Killer Whales Of Southern Alaska

This book focuses on transient killer whales. Enigmatic and elusive, these mammal-hunting whales are difficult animals to study. They travel in small groups, often moving unpredictably, which makes them less conspicuous than the larger resident pods. For these and other reasons, our understanding of the life history and ecology of transient killer whales has lagged behind that of residents. Transients contains the latest information on the natural history of transient killer whales, including their feeding habits, social lives, and distribution patterns. The catalogue section contains photographs of and notes on over 200 individual whales. Numerous sidebars contain interesting observations on encounters with transients as well as information on how and where to best watch them.

Killer whales are supreme predators of the world's oceans. Once deemed bloodthirsty killers, these voracious creatures have been at the most dramatic reversals of public opinion in human history. This book explores the ecology and behaviour of killer whales and outlines what can be done to conserve one of the legends of the deep.

"On April 30, 1994, Public Law 103-238 was enacted allowing significant changes to provisions within the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Interactions between marine mammals and commercial fisheries are addressed under three new sections. This new regime replaced the interim exemption that has regulated fisheries-related incidental takes since 1988. Section 117, Stock Assessments, required the establishment of three regional scientific review groups to advise and report on the status of marine mammal stocks within Alaska waters, along the Pacific Coast (including Hawaii), and the Atlantic Coast (including the Gulf of Mexico). This report provides information on the marine mammal stocks of Alaska under the jurisdiction of the National Marine Fisheries Service"--Preface. [doi:10.7289/V5/TM-AFSC-78 (https://doi.org/10.7289/V5/TM-AFSC-78)]

Killer whales are the supreme predators in the ocean. This introduction to killer whales, or orcas, pieces together the latest information on their life histories. How they communicate and maintain well-established societies, with intricate family relationships, over long lifespans. We also learn that killer whales must now contend with toxic pollutants, overfishing of their prey and a host of other environmental concerns. Illustrated by the world's best wildlife photographers, this book brings us face to face with these intriguing creatures in their underwater realms.