They are the canaries in the coal mine… And the same things that affect them, affect us.
Killer whales are long-lived, apex predators, so they are extremely susceptible to persistent toxins in the marine environment. They live their lives in what looks like a pristine marine environment, and yet they are deeply affected by human activities on land. Ensuring that they stay healthy and continue to grace Pacific Northwest waters is a primary goal for us.
1. Restore Habitat for Salmon
Puget Sound resident Orcas, listed as endangered in 2005, depend on Chinook salmon as their primary food source. Yet Chinook salmon are also in decline, due to degradation of spawning streams and the natural, protected shorelines needed by young salmon.
What Specific Actions Can I Take?
- Get to know the streams in your neighborhood and help them stay clean and chemical-free.
- Support and join community groups to restore salmon spawning habitat in local streams.
- If you own waterfront property, keep it natural by planting native vegetation and avoiding hard shoreline armoring.
- Educate others about the important connections between Orcas, salmon, and the health of the watershed you live in.
Where Can I Get More Information on Restoring Salmon Habitat?
- Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association
- People for Puget Sound: Science and Restoration
- The Izaasc Walton League of America: Save Our Streams
- North Olympic Salmon Coalition
- Dept of Ecology: PS Shorelines and Salmon
- Washington RCO: What can I do to Help Salmon?
- King Co. Salmon Watchers
2. Keep Contaminants Out Of Coastal Waters
The health of both transient and resident Orcas is threatened by contaminants coming from human activities on land. We can improve our personal and community practices to reduce the flow of harmful chemicals into marine waters.
What Specific Actions Can I Take?
- At home, in your garden, and in your garage, find environmentally safe alternatives to hazardous chemicals.
- Dispose of dangerous substances safely. Take advantage of community hazardous-waste drop-off stations and special collection dates.
- Learn how harmful substances from roadways and paved surfaces are washing into marine waters.
- Reduce contaminated runoff by supporting low impact development and by building neighborhood rain gardens.
- Become active in a citizen water quality monitoring project in your community.
- Insist on regulations to control or eliminate the dangerous chemicals finding their way into your home and community.
Where Can I Get More Information on Reducing Contamination of Aquatic Environments?
- Sound Stewards
- People for Puget Sound: Polluted Runoff
- Washington Toxics Coalition
- Sound Citizen
- Puget Sound Partnership: Storm Water and Low Impact Development
- Seattle Public Utilities: Building a Rain Garden
- Washington Department of Ecology news release: Preventing Toxic Pollution
3. Watch Orcas with Restraint and Respect
The underwater world is the Orcas’ home. They need space and freedom to find food, communicate with each other, reproduce and move without restrictions.
People also use Puget Sound waters for commerce and recreation. We can’t avoid all activities that disturb Orcas, but we can take steps to lessen the stress of our presence in their lives.
What Specific Actions Can I Take?
- Consider observing killer whales from land rather than on the water.
- If you do go on a whale watch boat, choose operators affiliated with the Pacific Whale Watch Association who are committed to responsible viewing.
- In privately owned boats, obey the minimum distance guidelines for US and Canadian waters.
- Avoid attending public aquarium shows that feature live Orcas or dolphins.
- Take part in Orca research from your home computer with the Salish Sea Hydrophone Network.
Where Can I Get More Information on Responsible Viewing Practices?
- The Whale Trail
- The Whale Museum
- Pacific Whale Watch Association
- Salish Seas Hydrophone Network
- Be Whale Wise (minimum distance guidelines)
