(c) Michael S. Nolan

Threats to Orcas

Pods J, K and L are suffering and in danger of extinction. It is believed that the combination of heavy toxic contamination, the lack of reliable and consistent food and the impacts of boat traffic are cumulatively responsible for the overall decline in southern resident numbers.

In 1995, the southern resident population rebounded briefly to 98 individuals, but has since declined dramatically. At the beginning of 2001 their numbers had declined by 15%. By June 2001, researchers from L pod have reported that an additional six orcas have not returned from their winter feeding grounds. Thus the southern resident orca population has plummeted to 78, a decline of more than 20%. Southern resident orca survival from 1993 to 1998 was the lowest of any previous recorded period in the last 25 years.

A coalition of groups led by the Center for Biological Diversity recently petitioned the federal government to list the southern resident orca population under the Federal Endangered Species Act. Earlier in the year 2000, the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) petitioned the state for protected status as well, but has yet to receive a decision. We support these efforts.

The following pages give you detailed information about each of the threats, what you can do to get involved, and the resources for you to find further information:

300 Broadway, suite 28
San Francisco, CA 94133
415/788-3666 or fax 415/788-7324
marinemammal@earthisland.org