[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]
Coastal Zone Information BASELINE STUDY PROGRAM -()k Center @- I 1@ -U, MASTAL 70ME I M NFOR, WiGH CENTU "v- 7@Z 77- @wc h CRITICAL AREA STUDY VOLUME 2 N j $"" MAMMALS QL FINAL DRAFT REPORT 121 . C74 1976 v. 2 DECEMBER 1976 si Ar '4 COASTAL ZONE ENFORMITION CENTER CRITICAL AREA STUDY VOLUME II AUG 15 19.77 MAMMALS By John S. Isakson Mathematical Sciences Northwest, Inc. -4J P.O. Box 1887 Bellevue, Washington propozty of C3C L-4b7nzY U , S . DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOA A COASTAL SERVICES CENTER 2234 SOUTH HOB-OON AVENUE C HARLESTON SC 29,05-2413 INDEX TO MAMMAL SPECIES CODE NO. COMMON NAME M-1 Northern (Steller) Sea Lion M-2 Harbor Seal m-3 North Pacific Fur Seal M-4 Killer Whale M-5 Pacific Blackfish M-6 Pacific Harbor Porpoise M-7 Sea Otter m-8 River Otter INTERPRETATION OF MAMMAL FACT SHEETS Each fact sheet is headed with the accepted common and scientific names of the marine mammal species. These fact sheets and associated maps (if critical areas were determined for a species) are our initial evaluation of presently available information and by no means should be construed as a final statement on these mammal species. (See Introductory Volume). Life History An overview of the marine mammals life history in Washington waters is provided based primarly upon the WDG report - Eaton, Randall L., ed., 1975. Marine Shoreline Fauna of Washington, A Status Survey, WDG and DOE, Olympia, Washington - and a literature review - Beak Consultants Inc., 1975. Oil Pollution and The Significant Biological Resources of Puget Sound. Literature Review references are numbered in the text and are listed at the end of this volume by author and date. Volume II of the review contains the complete reference. In addition, references were also selected with more recent information. In some cases this included older sources of information not located in the literature review. These sources have a letter reference in the text and are listed at the end of this volume. Washington Distribution The distribution of marine mammals is briefly described for the marine and estuarine waters of Washington State to provide the reader a general understanding of the species and numbers of animals in recorded locations. Seasonal use of areas is described when suitable information was located. This information will assist in determining when and where a given species 1 would be most affected by man's activities. Habitat Requirements A brief description of the marine and estuarine habitats utilized by the species is provided. These were defined using Department of Ecology habitat types (rock, sand, mud, mixed: coarse, mixed: fine, eelgrass bed, kelp bed,saltmarsh, and open water) where possible. As the literature allowed, more specific details - slope, proximity to deeper water, etc., were added to better define the habitat used. The marine mammal habitat used is summarized in Table 1. Critical Habitat Areas The major thrust of this study was to locate and define any specific critical habitat areas that may exist in Washington marine and estuarine waters for each mammal species. As defined by DOE, critical habitats are: 1. The area supports population of a specie(s) that not only consis- tently reproduces itself but because of favorable environmental conditions (currents, water temperature, salinity, etc.) provides the major source of recruitment for adjacent areas or regions whose populations do not consistently reproduce themselves. 2. The area consists of a habitat type or types that provide either shelter, food; or other environmental necessities during a critical part of a species life history. For example: nesting sites or shelter from predators during early life history stages. Unfortunately, our knowledge of marine mammals does not allow the use of the first definition; but critical habitat areas were defined for several species on the basis of the second definition. Areas for species with critical locations were then named and underlined in the fact sheet text. Associated maps for marine mammals illustrate these areas on overlays of USC & GS charts, On the map overlays, these areas are coded: M 11, (i.e., critical areas for mammal species, M-1, Northern Sea lion.) One very important point should be remembered by the user of this material. The critical habitat areas noted are by no means to be inter- preted as the only critical mammal habitats in the marine environs of Wash- ington. This is an initial listing based on a limited amount of data and the subjective judgment of some biologists who have studied these species and areas. As will be obvious to the reader, in many cases the areas are described in very general terms because of the lack of specific information on habitat types in an area and the usage of specific areas by the species involved. Data Gaps In this fact sheet section, data.gaps for marine mammals were noted that were apparent from the compilation of information for each mammal species. General comments follow on how these data gaps might be filled. In some cases, where marine mammals appeared to be incidental species in Washington waters, a comment is made questioning the validity of the species on an "important" marine mammal list for Washington State. Marine mammal data gaps are summarized in Table 2. The major data gap noted for marine mammals is the systematic and routine censusing of all Washington waters for these mammal species. At present some species are surveyed in some areas of Washington. If practical, as many mammal species should be surveyed as possible in any given area. As indicated, public involvement, as in the killer whale and river otter surveys, should be tried on other mammal species, so that additional information can be gathered. With some identification education, the water use public, possibly through organized clubs, may be able to maintain logs of mammal observations. The ongoing studies of Dr. Bruce Mate ("Aerial Censusing of Pinnepids in the Eastern Pacific", Report to the Marine Mammal Commission [Contract No. MM5ACOO11),OSU, Newport Laboratories should be factored into Washington (outer coast) mammal assessments when the report comes out in January-February, 1977. References The study relied principally on the literature review conducted for DOE. Numbered references in the fact sheet text are listed author(s), date at the end of the marine mammal volume and are coded with the same reference number as in Volume II of the DOE literature review. Lettered references in the fact sheet text are for additional sources used to fill in literature review data gaps. These are listed at the end of the volume. This literature search was not exhaustive with the limited time and effort allotted for this study. 4 TABLE 1 Marine Mammal Habitat Use Matrix. WASHINGTON HABITATS (A =3 C: a) 0 Co U- V) 4-3 0 -a S.- a) It Ca M SPECIES 2: Northern Sea Lion X X X Harbor Seal X X X X X X North Pacific Fur Seal X Generally Outside of State Waters Killer Whale X Pacific Blackfish X Generally Outside of State Waters Pacific Harbor Porpoise X Sea Otter X X X River Otter X ? X X ? ? ? ? X 7V V) -a -0 711- V) (D 0) 0) 0 0) 0 -0 0) 0 0 -1 -5 -5 M (D C+ 0- r+ C-) 0 --h -h (D =r 0 =r P-4 C+ (D M C) C+ 4r+ CD C+ =r. CO 0 rD rD 0) 0) (D 0, (D 0) 0 7r 0 -1 -h r- -M -0 (n 0 0 I _0 (A 0 CD 0) V) rD -r- P. j m No. of Critical Areas w >< >< >< >< >< >< >< >< Systematic Surveys C@. C-. (A rD V) rD Breeding Occurance C+ >< C+ >< >< Areas M C+ (D rt >< =r >< >< >< Migration Studies M M (D M C+ C+ (A =r C+ r+ 0 0 (D M V) V) rD (D 0) 0) -1 0 =r 1< -< 0 C+ r+ rD rD MAMMAL VOLUME NOTE TO THE USER The users of these materials should have three additional sources available: 1. Beak Consultants, Inc., 1975, Biological Oil Impact Literature Review - Volume II, Bibliography. Prepared for Washington Department of Ecology. 2. Eaton, R. L., 1975. Marine Shoreline Fauna of Washington, A Status Survey. Washington Departments of Game and Ecology, Washington. 3. Salo, L. J., 1975, A Baseline Survey of Significant Marine Birds in Washington State. Washington Departments of Game and Ecology, Olympia, Washington. FACT SHEET M-1 Northern (Steller) Sea Lion Eumetopias jubata LIFE HISTORY - A year-round resident (B), the Northern Sea Lion is a gre- garious and polygymous species (743). The breeding range range of this species extends from the Bering Sea to California (N), but little, if any, breeding occurs in Washington (133, 185). Reproducing adults occur at Quillayute Needles (187). Where this species breeds, bulls occupy breeding grounds for 40 to 60 days during the summer months (B) on iso- lated rocky areas with harems of variable size - eight to ten (135, 743, 187). They breed in June and early July (614) with a gestation period slightly less than one year. Except rarely, a single pup is born (187) in lateMay to late June (746). Nursing lasts for three months (135, 164). After giving birth, the cows are serviced by the harem bulls (746). Disbanding of breeding grounds begins at the end of July (746). Some areas serve both as breeding and hauling-out ground (741) and this may be occupied in all seasons. Adults feed only short distances from the breeding grounds (746) but considerable distances from hauling-out grounds in other seasons (735). They depart these hauling-out grounds in the morning and return in late afternoon (735). Adults often feed in pathways of major fish runs where they occur (614), often in.conflict with man's fisheries interest (133). In other feeding, adults can dive to depths of 60 fathoms (614, 740) to 100 fathoms (135) in search of a variety of fish M-1 and cephalapods (B). No commercially important fish such as salmon, have been shown to be a major dietary item (B). Northern sea lions have been observed feeding on salmon in Active Passage, British Columbia (A. W. Erickson, University of Washington, personal communication). WASHINGTON DISTRIBUTION - The Northern sea lion ranges from the Strait of Georgia to the Columbia