Tofino's Get Well Wish

Tofino's Get Well Wish

By At September 12, 2021 0

Sketch of Killer Whale named Tofino who is of weakening condition in the Southern Resident Killer Whale population near Seattle

Inspiration & Information

Upsetting news was shared by researchers in early September 2021.  Tofino (J-56) is in worsening condition and at greater risk of dying.  The fourth youngest member of the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW) population, Tofino was born just two years ago to Tsuchi (J-31) in May 2019.   By September 2020, Tofino was reportedly pale and underweight.  A year later in September 2021, her condition has further declined.

In a study published by NOAA, research indicated that female orcas often abandon their feeding activity if a vessel approaches within 400 yards.  Given Tofino's weakened state, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife issued an emergency order for vessels to remain at least one-half nautical mile distance from Tofino and any other killer whales in her traveling group.   The order is focused on commercial whale-watching tours, but they have asked that recreational boaters do the same.

Tofino is Tsuchi's second calf.  Her first calf died within hours of being born in 2016.  Sadly, this is part of a noticeable trend.  69% of SRKW pregnancies end in miscarriage. For those who are born, there is still a 37-50% chance they will die before reaching their first birthday.   This is believed to be caused by a combination of a shortage of Chinook salmon and disturbances in habitat due to sound and chemical pollution of their marine habitat.

References

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