Orca News!  

New Naming Breakthroughs

We have been viewing killer whales in their natural environment here in the Salish Sea for years. Now, it’s with great enthusiasm that we observe researchers challenging the longstanding classification of killer whale species in the North Pacific Ocean. Traditionally, these majestic creatures have been classified under a single species, Orcinus orca, with three regional variations, known as “ecotypes,” occupying BC’s waters. 

Resident populations are known to have a diet consisting of fish, primarily salmon, with a focus on the largest species, Chinook Salmon. This ecotype routinely hunts using echolocation and is very vocal. Bigg’s/Transient populations, on the other hand, are known as mammal-eaters, commonly feeding on seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoises and more, while actively avoiding a diet of fish. In light of this prey distinction, Bigg’s tend to be less vocal and hunt through stealth and speed. These are the two most prominent ecotypes in the Salish Sea, and neither interacts with the other.

According to the NOAA Fisheries, recent studies now propose a paradigm shift, suggesting the existence of at least two distinct species in BC: Orcinus ater and Orcinus rectipinnus.

Orcinus ater is derived from Latin, meaning “dark” or “black,” aptly representing the distinctively-coloured bodies of killer whales, and is being proposed for the Resident population. Within this population exist Northern and Southern populations, the latter of which are currently endangered due to a multitude of factors including declining salmon stocks habitat degradation, and bioaccumulation of toxins. 

On the other hand, Orcinus rectipinnus, proposed for Bigg’s killer whales, originates from Latin for “upright fin,” acknowledging the prominent dorsal fins that distinguish these large marine mammals. Unlike their fish-eating cousins, Bigg’s killer whales have thrived by preying on various marine mammals, which has facilitated their population growth. Bigg’s killer whales have been listed as ‘Threatened’ under the Species at Risk Act.

This reclassification underscores the immense biological diversity within wild orca populations and highlights the importance of tailored conservation efforts. Understanding and preserving each species’ unique needs and behaviours are vital for effective conservation strategies. By recognizing the distinct ecological roles and challenges that Resident and Bigg’s killer whales face, conservation efforts can be tailored to address each of their specific needs. 

Furthermore, this scientific undertaking extends beyond academic boundaries to include collaborative engagement with Indigenous communities. We are pleased to hear that researchers are working closely with these communities to craft common names that pay homage to the cultural significance of these whales, while also acknowledging their newly recognized distinctions. We’re looking forward to learning more about how this research develops!