River with greatest numbers on the northern part of the open coast (Jagged Island and outermost Flattery Rocks, not ex- ceeding 300, H), intermediate numbers in Strait of Juan de Fuca and Strait of Georgia (A) and solitary individuals in Puget Sound (B) with a few (3) observed in Grays Harbor in a fifteen-month survey (C). They are often seen in Willapa Bay (D). Some have been reported in Hood Canal north of the Hood Canal Bridge (364). A generalization would be that solitary individuals are located in most parts of Puget Sound and North Sound, as well as Grays Harbor, Willapa Bay, and probably the Columbia River estuary. The Washington population is estimated to be about 500 animals (B). HABITAT REQUIREMENTS - This species utilizes open water, rock and mixed coarse habitat types. The open waters of all of Washington's marine and estuarine waters are potential habitat, although primary areas would probably include those waters off the northern half of the open coast and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Rock and mixed coarse habitats may become colony sites if they are in isolated locations with some shelter, have free access to the sea, and are free from human harrassment (B). M-1 In the Strait of Juan de Fuca, east to Race Rocks, 120 were sighted in January, 1975 (B). Along the Washington Coast 41 solitary sea lions are regularly sighted (B). Solitary animals are seen throughout Puget Sound all year round (B). CRITICAL HABITAT AREAS - Because the Pacific Coast pupping grounds of the Northern sea lion appear considerably reduced over past times, areas in Washington where this species concentrates (possibly for breeding) should be considered critical in this State. Specific areas are not definable in the Strait of Juan de Fuca where about 25 percent of the State's population exists (at least from a winter observation). The areas designated as cri- tical include: The rocky islets of the Quillayute Needles area has been defined as important hauling grounds (B). Jagged Island and Split Rock.appear as favorite winter hauling grounds. Spike Rock and Umatilla Reef mid-summer hauling grounds (185). Rocks about one mile off Ozette River mouth (75 animals)1 Bodelteh Islands (75 animals)l Carroll Island (250 animals)l 1 Split Rock (as above) (80 animals) These sites are designated M-1 on attached maps. ISource: Steve Jefferies - NMFS Contract NOAA No. 01-6-208-13644. M-1 DATA GAPS - With two authors indicating no breeding may take place in Washington waters and one indicating otherwise, an obvious data gap exists in this species early life history in Washington. Systematic aerial and field surveys at summer colony sites (if any are located) would determine if breeding does occur and where it occurs in Washington waters. Survey areas should specifically include the northern half of the open coast, the Strait of Juan de Fuca coast from Tatoosh Island east to Port Angeles and isolated islets of the San Jauan Island Archipelago. If breeding populations are not found in Washington, immigration to Washington from British Columbia and possibly Oregon would be necessary to maintain populations here. Tagging, possibly the pups rather than the adults, could provide some insights. The information required for this marine mammal and others that follow would require a regular survey (quarterly?) of all coastal areas for all species of interest in Washington waters. This will require a joint effort by federal and state agency personnel. Some data on the solitary individuals in the Puget Sound area and coastal bays could be obtained by requesting information from the water use public after educating the public to what the species looks like. A similar watch now exists for killer whales under NMFS sponsorship. The numbers of sea lions in the Flattery Rocks, Quillayute Needles, and Copalis Rock NWRs needs to be updated over the late Forties to late Fifties data published (185). Natural history work should also be completed on this mammal in Washing- ton to more fully understand the meaning of population survey counts. M-1 As for this marine mammal and others whtat follow, the ongoing studies of Dr. Bruce Mate, OSU, Newport, on marine mammals of the outer coast should be factored into this marine mammal evaluation. REFERENCES 743, 133, 185, 187, 614, 746, 741, 735, 135, B, A, H, C, D, 364. M-1 FACT SHEET M-2 HARBOR SEAL Phoca vituZina LIFE HISTORY - The harbor seal is a loosely gregarious species on land (750) and they are often seen in the water as solitary individuals in small groups in Washington's inshore waters. They do not breed in orga- nized colonies, nor do they have harems (614). They do have definite whelping grounds (A. W. Erickson, University of Washington, personal communication). Mating occurs in mid-summer with gestation for nine months and with pups born in the spring and twins rare (133). Pupping seasons vary by area in Washington (G) as follows: Southern Puget Sound August 12 to September 30 Northern Puget Sound July 25 to August 10 Outer Coast and Bays May 12 to May 31 Coastal bay pups were observed in late April with a peak in pupping in early July (M). Pups are usually born on land (G) but can be born in the water (750). Females with pups separate from the main colony until the pups are on their own (G). Grays Harbor may be a pupping ground or nursery area and may have the largest breeding colony of Washington and Oregon (C). Nursing occurs on land and is believed to last four to six. weeks (750). Mating takes place after the pup has weaned (614). Adults feed in shallow water mostly on inactive fish and shellfish M-2 (flounders, herring, tom cod, hake, sculpins and crabs) and to a very limited extent on active fish such as salmon (750). Fishes constituted 93.6 percent of the diet in one Puget Sound study (I). A detailed report (E) provides information on Skagit Bay harbor seals. WASHINGTON DISTRIBUTION In Washington the harbor seal ranges from the Strait of Georgia to the Columbia River (A) with estimated numbers as follows: COUNTS AND ESTIMATES Steven Jefferies, UPS, (Personal Communication) Counts of August 27 and 29, AREA Source: (E) (M) 1976 Southern Puget Sound Gertrude Island 210 210 San Juan Islands and Strait of Juan de Fuca 160(SJI only) 600 Northern Puget Sound Smith Island 150 Fidalgo Bay 100 Padilla Bay 100 Skagit River 90 Hood Canal 600 Coastal Region - Outer Coast 100+ 810 2,041 Willapa Bay 400 2,000 741 Grays Harbor 400 772 Lower Columbia River 408 1,710 3,770 No Total Outer coast work supported by NMFS Contract NOAA No. 01-6-208-13644; 14illapa/Grays Harbor work supported by Marine Mammal Commission Contract MM 5 AC019 with M. L. Johnson and S. J. Jefferies, UPS, Tacoma. M-2 Additional surveys conducted by NMFS showed close to 800 animals north of Grays Harbor making the total state population closer to 2,500 (E) or by another estimate 3,770 (M), below the 5,000 to 10,000 reported in the early 1940s (B, 750, E). HABITAT REQUIREMENTS - This species utilizes open water, rock, mud, sand, and mixed coarse and mixed fine habitat types. Open waters of all of Washington's marine and estuarine waters are potential habitat, although greater numbers would be expected in the vi- cinity of the areas of abundance in the previous section. The substrate type for hauling-out seems less important than where the substrate is located as low rock, mud, sand, mixed coarse, and mixed fine are mentioned. A preference for fine substrate with a slight gra- dient is major consideration (A. W. Erickson, University of Washington, personal communication). Harbor seals are often quite selective of haul- out areas with three requirements: protection and ready access to food (750) and access to rocky points and seldom beyond 15 miles offshore (750). They also occur in the enclosed marine waters of the State and in the estuaries of large rivers (750). A third but less used habitat area is fresh water, namely into rivers (E, 750). Harbor seals frequent low sand bars, low exposed rocks, logs, shallow bays and tideflats near abundant food sources. During low tide, mud flats with many channels in estuaries are much used habitats (750), probably because of the preferred haul-out substrate, low gradient, and multiple escape routes. M-2 Important breeding grounds are found at Willapa Bay, Grays Harbor, Destruction Island, Neah Bay,Dungeness Spit, Minor Island, several of the smaller San Juan Islands, and the deltas of many rivers, including the Fraser, Samish, Skagit, Stillaguamish, Snohomish, Nisqually, and Columbia (750). In Willapa Bay hauling-out grounds are located at Ellen Sands, Grassy Island, and Shoalwater Flats north of Porter Point (D). Since the 1944 report (750), the Nisqually Delta population has declined (B). The population was "almost totally extirpated" (C). Three possible factors are given (F): (1) extensive bounty hunting from 1943 to 1960; (2) pollutants discharged in increasing quantities since the 1940s; (3) continuing harassment and encroachment by man. Numbers by location in Washington were provided in the previous section. A significant population of these seals is reported in Grays Harbor (C) as 1,300 to lj400 in the summer of 1975 with other seasons averaging 500 animals. Another source (M) estimates 2,000 animals for Grays Harbor/Willapa Bay. More recent surveys found 741 seals and 772 seals respectively with 2,041 animals on the outer coast (Steven Jefferies, UPS, personal communication). CRITICAL HABITAT AREAS - The harbor seal has declined in Washington from 5,000 (F) and possibly 10,000 (750) in the early 1940s to less than 2,000 (F), or possibly 2,500 (B)*, to 3,770 (M) or more at present. This ranges from about a 25 percent decline to a maximum 80 percent decline (H) in Washington in 30+ years. M-2 The implication is that man's direct consumption (hunting) or indirect action (pollution or spread of human activity) has greatly impacted the species. The cause of reduction of the Nisqually Delta population is unknown. Hauling-out grounds with the specific