Protecting Southern Resident killer whales from extinction.

The critically endangered Southern Resident killer whales face extinction. Their survival depends on the changes we make today.

 

Orca Conservancy is a Washington State 501c3 non-profit organization working on behalf of Orcinus orca, the killer whale, and protecting the wild places on which it depends.

J27 Blackberry and an orca displaying its flukes surfacing alongside other members of J Pod

Who are the Southern Resident killer whales?

The Southern Resident killer whales are a genetically distinct population of orcas in the Pacific Northwest. This unique population is on the verge of extinction with only 75 remaining individuals. The Southern Residents face multiple threats, with the top three being lack of food, pollution, and vessel noise.

 
Two orcas surfacing alongside one another close to shore

What is Orca Conservancy doing?

We are working on a variety of projects and initiatives aimed to address the threats facing the Southern Resident killer whales. From addressing declining prey with our salmon enhancement and water temperature testing projects to implementing new and innovative technology to keep orcas safe from vessel disturbance with our AI hydrophone project. These are just a few ways we are doing what we can to make a difference.

J26 Mike breaching with the Cascade mountain range in the background

Be part of the change.

It takes an ecological village to raise an orca. No matter if you are near or far, there are many ways you can help us in our efforts to recover the Southern Resident killer whales. Whether you prefer boots in the ground action, donating to help fund our projects, or joining us in putting political pressure on our representatives for meaningful change, we hope you will join us in preserving this incredible species.

 

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