Years of research reveal more about iconic orcas

Years of research reveal more about iconic orcas
Published: Wednesday, June 25, 2014 at 3:12 p.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, June 25, 2014 at 3:12 p.m.

SEATTLE (AP) — Scientists studying southern resident killer whales for the past decade now know they are among the most contaminated marine mammals, with pollutants particularly high in the youngest whales, according to information released Wednesday.

Biologists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration summarized a compilation of research findings that reveal the mysterious lives of a small population of endangered killer whales that frequent Puget Sound.

The research also shows that the orcas prefer to eat Chinook salmon; hunt less, travel more and call louder when vessels are in the area; and head to the outer coast during the winter, foraging as far south as Central California and eating salmon from the Columbia and Sacramento rivers.

Yet, despite recovery efforts including new vessel rules and designated critical areas, scientists say the orcas continue to struggle to recover and more long-term work needs to be done to ensure survival.

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http://www.goupstate.com/article/20140625/APN/306259746