Photo: CTV

The population of orcas in the waters of southern B.C. and Washington State is at its lowest number in nearly 40 years.

According to the Center for Whale Research in Washington, the region's orca population is at 75. That compares to a count of 83 in 2016 — a year that a "baby boom" of orcas occurred.

The CWR said a 23-year-old male orca, known by researchers as L92, is missing and likely dead.

L92, who is part of the L pod, was last seen in November.

His supposed death would leave the L pod at 34, compared to nearly 60 in the early 1990s. There are also 23 orcas in J pod and 18 in K pod.

Researchers said orcas have spent less time in inland waters in recent waters, which falls in line with declining salmon runs in the Fraser River.

- with files from CTV Vancouver