August 8, 2018

MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD

FROM:

F/PR2 – Deborah Fauquier
F/PR2 - Teresa Rowles, Sarah Wilkin, Stephen Manley

SUBJECT:

Emergency Enhancement Activities for Southern Resident Killer
Whale J50

J50 is ~3.5 year old female member of the Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW) JPod and is
the daughter of J16. She has always been small for her age and has had significant body
condition and weight decrease since 2017, with a precipitous decline in body weight since
January 2018. Her currently body condition is life threatening however, the exact cause of her
decreased condition is unknown although a primary or secondary pneumonia is suspected.
Due to the emergency nature of J50’s current physical condition, immediate steps have been
taken to further evaluate her health and possibly identify a cause for her decline utilizing the
emergency response provisions under the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response
Program (MMHSRP) NMFS permit 18786-03. In addition, after consultation with experts, a
plan has been developed to administer immediate medical treatment and support to J50 to
increase her chances of survival.
In consultation with the West Coast Regional Office (WCR), Northwest Fisheries Science
Center, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Office of Protected Resources (OPR) and other
partners the MMHSRP held a call on August 2, 2018 to discuss next steps and develop a plan to
provide emergency medical care to J50. A written proposal for emergency response was
submitted to the MMHSRP by various regional partners including but not limited to the Whale
Sanctuary Project, SeaWorld, NOAA, University of Washington Center For Conservation
Biology, Wild Orca, SR3, and SeaDoc Society on August 3, 2018. The plan outlined how to
provide emergency medical response and treatment, including giving oral medication and other
treatments (such as fish for rehydration) to J50 in a timely fashion. The plan was reviewed by
OPR, WCR and Marine Mammal Commission staff on August 3, 2018. Overall, the plan was
well received and supported by the reviewers. A call was held on the evening of August 3, 2018,
with the plan authors to verbally discuss any comments and clarify any questions from the
reviewers. At the end of the call there was verbal confirmation from the plan authors to comply
with the edits and changes as discussed and provide a revised written plan incorporating those
edits by early in the week of August 6, 2018 to the MMHSRP (see Appendix I).

 Therefore, at this time the following emergency response activities have been approved by the
MMHSRP to be conducted under NMFS permit 18786-03 to aid in the evaluation and treatment
in-situ of J50:
1. Continued Diagnostic Sample Collection, Health Assessments and Remote Medical
TreatmentA dedicated crew of vessels and scientists will deploy over the next week, weather depending, 1)
to collect diagnostic samples to aid in determining a cause of J50s decline including: fecal,
breath and blowhole discoloration samples; 2) to conduct a visual veterinary health assessment;
3) to collect additional imagery of J50; and 4) to administer a long-acting antibiotic remotely via
pole syringe or dart.
2. Delivery of Oral TreatmentsSince pneumonia is highly suspected, including possible fungal pneumonia, delivery of oral
antibiotics and antifungals (which can only be delivered orally) has been determined to be of
importance for J50’s treatment. Therefore, an initial live fish trial will be conducted over the
next few weeks, using live legally collected Chinook salmon provided by local native tribes to
determine if J50 will accept and consume live fish. If the trial is successful, then medicated fish
will be provided by marine mammal veterinarians to treat the suspected pneumonia or other
health conditions. In addition, due to J50s weight loss and dehydration, additional live fish will
be administered to correct J50s hydration balance since killer whales receive water only through
their food.
The on-water and veterinary teams will be in daily communication with the WCR and MMHSRP
staff and the plan will be adaptively managed as J50s condition changes. The MMHSRP may
approve updates to treatments and techniques as needed and appropriate in coordination with the
response team and veterinarians, MMHSRP, and WCR based on responses to the trials and initial
treatments. The WCR has been in contact with our Canadian colleagues at Department of
Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the goal is to institute a coordinated trans-boundary treatment
plan for this whale.
Attachment - Appendix I - Emergency Response Plan To Provide Medical Treatment And
Supplemental Nutrition to J50 (August 10, 2018)

 APPENDIX 1:
Proposal For Emergency Response To Provide Medication
And Supplemental Nutrition To J50

