EncDate:13/08/22 

EncSeq:1

Enc#:49

ObservBegin:11:01 AM

ObservEnd:04:46 PM

Vessel:Mike 1

Staff:Mark Malleson

Other Observers:Joe Zelwietro, Tasli Shaw

Pods:J, K, L

LocationDescr:Point no Point

Start Latitude:48 23.16

Start Longitude:124 00.77

End Latitude:48 17.15

End Longitude:123 23.96

 

EncSummary:

Mark, Joe, Tasli and Fin set out from Victoria at 0700 for a survey of the western Juan de Fuca. Through Race Pass by 0720, they opted to travel offshore and west along the south edge of the traffic separation scheme, as they assumed word would come from the sport fishing fleet of any activity along the Vancouver Island coast.

Sure enough, after working back up to just south of Sombrio Point and documenting a small aggregation of humpback whales, reports came in of two large pods of eastbound killer whales at Sheringham Point. They departed the humpbacks and travelled east to reach Point No Point by 1101. A large lineup of killer whales had been visible for several miles, and the crew were guessing Southern Residents. Sure enough, L87 was the first animal identified, along with several other L pod whales. This group turned out to contain all of the L12s and their constant companions L22, L25 and L85, and the larger subgroup of L pod that L87 has been travelling with for the last few years, the L4s, L47s, L72 and L105, and L90. They were travelling in a tight group with good pace toward Sheringham Point. The L54s were not seen, for a total of 28 L pod killer whales.

As the earlier reports had placed two pods already a few miles east of these Ls, Mark and co. continued east on the assumption that at least one of the other two Southern Resident pods were leading the way in.

They reached Sheringham Point by 1126 and spotted another large eastbound group just ahead, which appeared to include the very distinct K33. K33 was travelling with the rest of K pod, including a young K45 and mother K20! A third, more restful group soon appeared just inshore of and behind K33's cohort.

The inshore group proved to be all of J pod, making their way slowly through the Saturday sport fishing fleet toward Otter Point. With every present member of the clan soon documented, the Mike 1 crew ended the encounter at 1158 and went ashore for lunch at Otter Point. They were able to observe all three pods pass the Point, watching as L pod spread well out after both Js and Ks passed within 200 metres.

After a hearty lunch, Mark, Joe, Tasli and the pup hopped back on Mike 1 and decided to see if any foraging could be observed on their way back to Victoria. L pod was still spread offshore, and the K pod whales were apparently well east, but J pod was milling playfully just off Sooke Harbour so the team were treated to several minutes of spyhopping and surface vocals. The J22s eventually broke off from the group for more private socializing, as did young males J44 and J47.

The Mike 1 crew spent the next little while working their way home through whales spread from Secretary Island to Race Rocks and from the Vancouver Island shore to the south edge of the traffic lanes in singles and small groups. The J clan whales were all travelling east-southeast, but grouped up somewhat and angled for San Juan Island's west side by late afternoon.

NotesComments:11-year-old male K44 was not observed this day, and has not been encountered by CWR staff since late November of last year. His absence was first noted July 9th, when CWR first observed K45 on K pod's return to the Salish Sea, and it seems unlikely that he is alive, as every other member of the clan has been observed since that time.

K20 was notably healthier than when documented by CWR in early July, a good sign for her and young K45.