SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The endangered Southern Resident orca population has struggled over the past year.

That’s according to a recent census by the Center for Whale Research, which states that two adult males and one calf have passed since last summer.

That leaves 74 total orcas remaining.

My Bellingham Now previously reported a new baby orca was first spotted off Vancouver Island a few weeks ago. Researchers say the calf is likely less than a month old.

Courtesy of the Center for Whale Research.

According to the NOAA, Southern Resident orcas have to see a population growth of at least 2.3% over 28 years to be removed from the endangered species list.

However, in the last decade, every census showing population growth has been followed by a subsequent decline.