Orcas in Puget Sound
Abstract
Ecologically, economically and recreationally, southern resident and transient killer whales have become greatly important to the nearshore environment of Puget Sound. Economically, whale watching in the San Juan Islands alone has become a $10 million industry in the last few years. The stock of southern resident killer whales (SRKW) in the eastern North Pacific declined by almost 20% in a five-year period to fewer than 80 individuals in 2001. These top predators use nearshore locations for foraging and travel and are very susceptible to human disturbances and ecosystem decline. This long life expectancy and position at the top of the food web contribute to the whales' accumulation of toxins. Decreased reproductive success has also been linked with reduced prey availability.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA477863
Entities
People
- Birgit Kriete
Organizations
- United States Army Corps of Engineers