. 23 Mar. 2015.
&lt;https://www.marine-conservation.org/what-we-do/advocate/why-we-protect-ouroceans/&gt;.

U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century. Web.
Washington, DC, 2004. Final Report.