Bigg’s killer whale sightings in Bellingham Bay and the broader Salish Sea have risen significantly over the last decade, driven by an expanding population and a robust supply of marine mammal prey. According to the Orca Network, reports of these transient whales surged from 2,101 in 2014 to 14,149 in 2025, with researchers noting that the whales are increasingly frequenting urban coastal areas like Boulevard Park.
Why are Bigg’s orca sightings increasing in the Salish Sea?
The rise in sightings is primarily attributed to a growing Bigg’s orca population and the high availability of their preferred food sources, such as seals and whales. Monika Wieland Shields, director of the Orca Behavior Institute, states that the region is seeing more of these mammal-eating orcas because the ecosystem is currently supporting their dietary needs. Dr. Cindy Elliser, associate director of the Salish Sea Institute, notes that the presence of these predators acts as a barometer for ecosystem health, proving that protecting prey species encourages the return of apex predators.
Unlike the southern resident orcas, which rely heavily on salmon, Bigg’s orcas are “transient” predators that specialize in hunting other marine mammals. This difference in diet is a key reason why their population trends often differ from those of fish-eating pods.
How do social structures influence whale movement?
Bigg’s orcas travel in matrilines, which are social units comprised of a female and her descendants. Rachel Haight, co-coordinator for the Orca Network’s Whale Sighting Network, explains that specific families, such as the T123s, may adopt a “favorite area” and return to it repeatedly. This behavior explains why residents in areas like Bellingham Bay may witness multiple sightings of the same group over a short period, such as the documented visits in June 2026.
Is the increase in sightings purely biological?
While the whale population is growing, experts suggest that human behavior is also contributing to the surge in data. The Orca Network’s Facebook community has grown to over 126,000 members who actively report sightings in real-time. According to Rachel Haight, the rise in reported sightings is partly due to improved community collaboration. Without this network of citizen scientists, many of these whales would pass through the bay unnoticed by the public.
Comparison of Reporting Trends
| Year | Total Sightings Reported |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 2,101 |
| 2025 | 14,149 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Bigg’s orca?
Bigg’s orcas, also known as transients, are a population of killer whales that hunt marine mammals rather than fish. - Why are they seen near Bellingham Bay?
They are drawn to the area by an abundance of prey and may establish preferred hunting grounds within specific matrilines. - How can I report a whale sighting?
The Orca Network maintains a Whale Sighting Network and a community Facebook group where members share real-time location data.
Have you spotted an orca in the Salish Sea recently? Share your experiences in the comments below or join our local wildlife newsletter to stay updated on the latest marine activity in the Pacific Northwest.
