Young Washingtonians want to save our Southern Resident orcas

For thousands of years, orcas have lived in the Pacific Northwest’s cool ocean waters. They’re an iconic marine mammal and are loved by people who live near them. Unfortunately in recent years, some populations of orcas – specifically Southern Resident orcas – have been on the decline. There’s less than 75 of these animals left alive and their die off has been linked to pollution, vessel noise and traffic, but most significantly a lack of their favorite food – Chinook salmon.

Some salmon runs in the Pacific Northwest have declined by over 90% in recent years and the lack of fish has been a real problem for Southern Resident orcas who are starving. The unavailability of Chinook salmon can be largely attributed to four problematic dams located on the Lower Snake River, which are blocking salmon from effectively navigating the river.

If we want to see Southern Resident orcas around in the future, removing these dams has to be an option and nobody understands that more than younger Washingtonians. That’s why last week, staff with Environment Washington attended a youth rally in Seattle to build visibility for the problems plaguing Southern Resident orcas and to raise awareness for ways to help them – including breaching these dams.

Orcas in the Pacific Northwest have existed since time immemorial, and they deserve a chance at survival. Join us in our effort to breach these dams, save our salmon and ultimately save our orcas.