California Sea Lion
Sea Lions have seen an increasing population along the Washington coastline and up into the Columbia River since the 1980s. Their range follows the coastline from Southern California to Southeast Alaska. California Sea Lions are smaller than their cousin the Stellar Sea Lion, but also enjoy a diet of fish, shellfish and even squid. Males can reach up to 1,000 pounds and eight feet long, while females can reach six feet long and cap out at a lean 250 pounds. They are considered a priority species and require protective measures for the survival of the species.
Orca Whales
Orcas, though called Killer Whales, are actually part of the dolphin family. The southern resident orca population has been trending towards decline since 1995. The species can weigh up to 11 tons and can reach up to 32 feet in length. Female Orcas can live to be 80 to 90 years old and males have a lifespan of 50 to 60 years. The three pods that pass through our local waters are J, K, and L pods. These pods can be sighted around the San Juan Islands and the Strait of Juan De Fuca between spring and fall (though the pods seem to be spending less time in the Puget sound in recent years). Boaters are required to stay 1,000 feet away from Southern Resident killer whales and further regulation can be found at bit.ly/3Sx2qHh.
Sea Otter
While the Washington Sea Otter population is fairly low, it has been growing in recent years. A population of 59 otters was reintroduced to the area in 1969/1970 and through careful conservation that population has blossomed into 2,800 (recorded in 2019). Sea Otters are the smallest marine mammal and unlike other marine mammals, Sea Otters rely on their dense, insulating fur to keep them warm (Other marine mammals are kept warm by blubber). Females can give birth to a fresh pup every one to two years at any time of year. Their habitat is kelp beds and rocky marine areas within a mile of the shoreline. Sea otter diets include urchins, shellfish and snails. Sea Otters are found only in the Northern Pacific Ocean.
Harbor Porpoises
Though the population declined dramatically between 1970 and 1990, conservation efforts have rendered the Harbor Porpoise common in the Puget Sound once again. Porpoises are considered a good sign for fishermen, for where there are porpoises, there are sure to be fish. This ocean wonder is around five to five and a half feet in length and weights between 135 to 170 pounds. Males are slightly smaller than females. Porpoises feed on small fish, octopus and squid. They are solitary, traveling alone or in groups of just a few. Porpoises don't splash when they surface or travel.
All information was sourced from wdfw.wa.gov. For more information on these and other local species, visit wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species.
