Orca Month 2017!

Orca Awareness Month 2017

It’s officially Orca Month! This June, WDC and our partners in the Orca Salmon Alliance will be celebrating orcas, focusing on the only endangered population of orcas in US waters, the Southern Resident community.  Orca Month is a chance to celebrate these iconic beings, and an opportunity to reflect on their fragile status.

Orcas in Troubled Waters

With only 78 members left as of May 2017, the Southern Residents are highly endangered.  They are threatened by pollution, vessel impacts, and a lack of their favorite prey – Chinook salmon.

Throughout the Northwest, we’ll be honoring the Southern Residents and the place they call home, and working to inspire increased protection of these critically endangered orcas, the salmon they rely on, and the beautiful Northwest habitat that supports both species.

The Governors of Oregon and Washington have both made official proclamations, and Orca Month is international for the second time this year with a proclamation in British Columbia, Canada as well.

Orca Month is for everyone, and we encourage you to celebrate even if you live far away from the Pacific Northwest.  Taking action to help orcas is as easy as making small changes in your life to reduce your impact on our oceans and the earth, or even hosting your own event with family and friends!

• Start using reusable bags and water bottles, cut down on your plastic waste, and ensure your home is microbead-free.
• Host a movie screening to celebrate orcas: we suggest Blackfish or the new documentary Voiceless.
• Participate in a beach or river cleanup in your area.
• Help with environmental projects near you – pulling invasive plant species or restoring a riverbank.

These are just a few suggestions to help you get started – Orca Month can be celebrated wherever you are, any way you can think of!  Share your celebration with us on social media with #OrcaMonth #SaveOurOrca #OrcasLoveSalmon

To kick off the celebration, we’re sharing this video from Washington Congressman Denny Heck, made in collaboration from our friends at the Washington Environmental Council.

WDC’s Orca Month participation is supported by the Jessica Rekos Foundation.