SEATTLE — 2023 was an encouraging year for sightings of some whale species, according to the Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA) and Orca Behavior Institute (OBI).
The PWWA represents ecotourism companies and tracks sightings of marine mammals spotted while on the water. OBI collects year-round data on killer whales "in the Salish Sea and beyond."
According to the groups, whale sightings showed a record-breaking number of Bigg's orcas throughout the Salish Sea of British Columbia and Washington state. Bigg's orcas feed on sea lions and seals, which rebounded after programs to reduce their populations were eliminated.
Unfortunately, there were still few sightings of Southern Resident killer whales, which primarily feed on Chinook salmon. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said the population has shown an overall declining trend since 1995, prompting efforts to manage fisheries, slow down vessels and restore salmon habitats.
For all types of whales, PWWA said vessels can help by slowing down, and people can help by not polluting oceans with debris, which whale watchers pick up when possible.
"Out of everything we see, balloons are by far the number one piece of trash we encounter," PWWA Executive Director Erin Gless said. "It's something we actively try to educate people about: if you celebrate a special occasion, don't release balloons. There are so many better ways to honor your loved ones than polluting environment or potentially harming whales or wildlife."
As for slowing down near whales, there are some regulations and recommendations in place. San Juan County also worked with groups like whale watchers to use a whale warning flag in areas where whales are swimming.
Meanwhile, the Quiet Sound program is working to get voluntary buy-in from shipping companies and cruise ships to slow down as well. It said it saw progress in 2023, with 10% more vessels able to meet recommended speed targets.