SEATTLE -- Just weeks after the death of a pregnant female orca, scientists have successfully tagged a member of the same pod with a satellite locator.
NOAA announced today that on Sunday biologists were able to tag an adult male member of J Pod. The J, K and L pods comprise the endangered southern resident killer whales that spend most of their time in and around Puget Sound.
The newly tagged orca, J27, is nicknamed 'Blackberry' and is described as a very active and friendly orca that frequently gets close to whale watch tour boats.
It comes from the same pod as J32, a female that apparently died of complications during pregnancy.
NOAA scientists say tagging this orca is especially beneficial because they know little about J Pod's winter roaming habits.
The satellite tag allows researchers to track J27's movements. NOAA also posts the tracking on its website.
On Monday, The Center for Whale Research announced that a new calf had been born to J Pod. J16, a 43-year old female that has three surviving calves. The new baby is designated J50, and its sex is not yet known.
