Orca J50 Losing Weight, Lagging Behind Pod

SAN JUAN ISLANDS, WA - More bad news for one of Puget Sound's orca pods. The health of young female orca J50 appears to be declining, with new photographs showing that the young whale has lost weight.

Researchers have been concerned about J50 since earlier this summer. Fecal samples show that J50 might be infected with parasitic worms, a condition that healthy whales can usually fend off. Researchers have injected J50 with dewormer and antibiotics. But on Sept. 8, J50 was seen lagging behind her group, and it's unclear if the medicine has worked.

J50, also called Scarlet, is a member of the J Pod and the daughter of J16. Researchers believe that J50's health problems are affecting J16. The mother has to share food with her daughter, meaning both whales are getting less than they need.

The biggest problem facing the Southern Resident orcas is the lack of Chinook salmon in Puget Sound. Pollution and boat noise are also harming the killer whales.

"With growing concern, we are working with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to evaluate options. Our highest priorities are to do all we can to ensure J50 remains a contributing part of the Southern Resident killer whale population and to prevent any harm to her and her family under any potential response scenario. That is the bottom line," NOAA wrote in an update Friday.

Images courtesy NOAA/SR3