Prepared by Jeff Foster 1, Katy Foster 1, Dr. Brad Hanson3, Dr. Hendrik Nollens 2, Dr. Deborah Giles4,5 ,
Dr. Joe Gaydos6, Dr. Martin Haulena7, Candice Emmons3
1-Whale Sanctuary Project, 2-SeaWorld, 3-NOAA, 4-UW Center For Conservation Biology, 5-Wild Orca, 6-SeaDoc,
7-Vancouver Aquarium

This work will be conducted under MMHSRP Permit 18786-03.
Disclaimer: This is a fluid situation and we need to pledge that the plan remains
flexible and adaptable to all circumstances that arise, while keeping in mind the safety
and health of all involved.

OVERVIEW
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Signalment
Medical History
Current Health Condition
Purpose Of Response
Phases Of Response
a. Phase 1. Health Assessment & Initial Medication
b. Phase 2. Initial Feeding
c. Phase 3. Administer Oral Medication & Fish For Hydration & Nutrition
6. Medications & Dosages
7. Mitigation For Operational Disturbance
8. Mitigation For Non-Target Whale Interaction
9. Mitigation
10. Timeframe
11. Possible Stopping Points
12. Response Partners
13. Response Personel
14. Documentation
15. Appendix A. (J50 Proposed Health Assessment Of Recovered Blow And Fecal Samples)
16. Appendix B. (J16 Matriline Photo ID)

1

 Fig.1 – “Peanut Head” J50, July 21st, 2018 Katy Foster/NOAA Fisheries

SIGNALMENT

J50 is a member of the SRKW JPod. J50 was first seen in the San Juan/Gulf Island
archipelago on the 30th of December 2014 (Center For Whale Research), and was
estimated by researchers to be 4-10 days old at that time.

J50 has always been considered to be a smaller than average animal for her age.
Drone photogrammetry studies by Dr. John Durban, Dr. Holly Fearnbach, and Dr.
Lance Barrett-Lennard (Vancouver Aquarium) have document J50’s small size for
her age since her first year of life. and her notably poorer body condition in 2017.

*J50 had numerous rake marks around her dorsal fin when born. Ken Balcomb has
theorized that there could have been a dystocia due to other individuals pulling on her.
This is strictly conjecture, but could suggest some early traumatic issue associated
with parturition like traumatic diaphragmatic hernia.
J16 Matriline
J50 is the daughter of J16 (DOB est. 1972) and was most likely born to J16 during
one of her last years of reproductive potential. J16 has five prior calves, three of
which survived.
2

 J50’s siblings are (see photo ID in Appendix B):
J26 – Male (DOB 1991)
J36 – Female (DOB 1999)
J42 – Female (DOB 2007)

J50 is sometimes observed as a satellite animal from her group when the group is in
feeding behavior.

MEDICAL HISTORY

Dr. John Durban, Dr. Holly Fearnbach, and Dr. Lance Barrett-Lennard (Vancouver
Aquarium) documented J50s notably poorer body condition beginning in 2017. In
January 2018, The Center For Whale Research observed further declining body
condition as viewed from a boat, noting that J50 began displaying a “peanut-head”.
Historically, 11 of 13 southern residents that have displayed this loss of nuchal fat
have gone on to die. Further aerial drone collected by Dr. Durban & Dr. Fearnbach
on August 1st, 2018, show that J50 is in very poor body condition (fig.2), similar to
the measured condition of her cousin J52 before he disappeared in 2017 (fig.3).
Additionally these images have documented a white discoloration to the skin behind
the head. Researchers from the Center Of Whale Research have also noted
deterioration in her body condition in recent weeks.

