Is this an important foraging area for SRKWs during the winter months, e.g. Jan-Feb?

http://www.nbcsandiego.com/investigations/San-Diego-Dolphin-Deaths-Prompt-Year-Long-NOAA-Investigation-400340921.html

“The problem with the active sonar being named as the cause, according to the report, is “hemorrhage around the ears might be expected,” but there wasn’t any. “However it is important to note” continues the report, this happens with beaked whales and it could be different for bottlenose dolphins whose “behavior and habitat” differ from whales.“

https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/3200333-KNSD-FOIA-NOAA-DOLPHIN-FULL-REPORT.html

Basically, they use the “anti-frogman” drop the DM211 charges (presumably pretty near the ship) to simulate a mine or torpedo attack. The kill radius of the DM211 (for a human diver, or frogman) is 15 feet.

Here’s the PDF of the RCN responses:
http://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/publications/protected_species/marine_mammals/killer_whales/recovery/fl112_royal_canadian_navy_response.pdf

And here’s the paragraph that describes the charges deployed within the Salish Sea —

“6 February 2012: HMCS Ottawa used sonar during the transit from approximately 90NM northwest of the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Constance Bank (location B on map) for approximately 12 hours. Two DM211 charges were dropped next to the HMCS Ottawa in the morning near Constance Bank.”

This is consistent with the time the detonations were heard (431-439 a.m.) but it is clear this training occurred in darkness (3 hours before the sunrise at 7:29).

What isn’t consistent is the number of detonations. The RCN reports 2 dropped near Constance Bank, but 4 distinct detonations were recorded at Lime Kiln…

One thing your post makes clear is how long-term land-based observations can give us a perspective on SRKW behavior (particularly in the early mornings and evenings when vessels are less present) that is rarely achievable from boats.