One pod of whales recovers after the Exxon Valdez oil spill, other near extinction
Two groups of orca whales that frequent Prince William Sound each lost about 40 percent of their populations to the Exxon Valdez oil spill.
The group in sharp decline feeds largely on marine mammals, including the harbor seal that also has been in decline. This group was smaller — but relatively stable — at the time of the spill, with about 22 whales in the group, according to Matkin.
The early toxic effects of the spill appeared to kill two females of breeding age, and the group's numbers today are down to seven. The group includes two females, but they are aging and haven't had ...
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