West Seattle, Washington
28 Thursday
7:59 AM: Kersti Muul tells us orcas are in the area again – in Elliott Bay. Transients this time, currently by the central downtown waterfront.
10:50 AM: See updates in comments – J-Pod residents are back in the area too.
12:50 PM: Donna Sandstrom from The Whale Trail just called to say the whales are now southbound in the Bainbridge/Seattle ferry lanes, visible from here.
10:43 AM: Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tip – orcas are in the area again and this time it’s Southern Residents – J-Pod. She says they’re southbound in view from Constellation Park right now, “spread out,” some toward Blake, at least one trailing through the Bainbridge/Seattle ferry lane. The whales in the area this past week have been transients so the residents’ visit is “a surprise,” she says. Let us know if you see them!
1:36 PM: Thanks for the updates in comments! Both Kersti via comments and Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail via phone report the orcas have turned and are headed NB; Donna says as of a few minutes ago they were in view from Constellation Park (Beach Drive between Alki Avenue and 63rd SW).
3:06 PM: Thanks to David Hutchinson for sending the photos above and below, from the northbound swing, when they were in view from Constellation Park.
This time they’re northbound, passing Blake Island, visible from this side, according to Kersti Muul. Let us know if you see them!
9:27 AM: Would-be whale-watchers, here’s your next chance. Kersti Muul just texted with word that orcas are in the area again, passing West Point, southbound, headed into Elliott Bay. (Update: She says likely the same transient orcas that have been seen in recent days.) Let us know if you see them!
10:03 AM: Kersti says the whales are in the bay.
Just texted by Kersti Muul – the transient orcas seen in the area Sunday are off West Seattle again, this time northbound, just passing through the Fauntleroy/Vashon ferry lane. She says they’re toward the west side of the channel, though, so you’ll need binoculars.
5:56 PM: Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tip: Transient orcas are in the area right now, in Elliott Bay, headed toward the north end of the downtown waterfront. Just in time for extra daylight to see them – the first Daylight Saving Time sunset is still an hour-plus away!
7:37 PM: Thanks to Kate H. for sending that video with a glimpse of orcas just off Seacrest!
11:38 PM: Thanks to Robin Sinner for the photo added above, taken around 6:45 pm from the Don Armeni Boat Ramp area
10:15 AM: Up for Sunday whale-watching? Kersti Muul reports orcas are passing Magnolia, southbound.
10:50 AM: Kersti says (also via comments) they’re in Elliott Bay, straight out from Duwamish Head.
(Added: Orcas photographed by David Hutchinson as they passed Alki Point)
2:18 PM: See comments – now they’re back out in the central Sound.
(November 2022 photo via Twitter, by @i8ipod)
Two bills to keep boats further away from endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales are making their way through the State Legislature, with West Seattle legislators among the co-sponsors. The bills both seek to keep boats further away from the endangered orcas, as recommended by a state report noted here last month. The State Senate version, SB 5371 – with co-sponsors including 34th District Sen. Joe Nguyen of West Seattle – got a hearing today in Olympia, before the Senate Water, Natural Resources, and Parks Committee. Here’s video via TVW (when you click “play” it’ll start with the orca bill, an hour in):
Among those testifying was West Seattleite Donna Sandstrom, executive director of The Whale Trail and member of Governor Inslee’s task force on orcas. Here’s part of what she told the senators:
We fully support this bill, which builds on the progress the State has made, and extends it based on the science we now know. A 1,000 yard setback will make it easier for orcas, especially females, to find and catch their prey. This matters not just for individual health, but because when orcas catch a salmon they share it. Mothers share food with their offspring. Older males share food with their mothers. Vessel noise and disturbance makes all of that harder.
There are seven calves under five years old in the population, and five of those are female, including Tahlequah’s newest calf. The future of the population is already here. Their ability to survive and thrive into adulthood depends on the actions that we take today. One perimeter for all boaters will be easier to communicate, comply with and enforce. Apps like Whale Alert can help boaters know when southern residents are near, and how far away is 1,000 yards.
Please advance this bill and give J, K and L pods the space they need to eat, so they have a chance to go on. It’s as simple, and as necessary, as that. Future generations may not know our names, but if we get this right there there will still be southern residents to watch, and be awed by. On the long road to recover the whales, this is the next step, and Washington State is leading the way.
The House version of the bill, HB 1145 – with co-sponsors including 34th District State Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon of West Seattle – is in the House Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources, and Parks Committee, with no hearing scheduled yet. “This is the first step on the journey from bill to law,” Sandstrom tells WSB. “We will need everyone’s help to ensure it passes this session. Here’s how people can support: Contact your legislators and let them know you support these bills. Contact by phone, email, or comment directly on the bill.” West Seattle legislators are Sen. Nguyen, Rep. Fitzgibbon, and newly elected Rep. Emily Alvarado.
