Harbor porpoise subpopulation may be forming in Burrows Pass

Harbor porpoises are thriving in Burrows Pass, off northwest Fidalgo Island, where they have found abundant food and minimal threats. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports a significant increase in the harbor porpoise population in the Salish Sea, which rose from 3,509 in 1996 to an estimated 11,233 in 2016. Marine scientists from Pacific Mammal Research have studied these porpoises in Burrows Pass for over a decade, observing their feeding, mating, and calving behaviors. Elliser and White, marine scientists at PacMam, emphasize the ecological significance of harbor porpoises as indicators of marine health. They note that the area provides a consistent food source, essential for the survival of these mammals.

The presence of kelp forests supports the porpoises' prey, such as sand lance and herring. Elliser highlights the importance of public awareness regarding harbor porpoises, asserting that knowledge fosters conservation efforts. Protecting these animals contributes to the overall health of the marine ecosystem in the Salish Sea.