Fig. 2 Holly Fearnbach/SR3 and John Durban/NOAA

3

 Fig.3: Eye Patch Ratio (EPR; Fearnbach et al. unpublished data) for each of the members of the J16
matriline over repeated photogrammetry measurements from September 2015 until 1 August 2018.
Vertical error bars are SD of repeat measurements in each sampling period. Horizontal lines link the
same individual over time. J50 is indicated by the black line. J50’s EPR has declined to similar levels
reached by her cousin (J52) shortly before his death in 2017.
*Eye Patch Ratio (EPR; Fearnbach et al. unpublished data) is a measure of the ratio of the width of the
head between a standard point close to the posterior edge of the eye patch relative to the width at the
anterior edge. The standard point near the posterior edge was chosen by examining images of
emaciated whales, and the ratio basically measures fatness behind the cranium (a robust whale has
eye patches that diverge posteriorly and hence the ratio is higher). Dr. Fernbach is leading a paper on
this with which she is working with Dr. John Durban, and ongoing data analyses indicate this EPR
measure is their most sensitive measure of body condition, which gives the greatest power (lowest CV
in repeat measurements) to detect differences over time.

In early July, Dr. Deborah Giles noted that J50 seemed to display foul smelling
breath. Since this observation, J50s breath has been observed oscillating between
foul smell and no significant or distinct odor.

4

 Fig.4 – J50 Respiratory Sample July 21st, 2018

Dr. Brad Hanson and a small team obtained a respiratory sample from J50 on July
21st, 2018. The sample was obtained using the protocols for blow and fecal samples
listed in Appendix A. The sample yielded a small amount of DNA, of which 4
sequenced sets were obtained. One of these sequence sets was matched to the
fungal genus Exophiala (Ascomycetes) (known to be an opportunistic pathogen in
other species). Another (sub-optimal) sequence set matched to the fungal genus
Cladosporium (not a well demonstrated pathogen). Due to the small size of this
sample, it is necessary to obtain additional samples to better diagnose if J50 is
dealing with pathogens that need to be treated.

CURRENT HEALTH CONDITION
•
•
•
•
•

Total length 321cm
Estimated to be ~20% underweight. Presumed to be dehydrated due to
insufficient food volume intake
Based on extrapolation from SeaWorld morphometric data, J50’s current
body mass is estimated to be around 508kg.
White, irregularly shaped macular discoloration present immediately
posterior to the blowhole. Differential diagnoses include scarring, yeast
(Candida spp) or fungal overgrowth, infarction, other.
Presumed to have pneumonia (primary or secondary)

*Historically, 48% of necropsied SRKWs have had evidence of pneumonia. In 24% of
cases, pneumonia was considered the leading cause of death. (Raverty et al., in prep)
5

 PURPOSE OF RESPONSE

The proposed plan is in response to the deteriorating condition of J50. The goals of
this response are:
1. To develop a technique for delivering food fish to J50.
2. To attempt to orally administer antimicrobial medications to J50
3. To test the feasibility of nutrition and hydration supplementation for J50, by
supplementing up to 60 lbs of live Chinook salmon to J50 daily (when
possible)
This response will serve as a trial for intervening with nutritional supplementation
and orally administered medications for compromised SRKW should similar
situations arise in the future.

PHASES OF RESPONSE

Phase 1. Health Assessment & Initial Medication
In order to understand the health of J50, health assessments are currently being
conducted and will continue during this response effort, as well as for a period of
time after the response effort as dictated by the outcome and expert opinion. All
assessment will be conducted with consultation of NOAA.

Respiratory samples will be taken and analyzed for potential pathogens and other
health indicators using cytology, culture and molecular methods. Respiratory
samples will be obtained from a NOAA vessel (Hurricane 733). Additional vessels
may be used during respiratory sampling as needed. Respiratory samples will be
collected via petri dishes mounted on the end of a carbon fiber pole.

Respiratory samples will be processed using the sample processing protocols found
in Appendix A.

Fecal samples will be collected whenever possible. Fecal samples will be collected
both visually, and utilizing a trained scat detection dog onboard a research vessel.
The scat dog can locate KW feces in the marine environment by situating the vessel
perpendicular to the wind, 400m or more from the focal group. Fecal samples
collected this way can yield anaylisis of nutrition, hormones, toxins, DNA, and stress
hormones (depending on location of other working vessels).
Small fecal samples will be collected on sterile gauze sealed in zip locks and placed
immediately in cool storage. Larger fecal samples will be collected in tubes and
immediately placed in a cooler.
Fecal samples will be processed using the sample processing protocols found in

6

 Appendix A.

