We were lucky to see this huge pod of Southern Resident Orcas. The group kept close to the shoreline, surfacing and diving, treating us to quite a show! The Southern Resident Orcas are now endangered with only 73 in their group. Their numbers are rapidly diminishing every year along with the salmon population, rise in water pollution, and the increase in shipping vessels in the Salish Sea. The marine boat activity causes underwater noise which makes it difficult for the killer whales to use their echolocation to navigate and hunt. The odds are against this group of orcas but scientists and conservationists are doing their best to preserve their habitat and ensure survival.