This population, also called the eastern North Pacific southern resident stock of killer whales, resides in the shared coastal waters of Washington state and the province of British Columbia and is declining. The Center for Whale Research has taken an annual census of the southern resident killer whale population since 1976. Reasons for the decline in this population since 1996 are unknown, but high tissue contaminant levels, decreased prey abundance, and increased vessel traffic have been suggested. be playing in the decline of this population. Also lacking is information about how infectious diseases may threaten the long-term survival of this small population. In response to the recent status review of this population and for the eventual development of a recovery plan, SeaDoc Society Staff scientist and veterinarian, Joe Gaydos, conducted a review of infectious diseases that may threaten the health of this population. Also, we have funded research studying the origins of contaminants in this population (Killer whales as sentinels of marine ecosystem contamination).

The Canadian Committee for the Status on Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) recently listed this stock as endangered. Washington State lists it as a candidate for listing. The U.S. National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Fisheries (NOAA Fisheries) conducted a yearlong status review to consider listing of the southern resident killer whale population under the U.S. Federal ESA. In June 2002 they reported their findings to not list this population citing that this population does not constitute a "species" as defined in the ESA. More specifically, it was determined that they are not a species, subspecies, or distinct population segment under the worldwide single-species classification of killer whales. NOAA Fisheries will re-assess the ESA status of this population within the next four years. In the mean time, they are considering classifying the stock as "depleted" under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and will move ahead with plans to identify research needs and conservation measures that may benefit the population. For more information on the NOAA Fisheries decision to not list the southern resident population under the Federal ESA visit the NOAA website. For an identification guide to the southern resident population visit the Center for Whale Research website.

To find out more about conservation plans for the southern resident killer whale population visit NOAA Fisheries.

An Orca Recovery Conference was held in June 2002 to talk about the decline of the Southern Resident Orca population. The conference report is now available on-line at www.saveorcawhales.org