*If large fecal samples are obtained, excess fecal material will go to Dr. Sam Wasser’s
laboratory at UW Center For Conservation Biology for further analysis. Excess fecal
material is defined by any material left over after all relevant health analysis sample
material is obtained.
Mucus samples will be collected opportunistically.

If skin discolorations or abnormalities are observed (as has been previously noted
caudal to the blowhole and on the flukes), skin samples will be obtained.
Additional samples will be opportunistically collected from the close associates of
J50.

During phase 1, a veterinary health assessment will be conducted concurrent with
sample collection. This will be conducted by one of the advising veterinarians from
the NWFSC vessel, and images/video of J50 and her close associates will be shared
as frequently as possible with the veterinary team.

Health assessment will include observations of body condition and behavior, from
various marine vessels, drone observations, and from shore (when possible).
Photos (high resolution) and video (1080p and greater resolution) will be collected
from all platforms utilized, and images will be used for comparisons and ongoing
assessment. Images collected by drone will be used to estimate body size and
evaluate body condition.

Behavioral patterns will be monitored as often as possible throughout the response.
Behavioral ethograms may be developed for this purpose with a dedicated observer
collecting this data for future analysis.
Parameters that will be monitored and recorded include
1.
2.
3.
4.

Respiratory rate (# respirations/5 minutes)
Blow odor
Defecation frequency
Position and distance relative to J16 (or other closely associated pod
members)s
5. Foraging activity
6. % time spent logging

In addition to medical assessment, phase 1 will include initial medicating via
injection. Injections will be administered via either pole syringe or remote delivery
dart system into the epaxial or other large muscle mass. All injections will be
supervised by a veterinarian (see Medications & Dosage Section)
7

 Phase 2. Initial Feeding
Phase 2 may proceed only after phase 1 goals have been accomplished. Dr. Brad
Hanson has the response team authority in the field to decide when phase 2 should
initiate.

Initial feeding will be tried using live caught wild Chinook salmon, provided and
transported by the Lummi Nation. The goal of the initial feeding will be to see if J50
will accept fish via this delivery method, and to see if we can ensure J50 is the only
animal consuming the fish we deliver prior to delivering medication to her. Dietary
supplementation will be with fish of the highest quality and fat content available.
The fish will be legally obtained through reef & purse seine fisheries, rod & reel, or
collected as fish return to hatcheries. Care will be taken not to damage fish so that
there is minimum die-off in the process.

A sample of the fish being fed will be provided to NOAA for analysis of caloric value.
Additionally a scale will be collected from each fish prior to release into the water so
that it can later be compared with genotyping done on any scales collected in the
path of J50 after feeding.
The fish will be transported by the Lummi Nation’s enforcement boat (or similar
vessel – see Fig.5), in a 6’ diameter by 3’ deep circular fish transportation tank.
Fresh cold sea water will be circulated in the tank at all times to keep the fish in the
best condition possible.

Fig.5 - Lummi Nation boat proposed as fish delivery vessel (or similar).

J50 will be observed at a workable distance prior to the deployment of the fish.
Ideal conditions for deployment will be if/when J50 separates from other members
of her pod. This will allow for positioning of the fish delivery vessel (FDV)
approximately 50-100 meters in front of the animal. The vessel will pace J50s speed

8

 and wait for the animal to surface directly behind the boat before attempting to
deploy the fish. The FDV will maintain slow or idle speed when within 300 meters
of J50 (or any other SRKW).

Fig. 6 – FDV Top View

Fig.7 – FDV Side View

A funneled chute with 8” diameter PVC pipe will be attached to the fish
transportation tank. The PVC pipe will extend from the transport tank into the
water approximately 12” under the surface and 2-3 feet behind the transom of the
boat. Overflow from the tank will be diverted down the chute through the PVC pipe

9

 so that when a fish is placed in the chute, the fish can easily slide down the pipe in a
constant stream of water. The fish will end up in the bubble slipstream behind the
vessel (fig 6 & 7). This method will ensure that there will be minimal damage to the
fish, as well as minimize acoustic distinction on which J50 can associate the fish with
the FDV.
Fish deployment will be attempted under close observation (via UAV and robust onwater observations from multiple vessel platforms) to confirm whether or not J50
shows interest in and successfully consumes the fish being fed.
A boat will be designated to follow J50 after her period of contact with the fish
release area, and attempt to collect scales and other signs of predation that can be
genotyped and compared to the fish released.

