ARE ETP ORCAS RARE?

Because Killer Whales are an apex predator at the top of the trophic pyramid, their population size is not large compared with other dolphin species. Additionally, like most apex predators they move around a lot. For these reasons ETP Killer Whales are not a commonly or consistently encountered species, and in some places they are rare. However, in certain locations during certain times of the year they can be counted on to make appearances. Where they roam in between sightings by humans remains a mystery. 

HOW DO YOU TELL THEM APART FROM OTHER KILLER WHALES?

All of the ETP Orcas I have seen and photographed have darker (smoky) saddle patches when compared with California Transient Killer Whales. It's not necessarily a rule, but it seems to be a good general indicator. Pod sizes tend to be small or medium sized, with 2 to 10 individuals common. In my research only a couple times have groups of 15+ been reported. Those ETP Killer Whales which I have observed in s. California as having a ravenous appetite for dolphin seem to be very boat friendly, often bow riding and wake jumping. 

​

Lastly, individuals can be recognized by dorsal fin characteristics as well as eye and saddle patch patterns.

WHAT DO ETP ORCAS EAT?

Personally I have only witnessed them eating dolphins in my southern California encounters. It's well documented that they will also prey upon rays and sharks in Mexico. Additionally, predations on humpback whale calves and fin whales have been documented. Pittman, et al. has a paper describing this and other prey items: link here.

WHY AND WHEN DO ETP ORCAS VISIT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

I have personally witnessed them here in January, July, August, September, November, and December. I have heard of sightings also occurring in February, May, June, and October. That means the only months missing are March and April, which isn't too surprising since that is when sea surface temperatures in s. California are coldest.

​

The "why" is pretty clear, when it comes to those orcas that we observe feeding. Southern California is home to hundreds of thousands of dolphins. Some encounters with orcas don't involve witnessing a predation. They could be feeding at depth, or maybe temporarily exploring new territory.

​

I will say that for a tropical species to visit an extreme northerly extent of their range, I theorize that it will be during a period of stable and good weather. There seems to be a correlation between sustained light winds/high pressure conditions and sightings of ETP Killer Whales in southern California. 

WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO SEE ETP ORCAS?

It would seem that Baja California from Bahia de Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas has a good deal of publicized sightings. The greater Puerto Vallarta area also has encounters reported quite a bit. 

​

Southern California definitively has annual visits, but some years more prolifically than others.

WHAT LEVEL OF PROTECTION DO THESE ANIMALS HAVE?

In waters of the United States, all marine mammals are protected from hunting and harassment. No minimum distance requirement is set by law. ETP Killer Whales are not recognized by stock assessment reports generated by NOAA. They are not listed as threatened or endangered.

​

I am not familiar with the specific levels of protection in Mexico or in countries south to the Equator. But it seems that "swim with" eco-tourism is active in Mexico. 

IS ETP AN ECOTYPE?

No, ETP is just a region these Killer Whales inhabit. The construct of "eco types" can almost certainly be applied to populations of orca within the ETP. Some papers have been written: link here and here

​

Personally, I believe I have encountered two different eco types of ETP orca in southern California.