March 3, 2021 By Elizabeth Claire Alberts Mongabay
A new study has found that endangered southern resident killer whales mainly consume endangered Chinook salmon, but will broaden their diet when this species isn’t available.
Is It Too Late for the Southern Resident Orcas?
February 3, 2021 By Catherine Denardo Outside Magazine
Researcher Ken Balcomb has spent more than half his life studying the iconic killer whales of Washington’s San Juan Islands and raising awareness about their struggle for survival. Now he may have run out of time.
The Elwha Dams Are Gone and Chinook Are Surging Back, But Why Are So Few Reaching the Upper River?
October 18, 2020 By Lynda V. Mapes The Seattle Times
They were the king of kings in Puget Sound, the biggest chinook of them all, strong enough to muscle up the falls at the Goblin Gates and power on all the way through nearly 4 miles of chutes and falls in the Grand Canyon of the Elwha.
Researchers Attach Cameras to Pacific Northwest Orcas, Revealing a Marvelous Underwater World
September 19, 2020 By Lynda V. Mapes The Seattle Times
For nearly a month the team has been at sea, marveling at the prowess of southern and northern resident killer whales as they follow the orcas’ foraging rounds, using a drone and stick-on cameras to record the daily lives of orcas, even underwater.
Coming Home to the Klamath
September 4, 2020 By Steve Murray Hakai Magazine
A genetic discovery may help restore chinook salmon to reopening river habitats.