Episode 6: Orca Ecotypes & Salmon Hats

Welcome to Episode 6 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! In this episode, Claudia, Nik, and Brendon explore the fascinating world of orca ecotypes and the challenges they face. From the playful yet mysterious “salmon hat” behavior of resident killer whales to the critical differences between Southern and Northern Resident orcas, this episode dives deep into the interconnected lives of orcas and their essential prey: Chinook salmon. Discover how human activities, environmental changes, and historical captures have shaped the current plight of these iconic marine mammals.

Topics Include:

• (0:49) The truth behind the “salmon hats” trend observed in resident killer whales
• (3:22) Why Southern Resident Killer Whales are critically endangered compared to their Northern counterparts
• (7:15) Conservation efforts to restore Chinook salmon populations and how it impacts orcas
• (14:28) The historical capture of Southern Resident orcas and its lasting effects on their population

Stay tuned for more marine life stories in future episodes! Don’t forget to subscribe and send us your questions at [e-mail] or on Instagram. 🌊