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A Species in Crisis

Saving Southern Resident Orcas

Join thousands of Washingtonians as we work together to save these magnificent creatures.
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Working Together

Southern Resident killer whales, or orcas, are a beloved icon of the Pacific Northwest but sadly they are going extinct. Governor Jay Inslee created the Southern Resident Killer Whale Task Force to develop recommendations for ways we can recover this unique population. This Web site tracks the progress implementing those recommendations. Below are the six categories of challenges to orca recovery.

“If we’re going to save these beautiful, magnificent creatures, we have a lot to do and fast. I call upon all Washingtonians to do what they can to help save our orcas. If we all work together, I know we can make a difference.” -Governor Jay Inslee

 

Orca eating salmon

Prey
Picture of ship in front of orca

Vessels
Photograph of oil sheen

Contaminants
Picture of dry and cracked dirt

Climate Change
Picture of two men working on a log in front of a backhoe

Funding and Accountability
Photograph of buildings on waterfront

Future Growth

All Task Force Recommendations

View Recommendations
Photograph of people taking photographs of orca from shore

Be Whale Wise

There are lots of options for viewing whales, whether from the safety of a computer Webcam provided by The Whale Museum or from the beautiful shoreline. The least impactful way to see Southern Resident killer whales in person is from shore. Check out The Whale Trail’s information for great locations to watch all of the region’s whale species from land. If taking a whale-watching tour, be sure to go with a licensed, professional company that knows the laws. If you see whales from your own watercraft, whether it’s a motorized boat or kayak, remember orcas are impacted by disturbance and noise from all vessels, so Be Whale Wise and follow the rules to make it safe for you and the whales.

Learn the Rules
Photograph of whale jumping out of water

Connect with Whales

Visit the Resource Library to see the many ways to hear, see, and learn about whales. For example, hear the difference between orca calls at the Center for Whale Research Web site or listen live to underwater microphones hosted by Orcasound.

See Activities

News and Events

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Learn More Through Story Maps

Southern Resident Orca Recovery 7

Saving the Southern Residents: Turning the Tide for the West Coast's Beloved Killer Whales
Southern Resident Orca Recovery 11

Washington's Orcas Are Hungry
Southern Resident Orca Recovery 8

Climate Change and Salmon

Prey photograph from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Vessels photograph by Alan Niles, Pacific Whale Watch Association
Be Whale Wise and Orca Action Month photographs by Jeanne Hyde
Connect with Whales photograph from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (News May 14, 2015)