On the initial attempt, 2-4 fish will be deployed to see how J-50 responds. Although
these fish will be disoriented, it is likely that the fish will dive to the bottom, which
may lead to difficulties in determining if J50 is consuming the fish (unless obvious
foraging behavior is observed). It is important to have confirmation of successful
and reliable consumption of deployed fish prior to moving to phase 3.

J50 is likely to shred the fish deployed depending on their size, so it may be
advisable to add an small number of empty pill capsules to the fish. When she
shreds the fish this will allow for the pill bottles to float up to the surface helping to
confirm that J50 has consumed the fish. Simultaneously, this will indicated whether
pills placed in the fish is an effective deliver method or other methods of medicating
the fish should be considered (i.e. she takes the fish but does not consume the pills).
If necessary, the Chinook can be stunned in fresh water to deplete their oxygen and
slow them down. Similarly, tail and pectoral fins of the salmon can be trimmed to
slow the fish down. Additionally, fish can be marked with things that will pass
through J50 so that there may be the opportunity for confirmation of consumption
through fecal collection (beads, corn, small tags).
Fecal samples will continue to be collected throughout the feeding effort when the
opportunity arises.
Mitigating Boat Association

Ideally, the same vessel will be used as the FDV throughout the response. If feasible,
a pinger (designed to play and unique acoustical signature not found in the
environment) will be used in association with the FDV to ensure that J50 does not
learn to associate non-FDV boats with fish. A pinger will be utilized for in any long
duration effort.
10

 Phase 3. Administer Oral Medication & Fish For Hydration & Nutrition
Checkpoint Prior to oral medication being administered in phase 3, the field team
with have a consultation call with NOAA Fisheries to discuss the approach to
administer oral medication
Oral medication will be administered to J50 dependent on the outcome of the
current and planned health assessment. When treatable and safe to do so, bacterial
and fungal pathogens will be treated orally, and administered via fish feeding.
Treatment for internal parasites will also be considered. All medication will only be
administered after it is confirmed through phase 2 that J50 is the sole animal
successfully consuming the deployed fish.

If it is determined that J50 is actively and reliably consuming the fish, individual
Chinook will be medicated prior to their deployment. It should be noted that
medicated fish will not likely live long and medications should only be administered
just prior to deployment.

The medication will be administered to the fish under direct veterinary supervision
initially. If the oral medication is successfully administered via fish on a repeat and
regular basis, the attending veterinarians can train key personnel to supervise
administering medication to the fish and proper dosing. (see Medications & Dosage
Section)

A 6-12” fishing line will be attached to the snout of chin of the medicated fish. The
6-12” line will be 2-4lb test strength line, made of 100% biodegradable material
(made by Eagle Claw). A heavier 20-40lb line will connect the 6-12” back to the
boat. The heavier line will be secured to the FDV to help keep the fish on the surface
so it will be easier to determine that J50 is consuming the medicated fish. This
design will allow the lighter 6-12” line to easily break away when there is tension on
the line, minimizing the amount of line consumed by J50. This fish tethering method
should be re-evaluated and acoustic pinger conditioning should be considered at the
first sign of imprinting. The fish tethering method may be discontinued if it is
deemed that J50 is reliably taking medicated fish and the risk of other animals
consuming the medicated fish can be effectively otherwise mitigated.
*This fish tethering method may be used during phase 2 to confirm that J50 is
consuming the deployed fish.

If deemed medically appropriate, throughout phase 3 fish will be given with the
intent to provide nutrition and hydration. The amount of fish provided will
continue to be determined by her caloric needs as advised by the veterinarians
(refer to Caloric Requirements section in Phase 2), and the availability of live
Chinook. Once medication has been successfully administered, nutrition and
hydration needs will be re-evaluated by the veterinarians, informing the decision on
whether to continue supplemental feeding efforts and for how long.

