water photo

 OBI Updates

OBI
November 19, 2024
In My Orca Era: The Salish Sea Tour, Supporting Orca Behavior Institute
This year our intern Kelsey and Monika bonded not just over killer whales, but a shared taste in music.
OBI
November 15, 2024
All smiles this afternoon on our last day on the water for this field trip!
After a few days where the weather was passable but the whales weren't vocalizing, everything finally came together...
OBI
November 9, 2024
Syncing drone observations of orca behavior with localized hydrophone recordings of orca vocalizations
Thus far during our first week in Puget Sound with the Center for Whale Research we have had some of everything...
OBI
November 6, 2024
Our first high quality data with both loud discrete calls and drone footage!
We've been thrilled to have five encounters with J-Pod and L-Pod!
OBI
November 3, 2024
This is what fieldwork smiles look like in November!
It's not often anymore you get all of L-Pod together without any other Southern Residents!
OBI
October 26, 2024
Our very first whale book club, running from February through April of 2025!
We're excited to be launching our very first whale book club, running from February through April of 2025!
OBI
October 25, 2024
A brand new project we are undertaking in partnership with the Center for Whale Research
This is a project Monika and Michael have long dreamed about and we're excited it's finally happening.
OBI
October 13, 2024
Last day of our intern Kelsey's time on San Juan Island for 2024
Monika and our science advisor Julie had a final in-person research meeting with her, but this won't quite be the end!
Monika W. Shields
September 12, 2024
San Juan Island contingent of Team OBI
Tonight we had a gathering of the San Juan Island contingent of our team as a little end of summer celebration...
OBI
September 5, 2024
We will be opening registration in mid-October for three other classes beginning in early 2025!
We're just two weeks away from the start of our brand new Whale University class, The Art and Science of Southern Residents!
Orca Behavior Institute
August 15, 2024
SJI Cares: 2024 County Fair Fundraiser
OBI was selected to participate in the San Juan Island Community Foundation's 2024 fair giving campaign!
Monika W. Shields
August 4, 2024
First day on the water during a two week stint in Telegraph Cove
Today was our first day on the water during a two week stint in Telegraph Cove and what a day it was.
OBI
July 26, 2024
Our much-anticipated 2024 T-Shirt (and hat!) fundraiser is now live!
This year's design by the talented Sara Hysong-Shimazu features the one and only T65A5 Indy.
Monika W. Shields
March 1, 2024
Give up? I don't plan on it.
I don’t plan to give up. The Southern Residents themselves clearly haven’t given up
Monika W. Shields
January 29, 2024
Meet our team - Amanda
Amanda has worked on several education and advocacy projects in the past, but now Amanda will be working with OBI
Monika W. Shields
January 6, 2024
Culmination of our first Bigg's killer whale class for adults
Bigg's Orca STaRS concluded today with final student presentations
OBI
May 22, 2023
New streaming hydrophone now online
Our new North San Juan Channel hydrophone is now streaming online for you to tune in to!
Monika W. Shields
September 21, 2022
Publication of a new study in the journal Marine Policy
"Commercial whale-watching reduces vessel incidents in the vicinity of killer whales in Washington State." - Shields 2022 -
OBI
October 14, 2021
Joint response concerning “no apparent shortage of prey for Southern Resident killer whales” in the Salish Sea
UBC has “debunked” the idea that there are fewer Chinook salmon available during summer.
OBI
July 20, 2021
100 Days Without Js
For decades, J-Pod, K-Pod, and L-Pod used to be seen on a near-daily basis during the summer months. The tides are changing