Now that we’re between squalls again, you have an opportunity for whale-watching: Kersti Muul reports that Southern Resident Killer Whales from J-Pod are in Elliott Bay off West Point (Magnolia) after traveling southbound in recent hours. Let us know if you see them!
Thanks to Kersti Muul for the report that orcas have been making their way down central Puget Sound southbound. Just as the rain finally lightens, she says they’re off The Arroyos now, toward the west side of the Sound – members of J-Pod. They’ll eventually have to head back north, though!
3:32 PM: Southern Resident Killer Whales have been traveling south all day and they finally arrived in our area around 3 pm, seen in Elliott Bay – from J and K Pods, Kersti Muul reports. Let us know if you see them!
3:59 PM: Visible from Alki, according to another texter. And Donna Sandstrom from The Whale Trail is south of Alki Point with binoculars to share.
4:13 PM: Donna just called to say they’re easy to see from where she’s at (Charles Richey Viewpoint/Constellation Park).
5:08 PM: Updates in comments – they were passing Lincoln Park as it got dark.
12:09 PM: Just texted by Kersti Muul: “New Year’s whales!” Transient orcas are headed north toward The Arroyos, closer to this side of the channel, and she says, “The water is really beautiful for viewing today, flat and calm, misty with a little bit of sun.” Let us know if you see them!
12:28 PM: Kersti says they’re approaching Brace Point.
3:08 PM: Just got word from Kersti Muul that several orcas are reported in “southern Elliott Bay,” seen from a state ferry. Let us know if you see them!
3:27 PM: Just received this video recorded by Erica Quimby from Alki:
3:33 PM: Kersti just texted that “they are super-close passing Alki Point.”
3:51 PM: Also from Alki, Ryan Nestle sent this photo:
Ryan says, “We were driving back from a late lunch at Harry’s Beach House, when I spotted them right off the tower. Picture only shows two, could have been 4 or 5 by our count. We’ve lived here in West Seattle for 3 years and this was my first sighting. Let’s just say I was beyond excited.”
3:56 PM: And Kersti just texted to say they’re now in view off Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook (4500 block Beach Drive SW), still closer to this side of the Sound, but moving southbound quickly.
4:05 PM: Another texter sent this photo of people lining Lowman Beach to whale-watch:
4:25 PM: As it gets dark, Kersti says they’re passing Lincoln Park. Also: “There’s a little, little baby in the group.” (These are transients, by the way, not the endangered residents.)
(L pod in Puget Sound in November – photo by M, Sears, Permit 21348)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
At The Whale Trail‘s first major gathering since before the pandemic, there were words of warning and words of hope.
The Southern Resident Killer Whales aren’t recovering yet. In 2018, TWT’s executive director Donna Sandstrom reminded the gathering at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), they numbered 74 – a dangerously low number – and they’re down to 73 now. Two calves were born this past year, but three whales were lost.
One cause for hope, though, is the ever-increasing number of people taking an interest in their plight – all the tickets for last night’s gathering sold out in advance. “This is about what it looks like when J Pod and K Pod get together,” Sandstrom laughed toward the start, referring to two of the three “pods” – family groups – that comprise the Southern Residents, who have been officially listed as an endangered species since 2005.
(L pod in Puget Sound – photo by M, Sears, permit 21348)
Maybe you’ve been lucky enough to see Southern Resident Killer Whales during one of their recent appearances off West Seattle. It’s a thrilling sight – but also troubling to know they remain endangered, with their population still near a historic low. What are researchers finding? What can you do to help? If you can spare a little time this Thursday night, you can find out at The Whale Trail‘s next gathering, here in West Seattle. Here’s the invitation:
A record chum run has brought J, K, and L pods back to central Puget Sound even more than usual this year. Join The Whale Trail for its annual winter gathering, where researchers Mark and Maya Sears will present photos and findings from recent encounters with these beloved and iconic pods.
TWT Director Donna Sandstrom will share exciting updates on key initiatives to protect the orcas, and how you can help. Celebrate the season, and the whales, with old friends and new. Hope to see you there!
What: Whale Trail Winter Gathering featuring presentation by Mark and Maya Sears
When: Thursday 12/15, 7 PM. Doors open 6:30.
Where: C&P Coffee Company, 5612 California Ave SW
Cost: $5 suggested donation. Kids under 12 get in for free.Space is limited! Get tickets soon.
Just as it starts to get dark, Southern Resident Killer Whales are in the area again, Kersti Muul tells WSB. J-Pod is visible from Alki Avenue, she says, “south of Eagle Harbor, west in channel.”
