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California wildlife officials are considering designating three pods of killer whales that hunt the waters off the California coast as an endangered species, and they want your input.
Southern resident killer whales represent slightly more than 70 individuals living in three distinct pods that range from Point Sur to Alaska, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The population segment of apex predators was named a federally endangered species in 2005.
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The California Fish and Game Commission is considering doing the same on the state level, announcing they had granted southern resident killer whales candidate status under the California Endangered Species Act on July 10.
The move came in response to a petition filed in November by the Orca Conservancy, CDFW officials said.
The candidacy temporary places protections afforded to endangered and threatened species until the commission makes a final determination on whether to add the orcas to the list in 12 months.
Information and public comment sought
As the commission weighs the decision, "CDFW is soliciting information regarding the species’ ecology, genetics, life history, distribution, abundance, habitat, the degree and immediacy of threats to its reproduction or survival, the adequacy of existing management, and recommendations for management of the species," the agency said in a written statement.
Data and comments must be submitted by Sept. 10 to allow sufficient time for consideration.
Comments and general information can be sent by email to [email protected], with the phrase "Southern Resident Killer Whale" in the subject line. Traditional mail may also be sent to the CDFW Marine Region, attention Dylan Stompe, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090.
"Please note that any information you submit (including your contact information) will become part of the public record and may be disclosed in response to a Public Records Act request," the statement added.
CDFW will compile a report, which will include a recommendation, at least 30 days before the commission takes action.
While the CDFW serves in an advisory role during the process, the ultimate decision will lie with the commission.
What are southern resident killer whales?
The slightly over 70 orcas that comprise the southern resident killer whales are divided into three social groups, or pods, known as pods "J," "K" and "L."
All three pods are most often seen in the Salish Sea of northern Washington and southern British Columbia. The K and L pods, in particular, have also been spotted in California waters, especially during the winter, according to state wildlife officials.
They primarily hunt Chinook salmon.
Their population has fluctuated since the 1970s, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Captures for use at marine parks affected all three pods between 1965 and 1975, according to a NOAA statement.
Officials documented 71 individuals in 1974. The number peaked at 97 in 1996 before dropping under 80 in 2001.
"The population now numbers in the 70s," NOAA stated.
Challenges faced by the southern resident killer whales include reduced amount and quality of prey; noise and disturbance from vessels and chemical pollutants, which potentially cause immune or reproductive problems, experts said.
"The factors causing the decline of Southern Residents are complicated, and are likely to continue until we learn more about what needs to be done to reverse this trend," NOAA added.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: California considers listing local killer whales as endangered species
