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 [email protected]. Get our free monthly newsletter at seadocsociety.org/newsletter. 

Thanks to our sponsors:

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 [email protected].

Get our free monthly newsletter at seadocsociety.org/newsletter

Thanks to our sponsors:

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 [email protected].

Support our work through GiveBIG this week! 

Get our free monthly newsletter at seadocsociety.org/newsletter

Thanks to our sponsors:

In Ep. 3, we look at how humans have viewed and treated killer whales throughout history, especially in the Salish Sea. It starts with slaughter by fishermen, followed by captivity for entertainment, all the way up to our present moment, in which wild Southern Resident Killer Whales are endangered, but beloved. We look at portrayal in media (Free Willy, Blackfish and more) and get into how captivity shifted scientific study and shaped perception of orcas in ways that would ultimately lead to a ban on their capture in the Salish Sea. 

Our guest is Jason Colby, author of the book Orca: How We Came to Know and Love the Ocean’s Greatest Predator. This is a moving and at times sad conversation that explores hard truths. But it ultimately offers hope. Rate, review and share the podcast to help spread the word.

Get our free monthly newsletter at seadocsociety.org/newsletter

Thanks to our sponsors:

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

In Ep. 1, we bring you up to speed on the critically endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales and discuss orca culture with Dr. John Ford, who has studied the species since the 1970s, when killer whale research truly began.

How did things become so dire? What’s the difference between the three distinct ecotypes of killer whales? What are scientists and conservationists doing to solve the problem? Click listen and subscribe to find out. Rate, review and share the podcast to help spread the word.

Get our free monthly newsletter at seadocsociety.org/newsletter

Thanks to our sponsors:

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!