9:39 AM: Southern Resident Killer Whales are in central Puget Sound again today. Kersti Muul reports they’re “spread from Wing Point to the north tip of Bainbridge,” traveling southbound. Let us know if you see them!
10:13 AM: Kersti says the leaders are passing Alki Point; we’ve also just gotten a call from Jeff Hogan of Killer Whale Tales who says they’re south of Alki Point and easy to see.
10:46 AM: More updates in comments – thank you!
11:20 AM: Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail called to say the second group is between Bainbridge and Blake Islands.
9:06 AM: Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tip – orcas southbound from Alki Point.
9:52 AM: Kersti says in a comment below that they’re now all the way to The Arroyos, and that they’re Southern Residents- K-Podl
11:56 AM: Orcas are in the area again. Kersti Muul says they’re headed southeast in Elliott Bay and visible from Alki.
12:52 PM: Kersti via comments and Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail via text report that the orcas are now southbound past west-facing West Seattle, and that they’re Southern Residents.
(Photo by David Hutchinson, from January 2020 visit of Southern Resident Killer Whales)
“A big win for the whales.” That’s how Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail describes a new recommendation from the state to require some boaters and paddlers to give Southern Resident Killer Whales more space. She served on the governor-appointed task force that advocated for SRKW protections including keeping boats further away from the endangered orcas. Here’s what the state has announced:
A new report released by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) recommends that the Legislature increase the vessel buffer for recreational boaters, commercial whale watching operators, and guided paddle tours around Southern Resident killer whales to 1,000 yards to further support orca recovery.
Prompted by Senate Bill 5577, the report considers the effectiveness of rules for recreational boaters and commercial whale-watching operators aimed at protecting Southern Residents from the effects of vessel noise and disturbance.
Listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 2005, Southern Resident killer whales face three main threats: lack of food, contaminants in their food, and vessel noise and disturbance as they forage and communicate using echolocation. Center for Whale Research’s September 2022 census recorded the Southern Resident population at just 73 individuals.
Just this past summer, the Department designated 12 Southern Residents as vulnerable after researchers demonstrated they were in the lowest body condition state—the bottom 20% for the whale’s age and sex—which is associated with a two-to-three times higher rate of mortality.
The news release also notes:
The Department also recommends maintaining the definition of commercial whale watching and the license requirement, but recommends changes to reduce the potential financial and administrative burden of the license and rules, simplifying where possible, and further distinguishing between motorized commercial whale watching and non-motorized, guided paddle tours. While the report recommends a 1,000-yard buffer around Southern Residents, it doesn’t suggest any changes to commercial or recreational viewing of other, healthier populations such as Bigg’s killer whales, humpback whales, gray whales, or any other whale species currently in the area, which comprise most whale-watching opportunities in Washington.
The full 86-page report is here. Sandstrom says The Whale Trail was part of a focus group interviewed while the report was being prepared, and supports its recommendations. She points to research “quoted in the report shows that female Southern Resident orcas stop foraging when vessels approach closer than 400 yards, and that SRKW exhibit behavioral changes when vessels approach closer than 1,000 yards.” That study (summarized here) was by researchers including West Seattleite Jeff Hogan. The current regulations are a 300-yard buffer on either side for recreational boaters and 400 yards in front and behind, while commercial whale watchers have to stay 1/2 nautical mile away October through June but are allowed to view the Southern Residents from 300 yards away for two 2-hour periods each day July through September.
The Legislature would have to take action to put this new recommendation into place – but in the meantime, she notes, “Until the law is changed, boaters can voluntarily pledge to stay 1/2 nautical mile from SRKW by taking the pledge at GiveThemSpace.org.”
1:33 PM: Orcas have been headed north along the west side of Vashon Island, in Colvos Passage, and Kersti Muul just texted that they’ve emerged from the passage and are headed northeast, so they might be in view from West Seattle as you look across Puget Sound. Let us know if you see them!
2:10 PM: See comments for updates. It’s K Pod, according to both Kersti and Donna Sandstrom from The Whale Trail, who just texted that she’s out at Charles Richey Viewpoint (Constellation Park) and that the whales are in view with binoculars. “Bundle up!” she advises.
Orcas are back in the area today, per Kersti Muul – seen headed southbound past West Point (which is on the northwest edge of Elliott Bay). Let us know if you see them!
10:55 AM: Orcas are in Elliott Bay this morning, reports Kersti Muul. She says they’re Southern Residents from J-Pod. Let us know if you see them!
(Added: Photo by Greg Snyder, as posted in comment below)
2:34 PM: According to a text from Kersti and a comment below by D-Mom, at least some of the whales have turned around to head back northbound. Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail has been out watching them too and shared this link via email with context on the salmon runs and weather that have ultimately affected the orcas’ travel pattern this year.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Added two photos – above and below – by Robin Sinner.
| 12 COMMENTS