Pod of Orcas

In our finale episode, we look at Southern Resident Killer Whales through the eyes of the Seattle Times environment reporter, Lynda Mapes. Lynda has been locked into their story since Tahlequah carried her dead calf for 17 days and more than a thousand miles in the summer of 2018. That story captured the world and Mapes’ articles for the Times are some of the most popular in the paper’s online history. Tahlequah’s story is also how she introduces her beautiful new book, Orca: Shared Waters, Shared Home, which comes out June 1, but you can preorder now: mountaineers.org/books/books/orca-shared-waters-shared-home Rate, review and share the podcast to spread the word. You can email me at justin@seadocsociety.org. Get our free monthly newsletter at seadocsociety.org/newsletter.  Facebook: facebook.com/seadocsociety Instagram: Instagram.com/seadocsociety Twitter: twitter.com/seadocsociety Thanks to our sponsors: Shearwater Kayak Tours Rainshadow Solar Two Beers Brewing Company Deer Harbor Charters and The Averna Family Betsy Wareham and West Sound Marina The San Juan County Marine Resources Committee Apple State Vinegar Logo: FLOAT.org Music: Podington Bear Whale sound: The Whale Museum

In Ep. 6, we look at how human-made contaminants in the ocean are compromising killer whales and compounding the other problems they face. Fat soluble toxins move up the foot chain and accumulate in killer whales, who metabolize it in their blubber. Mothers also pass those contaminants down to their babies when nursing. Our guest is the excellent Peter Ross, who takes this complex subject and artfully breaks it down. Next week is the finale and it's a good one. See you then!  Rate, review and share the podcast to spread the word. You can email me at justin@seadocsociety.org. Get our free monthly newsletter at seadocsociety.org/newsletter Facebook: facebook.com/seadocsociety Instagram: instagram.com/seadocsociety Twitter: twitter.com/seadocsociety Thanks to our sponsors: Shearwater Kayak Tours Rainshadow Solar Two Beers Brewing Company Deer Harbor Charters and The Averna Family Betsy Wareham and West Sound Marina The San Juan County Marine Resources Committee Apple State Vinegar Logo: FLOAT.org Music: Podington Bear Whale sound: The Whale Museum

In Ep. 5, we look at a conservation success story that could help map out the future for Southern Resident Killer Whales. The similarities between mountain gorillas and Southern Residents are plenty: Both can be individually identified and monitored by researchers. Both are massive tourist attractions--which on one hand comes with threats, but also brings enthusiasm, support, and the potential for funding to ensure protection. Both also regularly cross the imaginary borders humans have drawn to carve up our countries, meaning international collaboration is crucial. Our guest is Dr. Kirsten Gilardi, Director of Gorilla Doctors and Executive Director of the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.  Rate, review and share the podcast to spread the word. You can email me at justin@seadocsociety.org. Support our work through GiveBIG this week!  Get our free monthly newsletter at seadocsociety.org/newsletter Facebook: facebook.com/seadocsociety Instagram: Instagram.com/seadocsociety Twitter: twitter.com/seadocsociety Thanks to our sponsors: Shearwater Kayak Tours Rainshadow Solar Two Beers Brewing Company Deer Harbor Charters and The Averna Family Betsy Wareham and West Sound Marina The San Juan County Marine Resources Committee Apple State Vinegar Logo: FLOAT.org Music: Podington Bear

In Ep. 4, we enter the acoustic world of killer whales, and what that means for how they talk with their families, hunt for salmon, navigate the sounds of boats, and so much more. Our guest is Rob Williams, who is Chief Scientist and Co-Founder of Oceans Initiative with Erin Asche. Acoustic communication is fundamental to the survival of killer whales and their uniqe culture, so don’t miss this one. Rate, review and share the podcast to spread the word. You can email our host at justin@seadocsociety.org. Support our work through GiveBIG this week! Get our free monthly newsletter at seadocsociety.org/newsletter Facebook: facebook.com/seadocsociety Instagram: instagram.com/seadocsociety Twitter: twitter.com/seadocsociety Thanks to our sponsors: Shearwater Kayak Tours Rainshadow Solar Two Beers Brewing Company Deer Harbor Charters and The Averna Family Betsy Wareham and West Sound Marina The San Juan County Marine Resources Committee Apple State Vinegar Logo: FLOAT.org Music: Podington Bear Whale sound: The Whale Museum

In this engaging discussion, Jason M. Colby, author and expert on killer whales, sheds light on the historical treatment of orcas, especially within the Salish Sea. He unpacks the evolution of societal views from seeing orcas as threats to recognizing their intelligence and rights. The conversation dives into the impact of captivity on public perception, highlighting pivotal moments like protests against SeaWorld. Colby also emphasizes our moral obligations to protect endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales, advocating for a hopeful approach to conservation.

In Ep. 2, we talk about salmon—the sole food source for Southern Resident Killer Whales. Our guest is Cecilia Gobin—a Tulalip tribal member who is on staff at the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. She's incredibly thoughtful and and exactly the kind of voice you want speaking on this topic.  How did we create such a bleak situation for this amazing species of fish? Could we lose salmon in our lifetime? What happens if the status-quo continues? Listen to find out. Subscribe to follow along. Get our free monthly newsletter at seadocsociety.org/newsletter • Facebook: facebook.com/seadocsociety • Instagram: Instagram.com/seadocsociety • Twitter: twitter.com/seadocsociety Thanks to our sponsors: • Shearwater Kayak Tours • Rainshadow Solar • Two Beers Brewing Company • Deer Harbor Charters and The Averna Family • Betsy Wareham and West Sound Marina • The San Juan County Marine Resources Committee • Apple State Vinegar • Logo: FLOAT.org • Music: Podington Bear

Dr. John Ford, a leading expert on orca culture, shares his insights from over four decades of studying killer whales. He discusses the dire situation of the critically endangered Southern Resident population, detailing their unique cultural practices, such as intricate greeting ceremonies and distinct communication styles. Ford explains the challenges they face, including declining salmon stocks and environmental threats. Listeners will also learn about the significant differences among orca ecotypes and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect these magnificent marine mammals.

There are only about 70 Southern Resident Killer Whales remaining in the wild and they’re looking directly at extinction if things don’t change. Southern Resident Orcas are emotionally intelligent animals with complex family dynamics. They also have a deep spiritual connection to the tribes and first nations who’ve been in the Salish Sea since time immemorial. Over the next six weeks, we’ll dive into those issues and more, with some brilliant guests joining us along the way. Subscribe to the podcast and spread the word!