Orca Calf Feared Dead as Researchers Struggle to Locate J-64

Researchers are deeply concerned about the fate of an orca calf from the J-Pod, known as J-64, after the calf was not spotted during a recent sighting of the pod. The calf was last observed in late September, during a historic sighting of the Southern Resident orcas near Tacoma. However, despite initial optimism about its condition, J-64 has not been seen since October 23, when researchers saw all 27 members of the J-Pod in Canada's Swanson Channel.

Michael Weiss from the Center for Whale Research notes that while the calf initially appeared well-integrated with the pod, the lack of food and exposure to toxicants make orca calves particularly vulnerable to various issues. Researchers suspect these factors could impair the whales' immune systems, making them more susceptible to disease. The loss of J-64 highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Southern Resident orcas, with two of the four calves observed alive in the J-Pod over the last year now deceased.

Efforts to help the orca population can extend beyond the water. Weiss suggests focusing on salmon habitat restoration and supporting political efforts for environmental conservation, particularly in areas like the Columbia River Basin. Adherence to protective regulations, such as maintaining a distance of at least 1,000 yards from Southern Resident killer whales, is also crucial to safeguarding these endangered whales.