The Southern Resident orca community is a unique population found only in the waters off the West Coast of the United States and Canada, ranging from Northern California to Southeast Alaska.
The most well-studied orca population in the world, the Southern Residents are also one of the most endangered. After their population was reduced by about 40% through live capture and sale to the developing marine park industry in the 1960s and 70s, the Southern Residents struggled to recover, and were listed under the US Endangered Species Act in 2005.
Although the desire to hold orcas captive put them on the path to vanishing, they are now threatened by prey depletion, toxic pollution, and acoustic and physical disturbance. Without more food, clean waters, and a safe and healthy home, we may lose this unique community forever.
Culture
Orcas are one of the best examples of culture in whales and dolphins. The differences between ecotypes, in their diets, behaviors, and lifestyles, are especially notable because they are passed down from older to younger generations. An orca learns how to be an orca from their family. The Southern Residents are a perfect example of how orca families live and learn together. Male and female offspring stay with their mother for her entire life, and the whole group helps to raise and care for young members of the pod. Elder females are particularly important as pod leaders, and teach their daughters information vital to the survival of the family, like when and where to look for salmon, safe places to rest and give birth, and passages to travel.
Why are they endangered?
The Southern Resident community is threatened by:
- Lack of food
- Toxic pollution
- Noisy waters
- Physical disturbance
- Risk of oil spill
What is WDC doing?
Through WDC’s Jessica Rekos Fellowship, we work to protect the Southern Residents and their home, and the salmon they depend on. WDC campaigns to restore healthy and interconnected watersheds throughout the range of the orcas, including removing dams on the Klamath and Snake Rivers. We support actions to increase salmon abundance, reduce contaminants, and decrease noise and disturbance in the waters the orcas call home by improving and strengthening state, federal, and international policies. We focus on an ecosystem-wide perspective to help this unique orca population, tackling threats at their source to ensure long-term survival and stability for Southern Resident orcas.
WDC utilizes sound science and research to engage communities, work with elected officials, and advise and inform lawmakers and managers. We also believe that it takes a village to save a species, and work with many diverse partners in the Pacific Northwest region, nationally, and internationally to tackle the multitude of threats to the Southern Residents. As a founding member of the Orca Salmon Alliance, WDC’s collaborative effort in the region has grown into a strong coalition speaking up for orcas and salmon, and a sponsor of the region-wide Orca Action Month each June.
Food for thought
Southern Resident orcas have a favourite food, and they eat almost nothing else: Chinook salmon! As the largest, fattiest, and most nutrient-rich species of salmon, it’s easy to see why orcas prefer these fishy “energy bars.” Chinook used to be plentiful and available throughout the orcas’ range year-round. Now, many Chinook salmon populations are endangered or completely gone. The Southern Residents need abundant and reliable wild salmon from California to Canada. WDC is working to restore and reconnect rivers to make sure the orcas have enough to eat.
With Your Help
None of our work would be possible without the help and support of you – the ones who speak up for whales and dolphins. By signing petitions, sending letters, calling your elected officials, and being a voice for their protection, you help us do the work necessary to save the Southern Resident orcas from extinction. With your help, we have:
- Sent thousands of names in support of removing the Klamath River dams, which are starting to come down summer of 2023
- Secured a revision of federally designated critical habitat to protect the orcas' coastal habitat
- Reached thousands of people through community events during Orca Month
- Secured funding for a voluntary vessel slowdown zone in the Salish Sea to crease noise and disturbance
- Passed state legislation to implement recommendations from the Washington Southern Resident Orca Recovery Task Force
- Petitioned to list the Southern Residents under the Oregon state Endangered Species Act
Help protect whales and dolphins from the threats they face
By adopting a dolphin or by making a donation, you can help us save these amazing creatures.
Adopt
Adopt a dolphin and follow the lives of these amazing creatures.
Donate
Your gifts help us take action to protect their homes.
