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Shannon · 01-20-2004, 10:23 PM

In a very rare occurrance, 14 killer whales (Orcinus orca) were observed by offshore fisherman this past weekend (January 18, 2004), about 90 miles off the coast from Port Aransas, Texas!

According to scientists, approximately 70 orcas may live in the Gulf of Mexico. However, only 9 verified sightings of orcas in the Gulf were made prior to 1990, and only another 14 sightings have been documented since 1990. In short, it's a rare treat.

Read more about it from these news articles and resources we've collected while reading about the event:

Local Killer Whale Sighting Goes Down In Record Book - Jan. 19, 2004 (KRIS TV News, Corpus Christi)
Killer whales spotted off Port Aransas - Jan. 20, 2004 (Corpus Christi Caller-Times)
Learn more about the variety of marine mammals that inhabit the Gulf of Mexico, including orcas. (Texas A&M, Corpus Christi)
Sometimes, marine mammal standings occur on the Texas coast. That's why the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network exists.

All I can say, having only observed orcas in captivity is... Wow!.

Methinks the folks at Dolphin Dock and other charters in Port Aransas might do well to add a "wildlife observation charter" to their list of business offerings... it's not a mental leap, since so many of the fishing charters down there supplement their income in the winter by providing exciting and memorable whooping crane/birdwatching tours. :yes:

01-20-2004, 10:23 PM	#1
Shannon Founder, WildTexas.com Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 1,420	Killer Whales Observed off Port Aransas In a very rare occurrance, 14 killer whales (Orcinus orca) were observed by offshore fisherman this past weekend (January 18, 2004), about 90 miles off the coast from Port Aransas, Texas! According to scientists, approximately 70 orcas may live in the Gulf of Mexico. However, only 9 verified sightings of orcas in the Gulf were made prior to 1990, and only another 14 sightings have been documented since 1990. In short, it's a rare treat. Read more about it from these news articles and resources we've collected while reading about the event: Local Killer Whale Sighting Goes Down In Record Book - Jan. 19, 2004 (KRIS TV News, Corpus Christi) Killer whales spotted off Port Aransas - Jan. 20, 2004 (Corpus Christi Caller-Times) Learn more about the variety of marine mammals that inhabit the Gulf of Mexico, including orcas. (Texas A&M, Corpus Christi) Sometimes, marine mammal standings occur on the Texas coast. That's why the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network exists. All I can say, having only observed orcas in captivity is... Wow!. Methinks the folks at Dolphin Dock and other charters in Port Aransas might do well to add a "wildlife observation charter" to their list of business offerings... it's not a mental leap, since so many of the fishing charters down there supplement their income in the winter by providing exciting and memorable whooping crane/birdwatching tours. :yes: __________________ - Shannon Moore Your Host @ WildTexas.com