requirements necessary for harbor seals would seem to be critical habitat areas in five possible habitat types. The information base, however, does not allow the specific notation on a map of many of these areas. A recent study (H) lists "some especially" critical general marine mammal habitats in Washington without being species specific: North Sound: Waldron Island San Juan Island Strait of Juan de Fuca: Smith Island Dungeness Spit Neah Bay Wadah Island Central Sound: Admiralty Inlet Snohomish River Estuary Indian and Marrowstone Islands Dabob Bay South Sound: McNeil Island Nisqually Delta North Coast: Tatoosh Island Flattery Rocks NWR Jagged Island LaPush . Quillayute Needles NWR Destruction Island Kalalock Point Grenville South Coast and Bays: Grays Harbor E-;tuary Willapa Bay North Head Columbia River (Estuary) M-2 The variable nature of numbers of harbor seals presented by various reports did not present specific areas that might be critical for this species. Because of recent survey activities, Steven Jefferies, UPS, was contacted and asked where harbor sea] concentrations were seen in his recent aerial surveys. The mapped critical areas are the areas of con- centration presented by Mr. Jefferies. Mr. Jefferies was quick to report a mapping difficulty - the mudflat areas in Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor are not located now as presented in the USC&GS base maps. The mapped areas are therefore approximately located on the attached map overlays. Areas are coded M-2 and areas with a high percentage of pups are also labeled "P". The areas are: Willapa Bay: Three areas in Bay mouth - primary harbor seal use areas Two areas on Pine Island Channel One area north of Bay Center Channel One area northwest of Riddle Spit Two areas east of Stanley Channel Two areas in Shoalwater Bay Grays Harbor: Five areas in North Bay Six areas in "Central" Bay - primary harbor seal use areas. One area in South Bay Three areas in East Bay M-2 Columbia River Estuary: Two Areas on Desdemona Sands One area on Taylor Flats One area adjacent to Green Island One area just south of Miller Sands Outer Coast: Reefs south of Cape Flattery (10 animals)i Reefs south of Point of the Arches (20 animals) 1 Bodelteh Island (40 animals)l Reefs off Cape Alava (100 animals)l Reefs south of Cape Alava (80 animals)' Reefs north of Kayostla Beach (100 animals)' Reefs off Cedar Creek (80 animals)l Reefs east of Jagged Island (50 animals)l Reefs east of Sandy Island (250 animals)' Reefs north of Cape Johnson (250 animals)l Reefs off Cape Johnson (50 animals)l Reefs east of Quillayute Needles (10 animals)l Reefs south of Teahwhit Head (10 animals)l Reefs south of Taylor-Point (25 animals)l Reefs east of Giant's Graveyard (500 animals)' Reefs off Strawberry Point (35 animals)l Reefs south of Toleak Point (100 animals)l Islands off Mouth of Goodman Creek (50 animals)l Source: Steve Jefferies - NMFS Contract NOAA No. 01-6-208-13644. M-2 Reefs south of Jefferson Cove (50 animals) I Rocks north of Destruction Island (300 animals)l Strait of Juan de Fuca: Low Point Mouth of Dungeness River East end of Protection Island Area east of Smith Island North Sound (Questionable Areas): West side of Allen Bank Southeast part of Padilla Bay Hood Canal: One area in Port Gamble Bay Three areas in Quilcene Bay Skokomish River Mouth South Sound: Cutts Island Vicinity Gertrude Island ISource: Steve Jefferies - NMFS Contract NOAA No. 01-6-208-13644. M-2 DATA GAPS - Much of the existing data gaps are being filled by surveys such as those conducted by NMFS, WDG, and specific studies by Steven Jefferies, UPS. This latter type of survey on a regular basis should be expanded by state and federal agencies in a coordinated effort into all Washington marine and estuarine waters. Surveys should focus on the spring to fall periods. Additional surveys should be completed in 11pupping" areas to observe the specific areas used and to better understand if these areas are used repeatedly day after day and season after season. The surveys must be continued annually to determine population trends. Tagging studies would also be of interest to better understand the exchange of harbor seals between adjacent areas. Life history studies should continue on this mammal species in Washington to more fully understand the meaning of population survey results. REFERENCES - 133, G, M, 750, C, 1, E, A, B, D, F, H. M-2 FACT SHEET M-3 NORTH PACIFIC FUR SEAL Callorhinus ursinus LIFE HISTORY - The North Pacific fur seal or northern fur seal is a migrant off the Washington Coast (135, 186) rarely appearing within five miles of land (H). On the North American side of the Pacific, this species breeds on St. Paul and St. George Islands and Sea Lion Rock of the Pribilof Island group and at San Miguel Island, California, since reappearing in 1968 (J). The population in the entire Pacific is approximately 1.6 million (B). Briefly on the Pribilof Islands the life history is as follows (J): By mid-June - most harem bulls have established stations By late June - females arrive, harems form, pups born soon thereafter Early July - harem groups still closely knit Late July to Early August - Harems break up, depart rookeries. This fur seal's pelagic existence off Washington tends to be as solitary individuals although pairs and groups of three are fairly common (B). A preference is indicated for 47 to 52 F surface water (742). Sexes and age groups segregate in migration (742). While feeding, this species has been observed to dive to 43 fathoms (614) but only rarely below 30 fathoms (740). Fur seals feed mostly at night (742) and off Washington, herring, rockfish, and anchovy are leading foods (B). Elsewhere squid is reported as a dietary mainstay (B). M-3 WASHINGTON DISTRIBUTION - This fur seal tends to occur 10 to 15 miles (B) to 50 miles (742) off the Washington Coast. 'Individuals, usually emaciated young, are occasionally found on ocean beaches and one fur seal was captured in Elliot Bay (H). Another study (B) reports this species to occur (without indicating abundance) in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound. Coastal and coastal bay reports (C, D, 185) do not report this species. Off the Olympic Coast, this species occurs in autumn (southbound) and in the Spring (northbound). HABITAT REQUIREMENTS - In the Washington vicinity the habitat type is open water with nearly all of these animals five miles and further offshore. With the three mile-limit for State waters, only rarely does this species inhabit marine waters of Washington State. Therefore, the North Pacific fur seal uses an open.water habitat almost entirely outside of State waters and really has no habitat requirements in Washington State. CRITICAL HABITAT AREA - No areas of critical habitat are thought to exist in Washington based upon the summarized information. More basically, the question arises as to the validity of the North Pacific fur seal as a "significant" mammal species in the State of Washington. DATA GAPS - The offshore nature of this fur seal would not seem to justify systematic research on this species in Washington State waters. REFERENCES - 135, 186, H, J, B, 742, 614, 750, 185 M-3 FACT SHEET M-4 KILLER WHALE Orcinus orca LIFE HISTORY - The killer whale is the largest and swiftest of marine mammals. The killer whale eats warm-blooded prey (b) as well as other prey (mostly fish). The killer whale occurs mainly in packs or pods of 3 to 20 but aggregations numbering in excess of 100 whales are not unusual (183, A. W. Erickson, U of W, personnal communication). Larger packs reported are 150 to 200 (134). This Species is widely distributed fairly common year-round in Washington waters (B). Breeding appears to occur throughout the year and gestation is estimated between 12 and 16 months (A.W. Erickson, U of W, personnal Communication). Another source indicates two whale mates in December, with gestation for one year; the calf nurses for one year (133). Life history information is limited on this species, as studies in Washington State have been limited (183). The killer whale hunts in "wolf pack" fashion (134) as a very active predator. The species feeds primarily on fish (cod, flat fish, and sardines), squid, octopus, dolphins, whales and seals. Salmon constitute a small portion of the killer whale diet off Japan(B). There is much speculation about killer whale feeding habits in Puget Sound (183). Dominant foods by area have been reported (183) as follows: Norway - herring, during herring runs Northeast Pacific - sea lions, seals a'nd porpoises Coast of Japan - fish and cephalopods' Off Vancouver Island - Minke whales - incidental (?) seabirds,ducks M-4 Minke Whales would be a rare food as few of these whales exist here or elsewhere. Some sources speculate that marine mammal populations are not sufficiently large in Puget Sound to support killer whales, while another believes they will eat anything available and whatever is easiest to find (183). There is sparse and inconclusive information on the diet of wild killer whales in Puget Sound (183). Killer whales are known to travel and feed in the dark and seem to be especially active inshore, feeding in the shallows and in river mouths after nightfall (K). A killer whale was reported temporarily stranded on a South Sound beach while thought to be driving herring inshore at night (K). The daily food intake of killer whales in the wild is not known. One source speculates about 250 lbs/day of salmon in Puget Sound (183). Captive killer Whales have been fed 100 to 200 pounds of fish per day and up to 440 pounds per day (183). WASHINGTON DISTRIBUTION - One source (K) gives the Washington distribution (as of 1948) as follows: Occurrence - in marine waters of the State at all seasons, gregarious, roving; frequently seen in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound and off the Olympic seacoast, perhaps less common farther south on the coast and in the Columbia estuary; in the Sound region somewhat more common in the northern