11

 MEDICATIONS & DOSAGES

Medications List In Order Of Priority (as advised by veterinary team). The antibiotics
on this list are intended to address the range of bacterial infections J50 is
susceptible to.
ORAL

1. 5,250 mg levofloxacin, orally, once daily. (e.g. 7 x 750 mg Levaquin
tablets) – administered daily for 14 days.
2. 150 mg voriconazole, orally, once daily (e.g. 3 x 50 mg Vfend tablets) –
administered daily for 3 weeks.
3. 8,000 mg amoxicillin (without clavulanic acid), orally, once daily (e.g. 16 x
500 mg amoxicillin tablets) – administered daily for 14 days.

INJECTABLE

1. 3000mg Convenia, SQ or IM once (600kg x 5 mg/kg) – administered once.
2. 3000 mg Excede SQ or IM once (600kg x 5 mg/kg) – administered once.

*Cytologic analysis of the white patch behind J50’s blowhole may indicate that the
antimycotic voriconazole (#3) is not warranted.
*Antibiotic drug choice may change based on diagnostic findings. Any new drug
choices & dosages will be provided to NOAA as needed prior to use.
Caloric Requirements
The caloric requirement correction factor to use for the difference in behavioral
budget between wild and captive killer whales is not known. Food volumes may be
more meaningfully extrapolated, because hydration is derived from the food
fish. Fish is ~70% water (wt/wt).

The total daily food intake of a 4 yr old female KW at SeaWorld is in the range of 3035 kg of fish per day, but the mean length of a 4 yr old KW at SeaWorld is ~420
cm. The total daily food intake of a 321 cm long female KW at SeaWorld is in the
range of 25-30 kg of fish per day. Based on this, even if caloric requirements are
higher by 50% because of activity budget, Dr. Hendrik Nollens would estimate her
total daily food intake to be in the 30-40 kg range. Non-spawning Atlantic salmon
has close to the same caloric content of herring. Capelin is more lean. Correcting for
this diet difference, Dr. Nollens would estimate her total daily food in salmon-only to
be around 30kg, and advised that 30-35 kg per day should be a good, close starting
point.

12

 MITIGATION FOR OPERATIONAL DISTURBANCE

Local whale watching vessels will be notified (via the PWWA) and asked to avoid the
area when any response activites, including but not limited to, sampling, treatment,
and feeding efforts are taking place. SoundWatch, WDFW Enforcement, and NOAA
Office of Law Enforcement will be notified when this activity takes place, and will
help to maintain a greater than 500 meter buffer around the area. The media will be
notified and asked to maintain similar buffer, as well maintain clear airspace
overhead of the response area. Throughout phases 1-3, a member/s of the team will
be designated to observe for incidental interactions (this job will be designated once
boat configurations of personnel are determined).

MITIGATION FOR NON-TARGET WHALE INTERACTION

To avoid unintended interactions with non-targeted animals, specific group
behavioral states will be targeted during the response effort (such as foraging when
there is a higher likelihood that J50 will be a satellite animal from the group). When
possible, the objectives of phases 1-3 will be attempted when J50 is separate from
other animals, at a distance deemed appropriate by the experts present at the time
of implementation.
When appropriate, the fish tethering method will be used to insure that J50 is the
only animal receiving fish/medicated fish. UAV support imagery will be used
whenever possible to confirm fish consumption by J50.

TIMEFRAME

The timeframe for this response will be dependent on the location of J50 and her
pod, and the availability of live Chinook and the resources needed to deploy them.
Ideally, if J50 and her pod (the J16s) are within a workable location, phase 1 can
begin immediately, with the goal of following with phase 2 & 3 as soon as the
Chinook can be sourced. The timing and duration of phase 3 will be determined by
the team of veterinarians and experts, based on the needs of the animal, the
effectiveness of the plan, and the safety of all concerned.
13

 POSSIBLE STOPPING POINTS

Progression of the response will be dependent on the reaction of the animal and the
findings of phases 1-3. This plan maintains the flexibility to changes the order of the
phases or specific operations within them, based on what is deemed appropriate
from the veterinarians and experts in the field. The progression can be stopped at
any time it is deemed in the best interest of the animal or unsafe to continue.
Other stopping points include:
1. Health assessment and monitoring deems no further progression of the
phases is necessary (as advised by the team of advisors and experts).
2. Phase 2 does not result in any interest in fish by J50 (the response plan will
need to be revised to take a different approach).
3. Phase 3 is completed and all medications have been successfully
administered, and J50s condition has been improved (continued monitoring
schedule should be determined at this time).
4. If J50 is determined to be under undo-stress from the response, based on
observations and data collected by the expert team.
5. There is a significant disturbance to or negative impact on non-target
animals.
6. J50 expires prior to completing response.

