A new website designed to track recovery efforts for endangered Southern Resident orcas has been launched by the Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office.
“The website is an easy way for people to see what’s being done to save the orcas and learn about our unique orca population here in Washington,” commented Tara Galuska, the Governor’s orca recovery coordinator.
The website covers the progress of 49 recommendations for recovery from the Governor’s Southern Resident Killer Whale Task Force. It also includes general information about orcas, school curriculum and suggestions for how people can help save the orcas.
“It’s important that we save Southern Resident orcas. They are an iconic and treasured species in Washington and throughout the Pacific Northwest. They hold significant cultural value to native tribes and all Washingtonians,” said Governor Jay Inslee. “If they go extinct, we would suffer an unacceptable loss to our environment, economy and culture. These animals have been sacred to countless generations of people residing here. I don’t want to imagine a state without our beloved orcas.”
Southern Resident orcas are unique because they eat mostly Chinook salmon, whereas other orcas have a more diverse diet. They also differ in size, fin shape and markings.
In 1995, the Southern Resident population numbered 99 and today numbers 74 whales, the lowest number in more than 30 years. The task force set a goal to increase the number of whales by 10 in 10 years.
The website was launched to celebrate June’s Orca Action Month. Visit the website to participate in Orca Action Month activities. Website: orca.wa.gov.
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