Oregon just took a major step in helping to ensure the survival of highly endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales. 

The Southern Resident Killer Whales are an iconic species in the Pacific Northwest but they are in trouble. Their population has been dwindling in numbers, now down to only 74 individuals. Causes range from chemical pollution and boat disturbances to a significant decrease in their favored prey: Chinook salmon.

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission voted at a meeting on  February 16 to list the Southern Resident Killer Whales as Endangered under the Oregon Endangered Species Act. The motion passed unanimously which shows how important these orcas are to the region and how much passion is behind making sure they don’t disappear. 

At the meeting along with our very own Hannah Williams, several biologists, specialists, and passionate citizens, and several middle school students from Sunnyside Environmental School provided public testimonies. The students gave moving speeches about how important and special the Southern Residents are and proclaiming that they didn’t want to see them go extinct in their lifetime. After hearing these impassioned testimonies the commission voted unanimously to list the Southern Resident Killer Whales as endangered. 

Young orca J17.

Even though they are federally protected as endangered species in the U.S. and Canada, and listed as endangered in Washington state,

this listing means that Oregon will develop a management plan and concrete actions to help address the struggles of this population and it also means that even more resources will be directed to helping them survive.

K36 breaching.

Please help us continue to fight for whales by learning more about what we’re doing and by making a donation today.