*This is a complex effort attempting to deal with a fluid situation, and it is possible
that unforeseeable stopping points will arise during the response effort. This working
plan maintains the ability to remain dynamic when needed.
Further assessment of other individuals in the population, that may be
compromised or stressed (in particular J35 and close associates of J50), may
continue both during and post-repose to J50. The need for such assessment will be
evaluated continually as the response progresses.

RESPONSE PARTNERS

This will be a coordinated effort between NOAA, WDFW, The Lummi Tribe, The
Whale Sanctuary Project, SeaDoc, UW Center For Conservation Biology, Wild Orca,
Center For Whale Research, Vancouver Aquarium, Sea World, SR3, SoundWatch,
WDFW Enforcement, NOAA Office Of Law Enforcement.

The following panel of marine mammal veterinarians is currently consulting on the
response plan and will continue to be involved throughout the process.
Dr. Joe Gaydos (SeaDoc)
Dr. Jim McBain (SeaWorld)

14

 Dr. Hendrik Nollens (SeaWorld)
Dr. Martin Haulena (Vancouver Aquarium)
Dr. Pete Schroeder (US Navy)
Dr. Stephen Raverty (University of BC)
Dr. Frances Gulland (The Marine Mammal Center)
Dr. Stephanie Norman (Marine Med)

RESPONSE PERSONEL

The following personnel will be involved in this response at varying points, though
the exact configuration of personnel on each boat at any given time will shift
depending on needs of the effort and the availability of the individuals involved.
Dr. Joe Gaydos (SeaDoc)
Dr. Jim McBain (Sea World)
Dr. Hendrik Nollens (Sea World)
Dr. Martin Haulena (Vancouver Aquarium)
Dr. Stephen Raverty (University of BC)
Dr. Pete Schroeder (US Navy)
Dr. Stephanie Norman (Marine Med)
Lynne Barre (NOAA)
Dr. Brad Hanson (NOAA)
Candice Emmons (NOAA)
Dr. John Durban (NOAA)
Dr. Holly Fernbach (NOAA & SR3)
Jeff Foster (Whale Sanctuary Project)
Katy Foster (Whale Sanctuary Project)
Charles Vinick (Whale Sanctuary Project)
Stephen Jeffries (WDFW)
Dyanna Lambourn (WDFW)
Ken Balcomb (Center For Whale Research)
Dave Ellifrit (Center For Whale Research)
Dr. Sam Wasser (UW Center For Conservation Biology)
Dr. Deborah Giles (UW Center For Conservation Biology & Wild Orca)
Collette Yee (UW Center For Conservation Biology)
Kurt Russo (Lummi Nation)
Jay Julius (Lummi Nation)
Jewel James (Lummi Nation)
Ben Budka (Sound Guardian)
Jim Devereaux (Sound Guardian)
Bob Kruger (Sound Guardian)
Trevor Foster (research tech)
John Gussman (Doubleclick products)
*Additional persons to be named (Lummi Nation)

15

 Boats
Hurricane 733 (and/or 633) (NOAA)
21ft Grady-White (UW)
Lummi Nation Enforcement Vessel (see fig.1)
Sound Guardian (King County)
*Additional boats to be added

DOCUMENTATION

It will be vital to document the whole process as thoroughly as possible, including data
collection and image/video collection. When possible, footage will be collected from a UAV,
both for the collection of morphological and behavioral data, and to assist in optimal
viewing of feeding/medicating attempts. UAV footage may offer a beneficial perspective for
confirming whether or not J50 is successful consuming the deployed fish. There is much to
be gained from this event and it is important that we all learn from it – to not only ensure
that we are actually moving forward in this case, but also to allow others to learn and
expedite their action plan should they encounter a similar situation in the future. All
documentation will be submitted to and held by NOAA.

