photo: Animalia Life
Orcas have been a symbol of the West Coast for many thousands of years. They they are an important part of the culture of many Indigenous peoples, belief systems, symbolism, art and storytelling.
The orca is a symbol often centered around luck, compassion and family. Orcas are known to some Indigenous communities as the guardians of the sea. To some people, orcas represent the strength of love and the bonds of family because of their strong group behaviour.
Indigenous peoples and orcas have lived in harmony in the Pacific Northwest since time immemorial. It is important to look to Indigenous communities for knowledge and understanding of the history, location, and behaviours of the Pacific Northwest’s orca populations, as well as to their leadership, when developing protection and recovery actions.
Characteristics
While many types of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) can be difficult to identify while in the water, orcas are often easy to distinguish — look for their characteristic tall dorsal fins and distinct black and white markings.
Orca are found in every ocean around the world. Different types, referred to as ecotypes, have evolved over millions of years. Each ecotype is genetically and culturally distinct and they do not interbreed.
The Pacific Northwest is home to three orca ecotypes
- Resident orcas, of which there are two distinct populations
- Southern Residents: as of September 2019, 73 individuals (population decreasing)
- Northern Residents: 240-260 individuals (population increasing)
- Bigg’s orcas, also known as transients: approx. 400 individuals (population increasing)
- Offshore orcas: approx. 300 individuals (population trend unknown)
Physical differences between the orca ecotypes that live off the coast of British Columbia. Graphic source: Orca Network- Marine Mammal Science, Vol. 24, Nov. 3, 2008
Populations
Source: Research Gate. Click to enlarge
Each population is a genetically distinct, with their own unique:
- Culture
- Social structure
- Acoustics
- Diets & hunting strategies
- Physical characteristics
Pacific Northwest orca populations are listed under Canada’s Species at Risk Act (SARA) as follows:
- Northern Resident orcas are Threatened
- Southern Resident orcas are Endangered
- Bigg’s orcas are Threatened
- Offshore orcas are a Species of Special Concern
Ranges of Pacific Northwest Orca Ecotypes
Source: Ocean Wise Marine Mammal Research Program – click to enlarge maps.