SRKW seasonal occurence - Population structure and viability of SRKW and other top marine predators

The Southern Resident killer whale (SRKW) population is threatened by a number of identified risk factors including prey availability, contaminants, vessel noise and disturbance, and small population size. However, the population may also be subject to internal factors that limit population growth. Continued assessment of the discreetness of this population through morphological and genetic characteristics is important to maintaining ESA status. In addition, an annual census provides important information that allows demographic analyses of this population to be conducted in order to assess population viability. The components of the project represent a significant level of investment of base funds over many years and these data and analyses provide the foundation of information on the population against which all research and management actions are measured that are attempting to address key risk factors of the SRKW population as protected under the ESA and MMPA.
Data taken seasonally.