waters, congregation, especially in summer, at the mouth of the Fraser River, in Georgia Strait, Washington Sound, and off Camano Island during salmon and herring runs; apparently more frequent and regular in the spring and fall months at Tacoma and southward in Puget Sound, but recorded there at all seasons; said to appear rarely in Willapa Bay. M-4 Strait of Georgia and Puget Sound are labeled areas of concentration of killer whales (B). This source indicates Puget Sound killer whales are most numerous in November and late summer. Movements of killer whales are probably dependent on food supply (B, 183). Passage ways have been noted (183) by several authors: Enter the Sound - probably between Port Townsend and Whidbey Island South Sound - Colvos Passage, with congretations in McNeil Island - Carr Inlet area. Salmon and herring concentrations coincide to some degree in these South Sound areas (183). There is no conclusive evidence on the migration or resident status of killer whales in Puget Sound (183). Killer whale numbers in Washington waters are also not well under- stood. A cooperative Canadian/Washington study (B) has produced the following results (for an undefined region): 1971 - 459 1972 - 255 1973 - 249 A portion of the 1974-1975 survey sighted 46 (.36 - WDG, Records), animals between Smith and Discovery Islands and seven animals between Henry and San Juan Islands (B). Federal surveys along the Washington-coast show 71 animals. One source (A. W. Erickson, University of Washington, personal communication, July, 1976) indicates that these animals do not know state boundaires and estimates a population of 250 was made for Washington waters M-4 and adjoining B. C. waters. For Washington waters alone, a guess would be 65 animals. The movement of killer whales would make the larger estimate a better population estimate for the Washington vicinity. HABITAT REQUIREMENTS - The killer whale utilizes the open water habitat type and apparently occupies all the waters under study including the lower Columbia River beyond Puget Island (several records), the estuarine limit of this study. The majority of those seen are in Puget Sound, North Sound, Straits of Georgia and Juan de Fuca with smaller numbers on the north coastal region and Hood Canal (183, 3641). In recent reports for the Willapa area (D), none are noted, while killer whales are "known mammals in the Grays Harbor area" (C). The species seems quite adaptable to open water habitat areas as long as food is available. Shallower water areas are mentioned by several authors as much used feeding areas. The species appears to be opportunistic, moving to areas of abundant food of many different kinds. One source (B) flatly states "there is a major lack of knowledge about its habitat". CRITICAL HABITAT AREAS - Killer whales may have critical areas but the present status of our knowledge does not allow their definition. Regular areas of congregation and routine patterns of movement (if either exist) could provide associated habitat areas critical for the killer whale. Areas of reproductive activity (copulation) may be important, but few records exist (from the late 30s and early 40s), of this type of M-4 activity (K). Similarly, calving areas may exist. All could be critical areas if the area is regularly utilized year after year for similar purposes by a large number of animals. No critical habitat areas are known at this time. DATA GAPS - The killer whale needs much more research attention that it now receives in Washington's waters. The North, Central, and South Sound areas, Straits of Georgia and Juan de Fuca and Northern outer coast need aerial and field surveys to define numbers and movements (natural marks, artificial tags, etc.) with time. Systematic survey effort for several years would provide needed information on this species use of the open water habitat in Washington. Observations should include feeding behavior to tie in these activities (if possible) with specific fish (or other food) concentrations and reproductive behavior to see if this is routinely repeated in a given area. Every attempt should be made on whales found dead to extract diet infor- mation as possible. Federal and/or State legislation may prevent very direct research on killer whales, (i.e., captive and tag studies) and the use of natural marks (now in use in Canada with some success) to identify unique mem- bers of killer whale pods may be the only alternative. Ongoing NMFS request for killer whale observations from the water-using public should be expanded with more advertisement as the large recreational/ commercial boating and smaller seaplane user groups would seem an invaluable source of location information on this noticeable species. Natural history in- vestigations of the killer whale should be completed in Washington to better understand the meaning of population surveys. REFERENCES - B, 183, H, 134, 133, K, D, C. M-4 FACT SHEET M-5 PACIFIC BLACKFISH - SHORT-FINNED PILOT WHALE GZobicephaZa scamonii LIFE HISTORY - Short-finned pilot whales are gregarious and occur in schools of 5 to 50 (133) to hundreds and thousands (B). They travel in compact schools and scatter into smaller groups or individually while feeding (733). They are a pelagic species, almost exclusively feeding on squids, but also on small fish (herring and cods) (B). Food intake per year is estimated to be 11.5 times the weight of the animal (B). Little life history information was noted in the sources checked. WASHINGTON DISTRIBUTION - This pilot whale species occurs offshore from the continental slope seaward with one "accidental" occurence in Puget Sound (B) and a 1937 record at Queets (K). One Quillayute native (mid 40's?) when shown photos of this species recognized it and gave the native name which translated as "mole whale" (K). One atlas (H) does not report this species in Washington. Again, as with the Northern fur seal, if we assume a three-mile limit to State waters, except for two documented exceptions, this species is not regularly distributed in Washington's waters. HABITAT REQUIREMENTS - The short-finned pilot whale utilizes the offshore open water habitat type and probably follows or moves to areas of food abundance. These habitat types appear to be beyond State waters. M-5 CRITICAL HABITAT AREAS - No critical habitat areas exist for this species in Washington waters. As with the Northern fur seal, the incidental nature of the pilot whale in Washington waters does not appear to warrant categorization as a "significant" marine mammal species. DATA GAPS - Little data was located on this species and its distribution beyond State waters would not warrant field research targeted on this species above. REFERENCES - 133, B, 733, K. M-5 FACT SHEET M-6 PACIFIC HARBOR PORPOISE Phocoena phocoena LIFE HISTORY - The Pacific harbor propoise is a common and wide-spread year-round resident in Washington waters and is a pelagic species that often inhabits bays (B). The breeding season is from July to October with a nine-month ges- tation period (133). Another source (K) reports gestation in Europe is for about 10 months with birth taking place from May to July. Washington records agree with this assessment. Milky substances were found in two specimens collected on January I and May 19 in Washington (K). Sexual maturity is reached in 15 months (133). Diving depths to feed are reported as deep as 44 fathoms (K). Food includes fish, squid and crustaceans (135). This species feeds mainly on bottom fishes such as cod, herring fry, flounder, and occasionally on invertebrates such as squids, clams, and crustaceans (B). WASHINGTON DISTRIBUTION - The Pacific harbor porpoise may be found anywhere (in Washington) in saltwater and well inside the mouths of rivers and brackish bays (H). Harbor porpoise are reported as observed in Grays Harbor (C), Willapa Bay (D), and on the north coast of Washington (185). The porpoise occurs in inside waters, Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound, coastal waters and bays, and offshore waters (continental slope and seaward) (B). M-6 Although not specifically mentioned, estuaries used would probably include the lower Columbia River to Puget Island. Investigations in the late 110's M indicate that this species seems to avoid the shallow and muddy waters along the eastern side of Puget and Washington Sounds. In South Sound the harbor porpoise was reported to occur in all seasons, as individuals, usually in groups of two to five, and occasionally 10 to 12 although the larger groups were questionable (K). This species has declined since the late 40's and Washington coast surveys total 30 animals while southern Puget Sound populations have virtually disappeared (B). Fair numbers were seen during killer whale studies in Puget Sound and the San Juans (A. W. Erickson, U of W, personal communications) In Grays Harbor (1975 survey), two harbor porpoise were seen in December near Buoy 17 and two others were seen in April between Buoys 13 and 15 (C). Reports were not located on numbers in Straits of Juan de Fuca and Georgia, and North, Central, and South Sound. HABITAT REQUIREMENTS - The Pacific harbor porpoise utilizes the open water habitat type and may inhabit all marine waters including bays, estuaries and river mouths to the extent of brackish water and even short distances into fresh water (B). No specific information was located to define heavily utilized open water or estuarine habitats used by this species. CRITICAL HABITAT AREAS - Insufficient recent data on the temporal and spacial distribution of this species prevents any critical habitat evaluation. The species may be well scattered and not in any significant concentrations at a given location. M-6 Pacific harbor porpoise are probably present in low numbers in most Washington waters (A. W. Erickson, U of W, personnal communication). The species also may not utilize areas consistently for similar activities year after year. DATA GAPS - Aerial and field surveys of all of Washington's