Eh, transient oceanic orca pods have been known about for over 25 years. This appears to be a subgroup of Bigg’s orcas. Interesting research.
Too bad they can’t easily get DNA samples of a large number of these orcas - that would be a definitive way to determine subspecies. So for now it’s determininatiins based on location, vocalizations and dietary preferences.
Researchers could take water samples near the pod and get fecal DNA.