The following provides a summary of the applicability of the mechanisms outlined. The seasonal distribution and movement patterns of Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW) are strongly associated with the availability of their preferred prey, … However, after 2011 the population again entered a period of decline, and as of January 2020 stands at just 73 whales. Official title: Southern Resident Killer Whale Imminent Threat Assessment May 24, 2018. This document assessed the threats to the Southern Resident Killer Whale. In November 2006 we issued a final rule designating approximately 2,560 square miles (6,630 square km) of inland waters of Washington State as critical habitat for the Southern Resident killer whale DPS. The southern resident killer whale was listed as endangered by the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, in 2005. This lack of prey has been a critical factor in the decline of Southern Resident killer whales. § 224 (2005). Provide input on potential 2020 management measures to address key threats to Southern Resident Killer Whales March 9 2020 to March 23 2020. 70 C.F.R. What steps need to be taken to ensure that a lack of Chinook salmon does not drive these whales elsewhere to find the food they need to survive?” Retired engineer Jane Cogan examines the Southern Resident Killer Whales summer core habitat. In 2006, NMFS designated critical habitat for the southern resident killer whale distinct population segment in inland waters of Washington State. Orcas off the Olympic Coast of Washington (National Marine Sanctuaries) Expanding critical habitat for Southern Resident orcas was one of the first things I started working on when I joined WDC as the Jessica Rekos Fellow for Orca Conservation more than five years ago. Please click the link below to read her report: Southern Resident Killer Whale project. 2019 management measures to protect Southern Resident killer whales Consultation. Critical Habitat of the Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) Northeast Pacific Southern Resident Population Order. The population was that small last in 1976. Whereas the Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) Northeast Pacific southern resident population is a wildlife species that is listed as an endangered species in Part 2 of Schedule 1 … The critical habitat of Southern Resident Killer Whale is in both Canadian and U.S. territorial waters. The Southern Residents got their name from inhabiting the waters off the southern end of Vancouver Island and the inland waters of Washington, in comparison to the Northern Resident Killer Whales who are most likely encountered in the waters off the northern end of Vancouver Island and range to Haida Gwaii and Southeast Alaska. Southern Resident killer whales are the only endangered population of killer whales in the United States, ranging from central California to southeast Alaska. Putting more eyes in the sky will increase whale monitoring and protect whales from vessel traffic. 50 C.F.R. It is the only killer whale population listed under the Endangered Species Act by the National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. And now, over five years later – it’s here! § 226 (2006). Long-term commitments across state and national borders are needed to stabilize the Southern Residents’ population and prevent their extinction. 70 C.F.R. The southern resident killer whales (SRKW) represent the smallest of four resident communities within the Northeastern portion of North America Pacific Ocean. The southern resident killer whale was listed as endangered by the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, in 2005. Whereas the Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) Northeast Pacific southern resident population is a wildlife species that is listed as an endangered species in … Southern Resident killer whale numbers rebounded to 89 by 2006 and stabilized at 85-89 animals through 2011. The Killer Whale Research and Conservation Program supports efforts to advance the knowledge and conservation of killer whales with a primary focus on activities that aid in the recovery of the Southern Resident killer whale Distinct Population Segment. The designation of critical habitat for Southern Resident killer whales has the potential to affect tribal trust resources, particularly in relation to salmon, an important tribal resource and PCE for the whales.