marine and estuarine waters would need to be completed quarterly in a systematic fashion over several years to provide details on the present distribution and abundance of the Pacific harbor porpoise in Washington State. An informed public that uses these marine and estuarine waters could, if requested, provide spot observations of these and other marine mammal species. Natural history studies of the Pacific harbor porpoise should be completed in Washington to more fully understand the meaning of population surveys. REFERENCES - B, 133, K, 135, H, C, D, 185. M-6 FACT SHEET M-7 SEA OTTER Enhydra lutris LIFE HISTORY - The sea otter is a recently re-introduced marine mammal (1969 and 1970: 50 otters released along the Washington Coast north of Grays Harbor, B) after being absent some 40 years (133). Another source (494) indicates the last Washington record was 1910. Sea otters are weakly gregarious and may breed during any month of the year, but normally peak breeding occurs in the fall (B). Mating takes place in the water and the single young is born on floating kelp or on rocks near the sea (614). Twins are rare (494). Recruitment is at a rate of 14 to 15 percent (about 16 births/100 sea otters) (494). The female reaches sexual maturity at four years (494). Gestation totals 12 months (441). Pupping season is problematical as young have been observed (Alaska and California) in March, April (?), and late August, and hunters reported young of all ages were met the year around (614). The mother nurses the pup and carries the pup on her chest as she swims backwards. She leaves the pup only to dive for food (614). Sea otters gather their food from or near the bottom in salt water from depths of a few feet in the intertidal zone to about 20 fathoms (494) and possibly deeper. Food is eaten at the surface while the otter floats on its back. No food information was located for Washington sea otters. In Alaska (from where they were transplanted) the diet included 31 percent mollusks, 37 percent M-7 The former range northern limit is given also as the Strait of Juan de Fuca (H). No population estimates for Washington from this period was located. The outer coast of Washington was the area inhabited. Sources (494, L) conflict on sea otter presence in inside waters, but at best few (if any) ever inhabited inland waters any distance from the open sea coast. The present introduced population numbers about 22 and as of August 1974 were seen (B) as follows: Point Grenville 2 to 3 South Destruction Island 2 North Destruction Island 8 adults, 2 pups** Third beach trail south of LaPush 3 James Island 2** Cape Johnson 1** Ozette I Confirmed by Federal or State authorities. There is no way of assessing the present (1976) population of these sea otters. HABITAT REQUIREMENTS - The sea otter utilizes the open water habitat, usually along exposed and isolated marine coastlines with rocky islands and rocky points which afford shelter in storms (B). Shallow waters with under- water reefs and extensive kep beds are preferred (B, 441). These areas also must have an abundant food supply within about a 20 to 25 fathom depth (494,B). The majority of feeding is within about one-half mile of shore (494). Rocky shores are use in Alaskan waters for hauling out during stormy periods. CRITICAL HABITAT AREAS - The "threatened with extinction" status of sea otters in Washington (B) and the large former range and present range of M-7 echinoderms, and 22 percent fish (including their eggs) (494). The diet of the sea otters may change as populations deplete selected foods (441). The fish eaten are the somewhat sedentary and sluggish species (441). WASHINGTON DISTRIBUTION - The former distribution of sea otters is depicted in the following figure (L): SCALE OF MILES Fig. 1. Former distribution of the southern sea otter (Euhydra lutris nercis) on the Washington Coast, according to tile accounts of early explorers and hunters. M-7 this species makes sea otters a special case and complicates a critical habitat evaluation. The known former range was from the Columbia River to Point Grenville (B) or, more likely, to the mouth of the Strait of Juan de Fuca (H), while the small reintroduced population has been "ob- served" in the area from Point Grenville to about Cape Alava ("Ozette"). The problem involves calling critical habitat just those areas where they are now seen or include their original habitat which included more area both north and south of their present range. The resolution proposed will be to label present critical habitat areas as those shown on the attached maps (coded as M-7) that approximate the best known locations of the presently existing sea otter population. These are: Point Grenville South Destruction Island North Destruction Island Third beach trail south of LaPush James Island Cape Johnson Ozette Jagged Island (Joe Welch, Willapa NWR, personal communication). If the population expands, critical habitat areas may increase in size and/or location. If sea otters ever became numerous and widely distributed in Washington, critical areas may no longer really exist for them. M-7 DATA GAPS - All of the sea otter life history and habitat information is from Alaska and California. A concerted effort mAt be made to assess the temporal and spacial distribution of sea otters in the existent range and north and south of that range (looking for range expansion). This samp- ling should include both quarterly aerial and field census, with the latter also attempting to observe feeding behavior in Washington waters. Only with population trends, movements, and feeding habit information will we begin to understand the Washington habitat requirements of the sea otter. Natural history information should be gathered on the sea otter in Washington State to more fully understand the meaning of population surveys. REFERENCES - B, 133, 494, 614, 441, L, H. M-7 FACT SHEET M-8 RIVER OTTER Lutra canadensis LIFE HISTORY - The river otter is usually associated with freshwater rivers and lakes, but has adapted to a marine environment around the San Juan Is- lands (135) and utilizes marine/estuarine areas in Puget Sound and the coastal bays of Washington. The species is basically nocturnal (133), or crepuscular (most often observed in early morning, late evening hours) (N). Little information was located on river otter life history in marine and estuarine waters. In Russia, the suggestion was made that there were permanent populations in marine areas, with possible movements between fresh and salt water, due to prey availability (0). For the most part, river otter are expected to be inhabitants of fresh water areas near the marine environ- ment who often visit these marine areas in search of a greater supply of food. For South Sound, Hirshi reported significantly greater use of es- tuarine areas in Spring (March-May) and also freshwater areas in Fall (.Septem- ber-November) (N). This may occur in seasons when the freshwater environ- ment'has insufficient foods preferred by the river otter. Some river otters, as mentioned, appear as exceptions with a stronger adaptation and greater use of marine areas in the San Juan Islands. In an ongoing WDG study (N), 30 percent of all marine observations were in the San Juans. Hirshi (N) re- ported greater concentrations of river otters along the San Juan's marine shorelines than any other inside water area in Washington. M-8 Reproduction in river otters is generally away from marine areas and in adjacent freshwater areas, with the birth of pups followed by mating thought to occur from mid April to mid May (N). River otters dive in shallow waters to obtain most of their food, which varies by the location of the otter (freshwater or marine), and prob- ably by the opportunity provided by the prey species. In South Sound, during the primary freshwater period (Fall), crayfish, a freshwater sculpin, and spawning salmon were the main foods, while during the primary estuarine period (where it occurs) in the Spring, starry flounder and sculpins were the major prey species (N). Marine foods include fish, crabs, mussels, oysters, barnacles, chiton and starfish (187). Hirshi (N) reported one occurrence of mussels and no occurrence for any of the inverterbrates following mussels, in a South Sound Study. WASHINGTON DISTRIBUTION - Most streams and lakes on the west side of Hood Canal have river otters (364) and some lower stream inhabitants could be ex- pected in adjacent estuary and marine habitats. They are listed as occuring in Willapa Bay (D). One source (C), lists them in Willapa Bay habitats called "subtidal", "salt-marsh", and "riparian areas-wooded swamp", but not in habitats called "intertidal flats", "diked salt marsh", and "freshwater marsh". River otters were,not observed in the open waters of Willapa Bay, but because they feed principally on nearshore marine fish, they are expected to use the subtidal areas of the bay for feeding, or certainly as a travel lane to move from one river tributary to another (C). M-8 Grays Harbor County is the number one producer of river otter, according to the WDG Furbearer Harvest Report for 1974 and 1975. However, the interpretation of these harvest records must be careful as: (1) marine and estuarine adapted river otters are not specified in the reports, (2) drainages harvested extend some distance from marine areas in each county, and (3) trapping effort varies by year and by county. The other counties ranking much below Grays Harbor County in otter harvest include, in de- scending order: Mason County Clal I am County Thurston County Snohomish/Pacific Counties Without specifying furbearing mammal species, the Grays Harbor tribu- taries listed as producers are Humptulips River and swamps, Hoquiam River, Wishkah River, Chehalis River, Johns River, Elk River, Grass Creek, Chenois Creek, Charlie Creek, Newskah Creek and O'Leary Creek (C). The distributional information on river otters in Washington marine and estuarine waters is being prepared by WDG (N) and Ron Hirshi, WDG (personal communication) provided all of the information that occurs below relative to presently known critical areas in Washington waters. Mr. Hirshi also has an M. S. Thesis in process, which is pertinent to the marine and estuarine life of river otters. Rather than attempt to generalize about the known marine and estuarine distribution of river otters, a table provided by WDG is appended to this fact sheet, summarizing observations made in Washing- ton. Underlined sources and their sighting are detailed in the Critical Habitat Area(s) Section. M-8 HABITAT REQUIREMENTS - Following the Grays Harbor evaluation of river otter placement by habitat (C), this species utilize open water ("subtidal") and salt-marsh marine habitat types, in addition to the presumed major habitat on land, "riparian areas-wooded swamp". The open water and salt-marsh habitats would need to have suitable foods. The open water habitat would be assumed as shallow subtidal areas and probably flooded intertidal areas that are close to estuaries and tri- butaries normally inhabited by river otter. The San Juan Island area river otters appear more independent of fresh water areas, and more strongly adapted to a marine existence (open water habitat, but still in relatively shallow waters)% Any stream's marine estuary is a potential habitat for river otter. The other requirements would be available food and a minimum of human harass- ment. CRITICAL HABITAT AREAS- In general, river otters appear scattered throughout estuarine and marine areas in Washington, with the indication that in the San Juan Archipelago there are groups of river otters with a reduced dependence on fresh water, while in the South Sound, a pattern of primarily fresh water use in the fall and primarily estuarine use in the spring occurs in some areas that have been observed. The basic task of defining critical areas was undertaken with Ron Hirshi, WDG. After several meetings, a decision was made to call areas with M-8 larger numbers of sitings, four or five, or more at one time, or apparent estuarine areas of more permanent, rather than transient use (i.e., seasonal use for several years versus sporadic use from year to year). Mr. Hirshi, WDG, selected the mapped critical areas which are underlined in the attached table of observations, and outlined as follows: San Juan Archipelago: Friday Harbor Fish Creek Cactus Islands Johns Island Cowlitz Bay Jones Island Broken Point East Side of West Sound Rosario Harbor Olga Point Hankin Point Davis Bay Strait of Juan de Fuca: Low Point Tongue Point Dungeness Bay M-8 Hood Canal: Port Ludlow Bywater Bay Squamish Harbor Dabob Bay Big Quilcene Estuary Dosewallips Estuary Thorndyke Bay Hudson's Creek Estuary West Shore Port Gamble Bay Anderson Cove Hamma Hama Estuary. Jorstad's Creek Estuary Unnamed Creek Estuary (South of Twanha) Lynch Cove Central Sound: Miller Bay Brown's Cove Blakely Harbor South Sond: Couller Creek Estuary Sherwood Creek Estuary M-8 South Sound (continued): Rocky Bay Unnamed Creek Estuary (South of McLane Cove) Unnamed Creek Estuary 7South of Graham Point) Mayo Cove Minter Creek Estuary Lay Inlet Area Gig Harbor Point Dalco Nisqually_Estuary Open Coast: Capa Alava Vicinity Table 1 presents river otter observations in Washington from WDG, unpublished information. M-8 DATA GAPS - For the most part, the marine and estuarine use by Washington river otters appears little studied. A pending WDG report and M.S. Thesis will add much needed data to this area. Field surveys (Spring) should be undertaken in estuarine areas of Washington, to locate river otters there. Marking studies would be inf6rmative to determine the marine and estuarine dependence of river otters that normally inhabit fresh water areas. As tags are placed, and otters recovered or observed, feeding habits would be of interest in populations located, again to better understand the dependence and use of this species on marine/estuarine habitats. Night observations, with available night viewing equipment, would also provide valuable informa- tion on a period lacking observations - hours of darkness. REFERENCES - 135, 133, N. 0, 187, 364, D, C, M-8 TABLE RIVER OTTER OBSERVATIONS IN WASHINGTON WATERS WDG UNPUBLISHED DATA, 1976 No.. Before Name _ Puget Sound Hood Canal Straights San Juans Outer Coast Other Pups Seen 1972 1972-73 1974-75 Time Tide Comments Frank.Skidmore Davis Bay 12 1975 6:30 AM Beach to pond, pond Lopez Isl. June- 7:30 PM to beach. Single July file, large ones first. Swim torocks Saw harbor seal with them. Much splashing swim and dive when seal present. Some- times play in drift- wood before return to pond. Several observations. Nick Levko John's Crk. 1 1975 9:30 AM Swimming upstream Mar.11 slowly. Wayne Kirk Near Ozette 3 1974 In surf-Playing in Yellow Banks June creek. Dan Wood Green Lake 1 1975* Noon Split when saw a Three Sisters, camper. Oregon Underlined names are persons whose observations were utilized in critical area detemination�, primarily because of the numbers of river otters observed at a given time in the marine and estuarine environment. M-8-1 TABLE I (Continued) RIVER OTTER OBSERVATIONS IN WASHINGTON WATERS WDG UNPUBLISHED DATA, 1976 No. Before Name _ Puget Sound Hood Canal Straights San Juans Outer Coast Other Pgs Seen 1972 1972-73 1974-75 Time Tide Comments Paula 1974 Bierzychudek Cape Flattery 1 May Noon Eating pink fleshed fish on rock Lora Leschner Destruction 2 1974 1:00 PM Feeding on fish on rock. Island June 15 Moved into water on approach. Lora Leschner North Shore of 1 1975 10:00 AM Approximately 50 feet Union Bay in Feb. 7 Offshore. Lake Washington Lora Leschner Watmough Bay 1 1973 Aug. Lora Leschner North of Rock Pt. 1 1974 Lopez Island January Lora Leschner N.W. Side of 1 1973 Two to three days in Decatur Isl. Sumer small bay, Lora Leschner Beaver Pond 1 1975 Stillwater Wildlife Area April 6 Snoqualmie River near Carnation Ed Johnson Near Mouth of .1 Spring Swimming Elwha River 1965 M-8-2 TABLE I (Continued) RIVER OTTER OBSERVATIONS IN WASHINGTON WATERS WDG UNPUBLISHED DATA, 1976 No. Before Name Puget Sound Hood Canal Straights San Juans Outer Coast Other Pups Seen 1972 1972-73 1974-75 Time Tide Comments Bruce Miller Pt. George 1 1974 Watched underwater Shaw Island April 12 capture of copper rockfish - got away. Divers disturbed. Bruce Miller Pt. George Shaw Island 1 1975 Swimming. Feb. 5 Bruce Miller Lab. 1 Summer "Resident" around Friday Harbor labs. David Wilson 4 miles north of 1 1975 Swimming. Jones Island March Orcas (W) David Wilson 4 miles north of 6 to 8 1974 Several observations. Jones Island Summer Orcas (W) Jim Long Chester Morris 1 1974 Spring Jim Long Big Beaver 2 August Swimming - something Valley 1971 in mouth - close to shore. Jeff McKay Ship Bay 1 1973 6:00 PM Rolling in seaweed Orcas Island Sumer then swim in bay. M-8-3 TABLE 1 (Continued) RIVER OTTER OBSERVATIONS IN WASHINGTON WATERS WDG UNPUBLISHED DATA, 1976 No. Before Name Puget Sound Hood Canal Straights San Juans Outer Coast Other Pups Seen 1972 1972-73 1974-75 Time Tide Comments Anonymous F.R.I. West Fork 2 1974 Chasing salmon. Snahapish Dec. 12 Anonymous F.R.I. Christmas 2 1975 Creek March 7 Ron Kurtz Palouse Falls 1 1975 Swimming. State Park May 24 Mrs. Randall 5 Miles fr. Renton 2 1974 Late Feeding on fish, Cedar River July Evening Jan Lackey Odlin Park 1 1975 Mid- Swimming. Lopez Island June 12 Day Jan Lackey East of 3 1975 Mid- Swimming. Richardson June 12 Day Anthony 10,500 ft. in 1 1974 8:00 AM Swimming. Mendoza Lake-Yosemite Sept.10 National Park Ron Shimek Friday Harbor 1 1975 Every Several observations. Labs. San Juan February Morn. Island to April M-8-4. TABLE I (Continued) RIVER OTTER OBSERVATIONS IN WASHINGTON WATERS WDG UNPUBLISHED DATA, 1976 No. Before Name Puget Sound Hood Canal Straights San Juans Outer Coast Other Pups Seen 1972 1972-73' 1974-75 Time Tide Comments Roy Farrell Humphrey Head 2 1974 After- In brush along rocky Lopez Island April 13 noon shore. Steve Saul Jones Island 1 1975 Aug. 19 Paul Tueter Hot Springs Road I Adult 3 1974 1-3:OOPM Playing Soleduc River 2 Pups June Elizab. Cornu Buck Creek MTH. 1 1975 Mid- Chased from stream Skunk Bay Aug. 20 After- mouth by dog. noon Rachel Smith On S.J. Channel 2 1975 On rocks. Shaw Island(s) Summer Rachel Smith N. Side 112 to Pt. Port Blakely 1 1974-75 7:00 High Almost daily through Winter water - swimming. Tom Lopp 100 Yds. Hankin Pt. I or 2 3 1975 2:OOPM Swimming. Shaw Island Pups July 31 Tom Lopp 100 Yds. Hankin Pt. 3 1975 3: 00 PM Swimming. Shaw Island July 31 Tom Lopp 100 Yds. Hankin Pt. 2 Aug. 11 8: 00 AM Swimming. Shaw Island Tom Lopp 100 Yds. Hankin Pt. 6 Aug. 11 6:45 PM Feeding-Swimming. Shaw Island M-8-5 TABLE 1 (Continued) RIVER OTTER OBSERVATIONS IN WASHINGTON WATERS WDG UNPUBLISHED DATA, 1976 No. Before Name Puget Sound Hood Canal Straights San Juans Outer Coast Other Pups Seen 1972 1972-73 1974-75 Time Tide Comments Tom Lopp 100 Yds. 6 Aug. 11 7:45 AM Swimming. Hankin Pt. Shaw Island Tom Lopp 100 Yds. 8? Aug. 12 8:00 PM Swimming Hankin Pt. Shaw Island Tom Lopp 100 Yds. 2 Adults 6(Good Observation) Aug. 19 6:45 AM Diving, feeding on Hankin Pt. 4 Young rocks, came ashore Shaw Island on grass. Robt. Engstrom 112 Mi.above 1 1974 4:30 PM Ashore and swimming last bridge January Dungeness River Robt. Engstrom Near Game F arm 2 1975 10:00 to Mating. Dungeness River May 15 11:00 AM Elizabeth Port Gamble 1 1974 7:00 to Swimming. Warren Feb- 9:00 AM March Elizabeth Warren Port Gamble 1 '974 6:00 to On grassy bluff March- 7:00 AM 25 to 30 feet. April M-8-6 TABLE I (Continued) RIVER OTTER OBSERVATIONS IN WASHINGTON WATERS WDG UNPUBLISHED DATA, 1976 No. Before Name Puget Sound Hood Canal Straights San Juans Outer Coast Other Pups Seen 1972 1972-73 .1974-75 Time Tide Comments Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Pond 1 1975 Early In pond for last 10 G. Dennis Bainbridge May-June Morn. years, 600 feet fr(xn beach by creek. Virginia Mid-Lake 1 1967 to Mornings Feeding on dock. Evans East Side 1973 Lake Sammamish Robert Tank Long