Sharks and Orcas Thrive in Monterey Bay. During the past nine weeks transient orcas have killed at least five gray whales and a number of sealions and porpoise over the Monterey marine canyon.
Every spring there is a noticeable increase in orca presence over the Monterey marine canyon.
This year researchers have seen the most action since spring of 1993, when orcas killed several gray and minke whales as well as a number of seals and sealions. Photos and video shot over the past decade can be compared year after year to ID individual orcas and orca pods. Aside from behavior and range, the transient orcas also differ physically from the typical 'fish eating' orcas that are often shown at marine parks. The fish eating orcas are called residents because they have very specific home ranges. CA 44 an alpha female, and CA 71, an alpha male have featured prominently in the video taped attacks of this past season.