Orca Data Supports Endangered Species Status
In the beginning of May, a coalition of scientists and environmentalists petitioned the federal government to grant Endangered Species Act protection to a population of orcas found in Washington's Puget Sound and neighboring waters. Earthwatch Institute data on the recent decline in the population was a critical component in the peer-reviewed scientific paper supporting the petition.
Known as the "southern resident" population, the orcas in question are the subject of Earthwatch's Orca project, led by Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research. Balcomb has been following the dynamics of this population for 25 years, since 1987 with the assistance of Earthwatch volunteers. Last year they documented the fourth consecutive year of population decline, with only two successful births and nine whales missing and presumed dead.
"It's of real concern to us because it's the young ones that are dying," said Balcomb. "You would expect that in a normal population whales die of old age, whereas these guys are dying young, anywhere from a year old to ten years old. This is before they've reached sexual maturity, so they haven't had a chance to contribute to the future."
Earthwatch Institute is an international nonprofit organization which supports scientific field research worldwide by offering members of the public unique opportunities to work alongside leading field scientists and researchers. The Institute's mission is to engage people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment.