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70 killer whales seen in one day in Salish Sea

The sightings of the Bigg’s orcas set a record for the region ranging from Hood Canal to Vancouver Island.

At least 72 Bigg’s killer whales were seen swimming in the Salish Sea on Thursday — a new single-day record, the Pacific Whale Watch Association announced Friday. The whales were spotted in waters ranging from Hood Canal to Vancouver Island. Whale watchers from Campbell River to Puget Sound contributed sightings and photos.

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A Bigg’s killer whale seen in the Salish Sea on Thursday. (Sam Murphy / Island Adventures / PWWA)
Bigg’s killer whale brothers T101A “Rush” and T101B “Lagoon.” (Ellie Sawyer / Maya’s Legacy / PWWA)
This adult male Bigg’s killer whale is named T63 “Chainsaw.” He was born in 1978 and is known for his jagged dorsal fin. (Val Shore / Eagle Wing Tours / PWWA)
T63 “Chainsaw” is known for his jagged dorsal fin. (Valerie Messier / Prince of Whales / PWWA)

A Bigg’s killer whale seen in the Salish Sea on Thursday. (Sam Murphy / Island Adventures / PWWA)

Bigg’s killer whale brothers T101A “Rush” and T101B “Lagoon.” (Ellie Sawyer / Maya’s Legacy / PWWA)

This adult male Bigg’s killer whale is named T63 “Chainsaw.” He was born in 1978 and is known for his jagged dorsal fin. (Val Shore / Eagle Wing Tours / PWWA)

T63 “Chainsaw” is known for his jagged dorsal fin. (Valerie Messier / Prince of Whales / PWWA)

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