Southern Resident killer whales

Southern Resident killer whales are a distinct population of orcas that range from central California to southeast Alaska. NOAA Fisheries listed them as endangered under the Endangered Species Act on November 18, 2005. They are also considered depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

The population is three family groups — J, K, and L pods. They spend several months of summer and fall in Washington's Puget Sound. A 1974 count, the first year individuals were tallied after captures for marine parks, recorded 71 whales. The population peaked at 97 in 1996. The 2024 census numbered 73.

Inland waters of Washington were designated critical habitat in 2006. In 2021 NOAA expanded that designation to include coastal waters off Washington, Oregon, and California. The sources below are NOAA Fisheries' public listing and stock-assessment record.