A recent aerial survey has spotted what’s believed to be one of the largest pods of killer whales reported in Newfoundland and Labrador waters.
Marine mammal researcher with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Dr. Jack Lawson, says a pod of 30 killer whales was spotted southeast of the Avalon Peninsula on Sunday.
He says the pod included five adult males. DFO only has a handful of records describing pods of that size or larger.
Lawson says while orcas are relatively common in Newfoundland waters, little is known about their feeding habits. Unlike other populations which are known to hunt seals, killer whales in this part of the North Atlantic appear to have a taste for whales.
Killer whales in this area have been observed killing and eating minke whales. Sometimes they’ll chase humpbacks with calves, and they’ve also been known to feed on dolphins and even capelin.
Lawson is inviting the public to share any killer whale pictures and video around Newfoundland and Labrador to help with the identification of individuals and track their movements. They’re particularly interested in pictures of the left side of the whale to help with identification. Those looking to reach Lawson can do so on Twitter at drjwlawson or email jack.lawson@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
Observers on the Twin Otter sighted a group of 30 (!!) killer whales SE of Newfoundland yesterday (small red "fish" symbol)(+ 3 killer whales earlier). This is one of the largest groups reported in Newfoundland & Labrador waters. Mariners let me know if you sight these whales? pic.twitter.com/duMnG7d79X
— Dr. Jack Lawson (@drjwlawson) September 4, 2023