Lake 2 1975 4:00 PM Swimming Sept.14 Gail Smith Port 1 to 3 1965 to Early Swimming Madison 1973 Mornings Merle Stedman Holly Cove 1 + 1974-75 Early Feeding, swimming. Dec. to Morn. and March Afternoons Merle Stedman Holly Cove 2 Adults 5 1975 (Most observations 3 Young August in water and spring) Paul Howard Port Gamble 2 1973 Late Even. Swimming. July 4 Almost Dark Clyde Sengeri Lopez Island (SW) 1 1966 Chased from prey, Summer feeding on sea bird. H-8-7 TABLE I (Continued) RIVER OTTER OBSERVATIONS IN WASHINGTON WATER WDG UNPUBLISHED DATA, 1976 No. Before Name Puget Sound Hood Canal Straights San JUans Outer Coast Other Pups Seen 1972 1972-73 1974-75 Time Tide Comments Clyde Sengeri Just W. 1 1966 Dead. 99 Bridge Spring- Samish R. Summer Estes and Ava Hudson's 1 Spring 7:00 AM in salt water Crouse Creek 1969-70 or earlier swimming - went to creek. Estes and Ava Crouse 1 1971 before Across yard to 7:00,AM water. Estes and Ava Crouse 4 1975 6:00 AM Playing in canal April close to shore. Estes and Ava Crouse 1 1975 early "Sea otter". May morning Estes and Ava Crouse 1 1975 early "Sea otter". May morning John Sass Gig Harbor 1+ Fall- On float. Winter 1974 M-8-8 TABLE I (Continued) RIVER OTTER OBSERVATIONS IN WASHINGTON WATERS WDG UNPUBLISHED DATA, 1976 No. Before Name Puget Sound Hood Canal Straights San Juans Outer Coast Other Pups Seen 1972- 1972-73 1974-75 Time Tide Comments John Sass Gig Harbor 1 1975 Mid- On Float Oct. 20 Day Sue Fleming Camp Robinswold 4 1975 Swimming. Hood Canal Mar. 22 Robt. Bennet Hintzville Sure 4 to 5 1974 Mid- While trout fishing. Ponds of 2 June Day Adults 2 to 3 Young Robt. Bennet Price Lake 2 1972 Mid- While trout fishing. May Day Robt. Bennet Creek Entering 1 1975 10:00 to Ran across road Flet.Bay on Aug.25 11:00 PM (headlights). Bainbridge Island Anonymous Bainbridge 1 1974 2:00 to Swimming. Lady late 4:00 PM Summer Chuck Robinson Dilworth Pt. 1 1975 9:00 PM Was coming ashore Vashon Island Apr.24 dog interfered. Roland Carey West Side of I For past six years Attacked dog in its Vashon Island den. Mrs. E.N. Snell Near Twanoh, 1 1975 7:20 AM Swimming and diving Hood Canal April (south). M-8-9 TABLE I (Continued) RIVER OTTER OBSERVATIONS IN WASHINGTON WATERS WDG UNPUBLISHED DATA, 1976 No. Before Name Puget Sound Hood Canal Straights San Juans Outer Coast Other Pups Seen 1972 1972-73 1974-75 Time Tide Comments Mrs. E. N. Snell Near Twanoh, 1 1975 7:10 AM Swimming and Diving Hood Canal April 8 (south). Mrs. E. N. Snell Near Twanoh, 1 1975 6:30 AM Swimming and Diving Hood Canal April 10 (north). Mrs. E. N. Snell Near Twanoh, 1 April 11 6:00 AM (north). Hood Canal 1975 Mrs. E. N. Snell Near Twanoh 1 April 16 7:25 AM (south). Mrs. E. N. Snell Near Twanoh - 1975 Have not seen since May 3 April 16, 1975 Ernie Knudson Haven Lake 3 1975 From News - "Hckbry. May Herald". Tony Novotny NMFS 1 1975. Night In salmon pens - Manchester July 15 leave heads, 12 to 14 inch salmon. Tony Novotny NMFS 1Several sightings through Summer 1975 Once at Noon, early Manchester morning and late. Tony Novotny 2 1972-73 Mark Shifflettei Issaquah 1 1974-75 Lake M-8-1 0 TABLE 1 (Continued) RIVER OTTER OBSERVATIONS IN WASHINGTON WATERS WDG UNPL1BLISHED DATA, 1976 No. Before Name Puget Sound Hood Canal Straights San Juans Outer Coast Other Pups Seen' 1972 1972-73 1974-75 Time Tide Comments Mark Shifflettei Issaquah 2 ? 1974-75 Creek Mark Shifflettei Lopez Island, 1 1974-75 Makay Harbor Raleigh Grate Minter Creek 1 1975 10:00 AM liplayingil. April 15 Donna Wilhelm Minter Creek 2 Pups 3 1972 to 1975 Several observations. I Adult Bruce Northrup Sunset Beach 1 1975 7:30 AM Abandoned flounder when Vashon Island April 6 dogs chased it away from shore. Tim Kezele Oyster Plant 1 1975 Morning Walking on lawn near Minter Creek May 1 oyster plant. Tim Kezele Oyster Plant 1 1975 Afternoon Walkin on lawn near Minter Creek May 2 oyster plant. Tim Kezele Oyster Plant I Pup 1 1975 Noon Pup injured by dog. Minter Creek Alone June Tim Kezele Oyster Plant 1 1975 Found dead on spit. Minter Creek June M-8-11 TABLE 1 (Continued) RIVER OTTER OBSERVATIONS IN WASHINGTON WATERS WDG UNPUBLISHED DATA, 1976 No. Before Name Puget Sound Hood Canal Straights San Juans Outer Coast Other Pups Seen 1972 1972-73 .1974-75 Time Tide Comments Mike Brounsten Camp Robinswold 1 1975 8:00 Low Followed us along July 20 AM shore for 100 yards approximately 25 feet away playing. Dr. Fleming Eldon 4 1974 10:OOAM Teasing dog - bait- Feb. ing it into water. Karen Hayden Tin Mine Lake 2 Adults 5 1973 Nights Constant companions 3 Pups June-Aug. and through summer. Day Karen Hayden Tin Mine Lake 1 1973 1974 Couple of days a Sept. April month. Karen Hayden Tin Mine Lake 1 1974 Much shyer than May to family. September Karen Hayden Tin Mine Lake 1 1974 Few times each month May to September Karen Hayden Tin Mine Lake 1975 - Have not seen any February to otters. 'March M-8-12 TABLE 1 (Continued) RIVER OTTER OBSERVATIONS IN WASHINGTON WATERS WDG UNPUBLISHED DATA, 1976 No. Before Name Puget Sound Hood Canal Straights San Juans Outer Coast OttLer Pups Seen 1972 1972-73 1974-75 Time Tide Comments S.A. Kertulla Kertulla's 1 1974 Early Pond Sumer Mornings 1974 and 1 Adult 4 August Late Saw pups first in S.A. Kertulla Kertulla's 3 Pups 1975 August Pond Jan-Feb. Last saw pups to- gether. S.A. Kertulla Kertulla's I Spring Three times through Pond Spring. S.A. Kertulla Kertulla's 2 Pond S.A. Kertulla Kertulla's Pond Adults 2 1975 "Feeding" in dark. Jan-Feb. Bill Tobin Shinglemill Creek 1 1975 Early Ran across highway Vashon Isl. (N) May to creek. Sandi Hamilton Wauna Female I July 17 7:00 PM Found dead on beach. Approx. 35 pounds Edith Rice Site of Hood I Fall 1958 Morning Ran down beach to Canal Bridge water. M-8-13 TABLE 1 (Continued) RIVER OTTER OBSERVATIONS IN WASHINGTON WATERS WDG UNPUBLISHED DATA, 1976 No. Before Name Puget Sound Hood Canal Straights San Juans Outer Coast Pups Seen 1972 1972-73 1974-75 Time Tide Comments Sandy White 112 Pt.White to 1 1975 10:00 AM Fletcher Bay March 15 Bainbridge Isl.(W) Steve Syrizla Cape Alava 1 1975 Past Low Midst intertidal beach March 27 Sunset rocks then to bank with small creek. Geo. Zimmerman 2 Miles fr. Mouth 1 1974 10:00 AM Swimming Dungeness River April 4 J. Dalle-Molle Mora Campground 1 1975 7:00 PM Swimming Quillayute River March 30 David Brown Canonball Island 1 10:00 AM On beach and swimming. Ozette Coast David Brown Canonball Island 1 1:00 PM Swimming. Verbeck Smith Hankin Point Adults 3 to 4 1975 9:20 PM Shaw Island (E) and Pups July 14 Verbeck Smith Hankin Point Adults 4 to 5 1975 7:25 PM Shaw Island (E) and Pups July 20 Verbeck Smith Hankin Point Adults 3+ 1975 Evening Shaw Island (E) and Pups June 22 M-8-14 TABLE I (Continued) RIVER OTTER OBSERVATIONS IN WASHINGTON WATERS WDG UNPUBLISHED DATA, 1976 No. Before Name Puget Sound Hood Canal Straights San Juans Outer Coast Pups Seen 1972 1972-43 1974-75 Time Tide Comments N. DeVaux and Friday Harbor 1 1975 B. Wagn Labs. San September Noon Entered stream Juan Island rolling - went up steep bank. N. DeVaux and Min.Pt. Rocky Bay I - Dog chased otter into B. Wagne San Juan Island water. Nancy Turnbell Hunter Bay (S.E. Corner) 4 1975 Swimming, 50 to 100 yards Lopez Island June off. Jerry Griffing Broken Point 5 1974-75 Most Times (Don't see them in summej. Shaw Island Winter when dogs Roll-Play-Slide. not around Jerry Griffing Horton's Hook 2 ? Mating - 5 to 10 Shaw Island minutes. Jerry Griffing Broken Point 2 Adults 3 1975 On rock. Shaw Island I Pup Aug. 16 Kyle Henderson Across f. SKJK 1 1973 Baited dog into water Waldron Island (N) Sumer dog drowned. Kyle Henderson Across f. SKJK 1 1973 Baited dog - people Waldron Island (N) Summer rescued dog. Mrs. Cameron Shaw Island 2 to 3 Otter caught duck. brought it ashore, duck got away. M-8-1 5. TABLE I (Continued) RIVER OTTER OBSERVATIONS IN WASHINGTON WATERS WDG UNPUBLISHED DATA, 1976 No. Before Name Puget Sound Hood Canal Straights San Juans Outer Coast Pups Seen 1972 1972-73 1974-75 Time Tide Comments Fred A. Lion Mouth of 12 1975 3-4:00 PM In water 1 to 2 minutes, Fish Creek May 25 all surfaced; diving, San Juan Island swimming. Fred A. Lion Mouth of 4 May 27 4-7:00 PM Feeding, swimming. Fish Creek June 26 San Juan Island Mabel Meier Garrison Bay 1 1975 Evening On float feeding. San Juan Island March 28 Ronald A. Swanson 1/2 M. North 1 1975 7:00 PM Swimming with current. Humes Road June 17 Elwha River Keith Keoon Bay Lake 1 1975 6:00 PM Swimming May 3 Forest Blau Cape Alava 1+ 1975 Morning Low June 24 Forest Blau N.of Kayostla 31 Adult 1975 Morning Low Female feeding pups on Beach 112 M. 2 Pqps July 6 rocks in intertidal. Forest Blau N.of Kayostla 2Adults 1975 Morning Low Swimming in and out of Beach 1 Mile July 7 rocks, water. M-8-1 6 TABLE 1 (Continued) RIVER OTTER OBSERVATIONS IN WASHINGTON WATERS WDG UNPUBLISHED DATA, 1976 No. Before Name Puget Sound Hood Canal Straights San Juans Outer Coast Other Seen 1972 1972-73 1974-75 Time Tide Comments Forest Blau So. of Hoh Tracks July 30 Intertidal Good observation Head Forest Blau Cape Alava Tracks Sept. I Intertidal Good observation John Jubich Lake 2 Fall- Morning Do not see them in Summer Sutherland Winter because of water skiers. Norm and Elsa Square I Adult July Morning Swimming Bern Lake I Pup Icicle Dr. Vaughn Lady Dutcher Cove 1 1965 Swimming Charlotte Efnori Dungeness Spit 2 to 4 1975 Morning and Several observations August all times Charlotte Efnori Dungeness Spit I Adult Swimming and playing. 