16

 ____________________________________________________________

APPENDIX A

____________________________________________________________
J50 PROPOSED HEALTH ASSESSMENT OF RECOVERED BLOW AND FECAL
SAMPLES
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SAMPLE PROCESSING ON-BOARD:
Exhaled breath samples*:
If feasible, breath samples should be collected simultaneously on blood agar,
Sabouraud’s, salt enriched agar, and a sterile empty petri dish. If this is not possible,
the exhaled breath should be collected on a sterile petri dish with no media.
1. If breath samples are collected on separate Blood agar, Sabouraud’s, salt
enriched agar plates:
a. Close lid after sample collection, label, tape shut and keep cool until
shipping.
2. If only a single sterile empty collection plate(s) is used to collect the breath
sample, then sub-sample the surface with sterile swabs:
a. With 1 swab, prepare smears on 3 glass slides. Label and place the
slides in a secure area and air dry. Keep at room temperature until
shipping to SeaWorld.
b. Collect 2 swabs in transport media for bacteriology (Ames) and 2
replicate dry swabs for fungal culture. Keep the swabs for fungal
culture dry and in separate sterile containers. Keep cool and ship 1
bacteriology swab and 1 fungal swab each to SeaWorld and UC Davis.
c. Place a third swab RNA Later® or retain dry and place in a sterile
container. Refrigerate until shipped to UC Davis and NOAA.
Fecal samples*:
1. Place replicate samples of 2-4 ml of feces in 3 separate sterile containers and
chill.
2. Place one sample of 1.0 ml of feces in a sterile container for molecular
analysis and possible electron microscopy. Maintain chilled until shipping.
3. Swab the fecal sample using a Teflon or cotton swab. Place either in RNA
Later® or a sterile container for microbiome studies. Keep at room
temperature or chilled until shipment.

*Surplus samples should be inventoried and kept chilled.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SAMPLE SHIPPING AND PROCESSING ON LAND:

17

 Samples should be collected as early in the day as possible and shipped that
afternoon to expedite overnight delivery to reference laboratories. The labs and
contact information are provided below. When shipping, please inform Dr J Gaydos
to ensure the labs are prepared to receive the samples and case submission forms
are included.
Sample
Breath sample
Breath sample
Breath sample
Fecal sample
Fecal sample
Fecal sample
Fecal sample

Lab
UC Davis
SeaWorld
Dr Linda Rhodes
UC Davis
SeaWorld
Dr Linda Rhodes
Dr Chelsea Wood

Status/Disposition

REFERENCE LABORATORIES AND CONTACT INFORMATION
Microbiology and molecular studies
Dr Tracey Goldstein
School of Veterinary Medicine
Wildlife Health Center
University of California,
1 Shields Avenue,
Davis, California, 95616-8734
(530) 752-4167
FAX (530) 752-3318
http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/whc

Diagnostic microbiology, parasitology and clinical pathology
Dr Hendrik Nollens
SeaWorld San Diego
Veterinary Services
500 SeaWorld Dr
San Diego CA 92109
(619) 606-6178
Microbiome, fecal hormones and prey analysis
Linda D. Rhodes, Ph.D.
Program Manager, Marine Microbes & Toxins Program
Northwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries
2725 Montlake Boulevard East
Seattle, WA 98112 USA
(206) 860-3279
linda.rhodes@noaa.gov
Parasitology

18

 Chelsea L. Wood, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
University of Washington
School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
Box 355020
Seattle, WA 98195-5020
(831) 324-3076
chelwood@uw.edu

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 ____________________________________________________________

APPENDIX B

____________________________________________________________

*All images taken from The Center For Whale Research Photo ID catalog.

20

  

Pod Clan)
J7 Matriline

116 F1972 est.

7

Slick
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I I
126 ?11991 136 F1999 142 F2067

 

     

Mike Alki Echo

116 Matriline prior to the birth 0f]50 [VancouverAquarium]

21