The endangered JPOD orcas have returned! These orcas visited the south of Puget Sound waters and Tacoma’s Narrows bridge which was a huge shock to all those around to see. Orcas have not surfaced in these waters for nearly 50 years, and it seems they’ve brought with them a new member.

The portion of the JPOD spotted in nearby waters has an exciting family history. Chief among this is the baby they brought with them. The unnamed calf, J64, is the child of Echo. Along with the mother calf duo, the pod hosts its matriarch, Slick. Slick is the mother of Echo, Mike and Alki.

In the ’60s and ’70s, hundreds of orcas were killed due to being captured for marine aquaria. In the Penn Cove area devastating extractions of southern resident orcas took place, many sold to different cities for whale shows in aquariums.  

Beyond fears of poaching, another reason for the JPOD resistance to coming back was loss of the chinook salmon. In recent years overfishing, dam fish farms, and climate change have deeply impacted their populations. With their disappearance, the orcas have struggled to find food. 

“It [the orcas returning] means our salmon are doing well,” said Mishele Barnett, community member and whale watcher. “And that the restoration of that ecosystem is going strong. And you know that is just beautiful news for the Pacific Northwest.”

The orcas were reported to be heading up to the Southern Canadian Gulf Islands. Fish and wildlife experts say, if you spot an orca, remember to remain 1,000 yards away if you’re on a boat, paddleboard, or on the water. If a female orca is 400 yards near a boat she will stop foraging for food. 

The return of the orcas means all good things. Our ecosystem is thriving for our salmon populations and diverse marine residents feel safe in the waters they once enjoyed in past falls and winters.