In the Pacific Northwest, there is an endangered species of resident orcas called the Southern Resident Orcas. There are only 73 individuals left. Some issues they face are loss of food (they only eat salmon), polluted water, and boat vessel noise.
O-outreach R-restoration C-conservation A-action For our outreach aspect of this project, we are currently building our blog, our social media, and our website. All of these things are still in the works. We have also done public speaking and a short film. To expand on our outreach, we are continuing to create the website, and we are planning a city artwork project to raise awareness about how pollution can enter the storm drains and affect salmon and orcas. For the restoration aspect, for the past three years, we have been stewards of local salmon habitat. By monitoring the water quality with our water testing kit from our R&S grant money. We have also been leading restoration work events each month for community members to help remove invasive species and plant native plants to help restore habitat around Tacoma\'s last salmon-baring stream. For the conservation aspect of this project, we are trying to conserve the habitat, as well as clean out the area around bioswells to reduce toxic chemicals from reaching waterways. For the action aspect of this project, we are brainstorming ways to advocate for policy changes that will benefit our orcas and salmon. Some additional parts of our project, outside of the ORCA acronym, include a lot of environmental education. We are currently planning a virtual workshop and an in-person event with elementary school students. I am also trying to work with local marinas to put up signs to remind boaters to check for whale-wise regulations before going on the water to reduce boat vessel noise and boaters harassing marine life.
