Orca Calf J64 Believed Dead, Researchers Confirm J Pod Tragedy

Researchers from the Center for Whale Research have concluded that J64, a recently identified orca calf, has likely died. The calf, part of the Southern Resident orca population known as J Pod, was observed during recent encounters where its mother, J42, surfaced multiple times without the calf, raising concerns about J64’s well-being.

During observations conducted near Village Bay on Mayne Island, British Columbia, researchers documented the activities of J Pod on May 18, 2023. They were hopeful of spotting J64, who was first reported by the Orca Network and SeaDoc Society on September 18, 2023, traveling alongside J42. The calf exhibited surfacing patterns consistent with a nursing orca, leading to initial optimism about its survival.

The team employed standard protocols, which dictate considering an orca deceased after three consecutive encounters without sighting the individual. Despite efforts to capture images of all J Pod members, J64 remained elusive. The observers reported, “We found J42 and held the camera trigger down while waiting for J64 to pop up behind her. Unfortunately, J64 did not surface after J42.”

J42’s repeated surfacing without J64 raised alarms. The researchers noted, “After a few long dives and still no calf, we had to conclude that J64 did not survive and was now gone.” They acknowledged the possibility that J64 may have been avoiding detection, yet the absence of any sign of the calf prompted a somber assessment.

The mortality rate for young orcas, particularly those in the Southern Resident population, is notably high. Factors contributing to this include nutritional deficiencies and the transfer of toxins from mothers to calves during gestation and lactation. According to biologists, orcas rely heavily on healthy Chinook salmon populations for survival.

The team had dispatched observers to capture images of J Pod following reports of its movement northward through the south end of Swanson Channel. As the researchers departed, they expressed disappointment over their inability to confirm the status of J64 but remained vigilant for future sightings of the pod.

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges facing the Southern Resident orca population, which has been struggling with low numbers and high calf mortality rates. The situation calls for continued monitoring and conservation efforts to support these iconic marine mammals.