Vanishing Matriarchs

Another J Pod orca is missing and presumed dead. The loss of venerable, lovely Spieden (J8) is the latest in a disturbing and dismal trend of vanishing matriarchs and elder females. With Spieden’s death, the Southern Resident population drops to 80. How do we save our cherished orcas?
 
Join us on Tuesday, November 12 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, at the Vashon Theatre as we pay tribute to Spieden and her kin at "Kéet Shuká: Killer Whales in Peril." We will delve into the research and conservation issues pertaining to Southern Resident orca recovery. Be there or be unaware!
 
Over three decades, our special guest Mark Sears has logged countless hours observing orcas in local waters. He had numerous encounters with Spieden and her brother Ralph (J6), who died in 1998. Mark has witnessed momentous changes in J, K, and L Pods. His perspective is invaluable.
 
Mark’s sampling and photo-ID work contributes to a critical aspect of orca recovery: winter data on where Southern Residents go and what they eat. He routinely works beside NOAA researchers as they document killer whale activity in Puget Sound. On November 4, Mark accompanied the team up to Saratoga Passage to observe J and K Pods.
 
Traditional knowledge is sorely lacking in mainstream orca protection, and for Native Heritage Month, we will address that deficit in "Kéet Shuká." When Killer Whales die, we are losing esteemed relatives, venerated teachers, and fellow First Nations. Odin will perform a Tlingit invocation to honor the Southern Residents.
 
I fondly recall listening to Spieden’s signature wheezy blow reverberate through Haro Strait on idyllic summer evenings. Years later, I heard the sweet old gal rattling through Colvos Pass on clear winter nights. I loved watching 80-year-old Spieden travel with fellow elder Granny (J2), age 102-ish, and 21-year-old male Onyx (L87) – a curious tribal trio. Granny and Onyx will surely miss Spieden; I know I will miss her tremendously.
 
Please support the work of the Vashon Hydrophone Project (VHP): REPORT LOCAL WHALE SIGHTINGS ASAP TO 463-9041, as well as seal pups and sick, injured, or dead marine mammals on Island beaches. Prompt reports to the VHP expedite vital data collection efforts by Mark Sears and other researchers, and sustain an accurate record of whale sightings for Vashon-Maury initiated thirty years ago. Check for updates at Vashonorcas.org and send photos to Orca Annie at Vashonorcas@aol.com.
 
Tickets for "Kéet Shuká" are available in advance at the Vashon Bookshop, the Vashon Theatre, or by calling 206-463-9041. Cost is $8.00 general admission or $7.00 for seniors/students. Island Greentech and the Vashon Theatre are sponsoring this event.