Researcher identifies whales as members of the L4 matriline, part of the L pod — one of three family groups in the critically endangered southern resident population.

A rare group of endangered southern resident killer whales was spotted off Oregon’s central coast Monday.  about three miles offshore near Cape Foulweather, just north of Depoe Bay.

Observers aboard the Samson, a charter vessel operated by Dockside Charters, reported seeing about 10 whales.

Whale watcher Cathy Sharp captured photos of the sighting, which were later analyzed by researcher Josh McInnes of California State University, Monterey Bay. McInnes identified the whales as members of the L4 matriline, part of the L pod — one of three family groups in the critically endangered southern resident population. These whales typically range from southern British Columbia to central California.

McInnes identified eight individuals in the group:

L055 (female, born 1977)
L082 (female, born 1990)
L086 (female, born 1991)
L103 (female, born 2003)
L106 (male, born 2005)
L109 (male, born 2007)
L116 (male, born 2010)
L118 (female, born 2011)

“It’s not common to encounter southern resident killer whales along the Oregon coast,” McInnes said in a Facebook message. “This isn’t because they aren’t there — it has more to do with where they tend to occur, often farther offshore and near shallow offshore banks. So seeing them from shore can be difficult. The Oregon coast is part of their overall habitat, and we’re just beginning to learn how they use this area. They’re more elusive — and critically endangered. Only 73 remain.”

This is the second sighting of killer whales in Oregon this year. In early 2025, killer whales were reported near Port Orford around a rock formation known as The Gate.

McInnes, who also runs social media groups tracking killer whale sightings along the West Coast, said the fish eating L pod whales likely remained lingering in the area following winter foraging movements, primarily in search of Columbia River Chinook salmon.

While mammal-eating transient killer whales are more commonly seen off Oregon from April to June — coinciding with harbor seal pupping season — sightings of southern residents remain rare.

Two weeks ago, members of the K pod were encountered twice in Monterey Bay, suggesting ongoing coastal movement among southern residents as they track salmon from different regions.

With Oregon’s Spring Whale Watch Week underway, McInnes said sightings can’t be guaranteed — but early analyses indicate transient killer whales are showing increased activity this season.

“With better weather and what we’re seeing so far, there’s a good chance people might spot them,” he said.

Eva and Tyler, owners of Dockside Charters, added: “Whale sightings have been amazing lately.”