Empire State Review Team 
Unexpected Orca Sighting Near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
Beachgoers were surprised by the sudden appearance of a killer whale off the North Carolina coast.
Details of the Sighting
On March 15, a remarkable event unfolded when the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute’s aerial survey team spotted an orca near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. This marks the first confirmed sighting of a killer whale in this area in five years, coinciding with the aquarium’s ongoing survey efforts launched in 2020.
Significance for Marine Research
Aquarium staff expressed that this finding could enhance crucial research and understanding of orca populations, paving the way for new insights into their behavior and ecology.
Orca Distribution
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), orcas inhabit all oceans worldwide. While they are predominantly found in colder regions such as the waters of Antarctica, Norway, and Alaska, they also thrive in tropical and subtropical areas.
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium has compiled over two decades of data through its surveys from North Carolina to Florida, offering a valuable resource for marine biology studies.
Conservation Status
Globally, there are an estimated 50,000 orcas, with approximately 2,500 residing in the Eastern North Pacific. Recently, certain populations of killer whales have experienced declines, leading to their classification as endangered.
