Boaters are being asked to practice vigilance in Puget Sound as Southern Resident orca sightings continue amid what officials are calling a “record” year for salmon.

Orca sightings of a group known as J pod were confirmed Sept. 12 in the Rosario Strait and again Sept. 13 in the inland Puget Sound, according to the Orca Network and Center for Whale Research.

A calf from the pod was found deceased, highlighting the challenges the population faces related to reduced prey availability and environmental toxicants. But the continued presence of the salmon-eating Southern Resident orcas could indicate good news for salmon populations.

“Puget Sound is a key foraging area for Southern Residents in the fall. They regularly travel into this region pursuing Chum salmon, which make up a large majori

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