2 Pups' John Selby (Hadlock) 1 1975 Swimming Oak Bay October W. K. Smallridge Dungeness 2 1975 Morning Swimming and diving. Harbor October Paul Tweiten Bremerton 4 1975 Afternoon Playing along shore. Watershed August M-8-1 7 TABLE 1 (Continued) RIVER OTTER OBSERVATIONS IN WASHINGTON WATERS WDG UNPUBLISHED DATA, 1976 No. Before Name Puget Sound Hood Canal Straights San Juans Outer Coast Other Seen 1972 1972-73 1974-75 Time Tide' Comments Mrs. Lawrence Brown's Cove 3 1969 to ----------- 1974 Even. High Many observations Norman Liberty Bay Chuck Faire Marina, E. of Jetty 4 to 5 1975 Once every two weeks P. A. Harbor Tony Baxter Dewatto I AduTt 1975 Swimming River 2 Young May 20 Mr. and Mrs. Shore of 1 1974 Swimming Ted Weldi Blakely Rk. Sumer-Fall Mr. and Mrs. Blakely 1to 2 1974 Several observations Ted Weldi Harbor (N) Mr. and Mrs. Manzanita 2to 4 1973 On dock Ted Weldi Sumer Frank Trulin Orcas Sea otters? Mrs. R.H. Shaffer Black 2to 3 1972 to -------- March 1975 Several observations on Lake dock. Shirley Inveen N. Rosedale 1 1972 to 1974 On raft - several Cherry Cove observations Anonymous North Bay 1 1975 Early High Swimming towards Coulter. (Allyn) July Morning M-8-1 8 TABLE I (Continued) RIVER OTTER OBSERVATIONS IN WASHINGTON WATERS WDG UNPUBLISHED DATA, 1976 No. Before Name Puget Sound Hood Canal Straights San Juans Outer Coast Other Seen 1972 1972-73 1974-75 Time Tide Comments John Danielson L. Tahuva 2 1974 Mating 1 hour. April 13 Mr. Schuler Wildcat Lake 1Adult 1972 2Young June Andy Rogers Oak Patch 1Adult July 2Pups John Mathews Raging 1 1974 Road kill. River - Sumer Ted Henderson Nisqually I Fall Salmon bone lodged in 1972 throat - found dead. Keith Wyman Chester Morris 1 1973 Lactating female drowned Aug. 15 in fish trap. Royce Kelly Canyon 1Adult 1973 Swimming. Creek 2-3 Young Late May .Early June Rick Schutte Diablo 1 1974 June 20 Schoens West Sound 2 Mating Mrs. D.K. FW-Shelton Valley 1 1975 One observation. Larson Coffee Creek Mid-Oct. M-3-19 TABLE I (Continued) RIVER OTTER OBSERVATIONS IN WASHINGTON WATERS WDG UNPUBLISHED DATA, 1976 No. Before Name Puget Sound Hood Canal Straights San Juans Outer Coast Other Seen -1972 1972-73 1974-75 1976 Time Tide Comments Mary A. Duncan FW "Family" Summer Greenleaf 1975 Slough Jim and Marie SW 1 mile Skamania Cty. Jan. 6 10:15 AM Swimming 30 feet Cameron So. of Pickering from shore - short Passage - Hartstene duration dives Isl. Bridge I Mrs. Harold Conger SW Pickering Passage 5 1972-73 Several observa- tions, "quite tame" ni)t afraid of dog. Conger SW Pickering Passage 4 Summer Early The second group of 1975 Morning four does not like their dog. Conger SW Pickering Passage 2 Jan.24 Playing and Feeding Tom Cropp Off Petroleum Possible "herd" Oct.23 (from Steve Jeffries) Creek - Pt. of of 50 sea otters? 1975 Game Department Arches Aberdeen Patricia Longhi SW - Midway between 1 Feb. Late 2/3 high - Beach to Ozette Rd. and Pt. Afternoon Surf of Arches Patricia Longhi as above I March- Mid-Day On beach - April one observation Patricia Longhi as above Tracks Thanksgiving 1972 M-8-20 TABLE 1 (Continued) RIVER OTTER OBSERVATIONS IN WASHINGTON WATERS WDG UNPUBLISHED DATA, 1976 No. Before Name Puget Sound Hood Canal Straights San Juans Outer Coast Other Seen 1972. 1972-73 1974-75 1976 Time Tide Comments Patricia Longhi SW midway between I July 27 Late High Near shore in water. Ozette Rd. and 1974 After- Pt. of Arches noon Patricia Longhi @as above 1 Pup July 29 Early Swimming close - came I Adult 1974 Evening ashore, roll in sand 10 to 15 min., return to water. Pup chirps when not in sight of mom. Patricia Longhi as above 1 Pup July 31 Dusk In and out of surf, I Adult 1974 rolling in sand, also heard chirps post dark Patricia Longhi as above Heard otter Oct.1974 9:00 PM Heard on two occasions. "chirps" Patricia Longhi as above 1 March 21 11:30 Mid- On large rock 125 feet 1975 A.M. tide fr. shore w. prey (fis4?) crows nearby. Otter leaves as she approa- ches to within 300 ft. Patricia Longhi as above 2 Mid-Aug. 1975 Patricia Longhi as above 3 Pups with Summer On rock near shore. 1 Adult 1975 Gerald Wood SW 400 yards of 2 to 4 Sumer Life in rip-rap Joestads Creek 1975 M-8-21 TABLE 1 (Continued) RIVER OTTER OBSERVATIONS IN WASHINGTON WATERS WDG UNPUBLISHED DATA, 1976 No. Before Name Puget Sound Hood Canal Straights San Juans Outer Coast Other Seen 1972 1972-73 1974-75 1976 Time Tide Comments Jay Loucks SW Port Angeles 2-3 Pups Late Spring Past Several observations Boat Haven 2 Adults 1975 Dark in past four years Ruct C. Jensen SW near 2 Pups Several sightings in Twanoh I Adult x x x x past ten years. Mrs. Norman SW Liberty Bay - 2 Dec. 19 8:00 AM Feeding Lemolo 1975 Evelyn Walseth SW I Mile West I Apr.18 7:15 AM Feeding on float - of Twanoh 1976 flounder. Several other sightings in past years. Ester Starwich SW King Spit, I Jan. 1975 (Bangor) Ester Starwich SW King Spit, 3 June 1974 On float. 1/2 Mile south Sept. 1975 Darrell Mills SW Fox Island Marauders March Nightly Feasting on salmon Eco Bay W. St. 1976 Fish Rearing Pens Steve Zemke SHi Shi Possible Sea Otter Jan. 1 On offshore rock. 1976' Aldon Jaske SW Hamma Hama-Buck Mtn. 5 Dec.1975 A.M. On logs every morning Log Dump, 6 Mls. no. of Playing and feeding Liliwaup M-8-22 TABLE 1 (Continued) RIVER OTTER OBSERVATIONS IN WASHINGTON WATERS WDG UNPUBLISHED DATA, 1976 No. Before Name Puget Sound Hood Canal Straights San Juans Outer Coast Other Seen 1972 1.972-73 1974-75 1976 Time Tide Coments Charles Simenstad FW Near E. Fork 1 Jan. 75 Mid-Day Feeding on rock in Bridge Quinault river River FW Steve Syrjala Pond along 3 16 Early Swimming in pond, Devils Mtn. Feb.76 PM calling, hissing, Trk.Rd. E.of growling Mt. Vernon Jim & Marie SW Cameron Pickering Passage - 1 mile south of 1 Nov. 22, 23, AM Harstere Bridge, West Shore 27, 1975 Camerons same as above 1 Jan.27 8:45 AM Swimming and Jan.31 8:45 AM diving - Feb. 5 5:30 PM heading north Mar. 1 8:45 AM Mar. 3 8:45 AM John Schoen SW Orcas- West Sound Landing Disturbed Nov.26-27 3 to 4 landings 1975 100 yds. apart. Moss dug up. Each very much disturbed. Dave Manuwal Est. Kalaloch I Late Fall In mouth of Kalaloch Creek Mouth 1975 Creek David Eyre Pt. Delco 3 Late Dec-early Jan. Saw four times in 3 Vashon 1975-1976 Mid-Day weeks. Observed one I feeding on perch, one appeared smaller than others. M-8-23 TABLE 1 (Continued) RIVER OTTER OBSERVATIONS IN WASHINGTON WATERS WDG UNPUBLISHED DATA, 1976 4' No. Before Name Puget Sound Hood Canal Straights San Juans Outer Coast Other Seen 1972 1972-73 1974-75 1976 Time Tide Comments Mrs. Robt. Person Victor 2.2 Miles 1 March Half Seen in March last from Coulter Creek 24 year. This was first observation in one year. Sue Carney Maplewood Beach 3 Feb. 8:15 + 9.0 Swimming and div- 15 A.M. ing. Caught one 10 inch fish. Sue Carney Maplewood Beach 3 April 7:50 + 8.0 Swimming ard 27 A.M. diving Mrs. Norman Liberty Bay 2 Jan. 3 to 4 Feeding Beaver's Cove 11 P.M. Mrs. Norman Liberty Bay I Jan. 8 A.M. High Feeding Beaver's Cove 20 Tim Ransom Rosario Resort 2 Spring East Sound Orcas 1975 Linda Hart Miller's Bay G. Hirschi Hood Head Bywater Mrs. Rogers Stavis Bay M-8-24 MARINE MAMMAL REFERENCES A. Beak Consultants, Inc., 1975, Biological Oil Impact Literature Review, Volumes 1 (191 pp) and 11 (464 pp), nine computer printout appendices (3,018 pp). Prepared for Washington Department of Ecology, October. B. Eaton, Randall L., editor, 1975, Marine Shoreline Fauna of Washington, Washington Department of Game and Ecology, December, 594 pp. C. Washington Department of Game, 1976, Impact of Dredging on the Mammalian Fauna in Grays Harbor, In: Maintenance Dredging and the Environment of Grays Harbor, Washington, Appendix I. Preliminary Draft. Prepared under contract with Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle and Washington Department of Ecology, 47 pp. D. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1970, Fish and Wildlife of Willapa Bay, Washington - A @pecial Report on a Preliminary Survey, Portland, Oregon, 33 pp. E. Oliver, A. L., 1972, Harbor Seals, Population, Behavior, and Utilization of the Waters in the Skagit Bay_Area, Huxley College of Environmental Science, Western Washington State College, Bellingham, 42 pp. F. Newby, T. C., 1973, "Changes in the Washington State Harbor Seal Popula- tion, 1942-1972". Murrelet, 54(l): 4-6, January-April. G. Newby, T. C., 1971, Distribution, Population Dynamics, and Ecology of the Harbor Seal, Phoca vituZina richardii, of the Southern Puget Sound, Washington, M.S. Thesis, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, Washington. H. Mowrey, Robert, editor, 1975, Washington Environmental Atlas, Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, January, 115 pp. I. Scheffer, T. H. and C. C. Sperry, 1931, "Food Habits of the Pacific Seal, Phoca richardif. J. Mamal., 12:214-226, [in Source E]. J. Baker, R. C., F. Wilke, and C. H. Baltzo, 1970, The Northern Fur Seal, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Circular 336, T9 pp. K. Scheffer, V. B., and J. W. Slipp, 1948, "The Whales and Dolphins of Washington State", American Midland Natur., 39(2):257-336. L. Scheffer, V. B., 1940, "The Sea Otter on the Washington Coast", Pacific Northwest Quarterly, 10:370-388. -I- MARINE MAMMAL REFERENCES (CONTINUED) M. Jefferies, S. J., and M. L. Johnson, 1976, "Aerial Censusing of Harbor Seals in Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay, Washington", presented at the 56th annual meeting of the American Society of Mammalogist, supported by the Marine Mammal Commission (contract MM5ACO19). N. Hirshi, R., 1976, Washington Department of Game - unpublished information on ri ver otters. 0. Raknilin, V. K., "The Ecology of the Otter (Lutra Zutra L.) On Sea and Shores", Bull. Moscow Society of Naturalists, 72(3):122-124. -2- MARINE MAMMAL LITERATURE REVIEW REFERENCES (See Biological Oil Impact Literature Review, Vol. II) .Source No. Author(s) Date 133 Larrison, E. J. 1970 134 National Marine Fisheries Serivce, 1973 135 Ingles, L. G., 1965 183 Palo, G. J., 1972 185 Kenyon, K. W. and V. B. Scheffer, 1961 186 Scheffer, V. B., 1958 187 Dalquest, W. W., 1948 441 Wadkins, L., 1971 494 Kenyon, K. W., 1961 614 Kenyon, K. W. and V. B. Scheffer, 1955 733 Brown, D. H. and K. S. Norris,, 1956 735 Fiscus, C. H. and G. A. Baines, 1966 740 Kenyon, K. W., 1952 741 Kenyon, K. W. and D. W. Rice, 1961 742 Kenyon, K. W. and F. Wilke, 1953 743 Mathisen, 0. A., R. T. Baade, R. J. Lopp, 1962 746 Pike, G. C. and B. E. Maxwell, 1958 750 Scheffer, V. B. and J. W. Slipp, 1944 DATE DUE GAYLORDINo. 2333 PRINTED IN U S A 3 6 68 14108 1-91-1-