The Problem
Why We Act: The Crisis Facing Southern Resident Orcas and Chinook Salmon The Southern Resident Killer Whales of the Pacific Northwest are struggling to survive. Our program focuses on the major threats these orcas face: – A steep decline in Chinook salmon, their primary and most nutritious food source – Increasing noise in the ocean, which interferes with their ability to hunt and communicate – Toxic pollution that builds up in their bodies and weakens their health The most powerful action we can take to help these orcas is to restore Chinook salmon populations—boldly and at scale. These whales depend on the consistent presence of salmon to live. Just as urgently, we must quiet the waters, allowing them to hear, echolocate, and find their prey in peace. These orcas—deeply intelligent, socially bonded, and culturally rich—are facing what scientists now call bright extinction: a vanishing that happens not because we’re unaware, but because we fail to act, even when we know. Their extinction would not be silent. It would be a visible unraveling, in full view. And it is not just the orcas. Chinook salmon themselves are also in danger, swimming toward their own edge of survival. One threatened species dependent on another—it’s a heartbreaking mirror of how interconnected all life is.
Our Plan
Protecting Orcas, Protecting Salmon: A Call to Action We begin here, on the shores of Vashon Island—where the Southern Resident Orcas swim close to land, their presence a quiet reminder of what’s at stake. Together, we will lead beach cleanups to restore the health of our coastline, removing plastics and pollution that threaten marine life. Every piece we lift is a gesture of care—for the orcas, for the salmon, for the sea. We will raise awareness across the island and throughout the Pacific Northwest, helping others understand the deep connection between orcas and Chinook (King) salmon—the primary food source for these endangered whales. By choosing not to eat Chinook, we give the orcas a better chance to survive. Our project will also explore the wonder of biodiversity, and why every species, every stream, every kelp forest matters. We’ll join with other groups to call for bold change: – The removal of dams that block salmon from reaching their spawning grounds – Stronger limits on chemicals and agricultural runoff – A deeper commitment to reducing plastic waste – A collective shift toward ocean awareness and responsibility This isn’t just a school project. It’s a movement—one small wave among many, rising in defense of the waters we love. ps- I met Jane at a photographer\'s convention in Mexico in 2009 (Merida) she told all of us to have just one or two kids and this would help the earth. until then I felt like it would be against my ideals to have kids and because of her I had two kids! This project is a thank you to Jane and all the work she is doing, i\'m very very inspired by her everyday and think of those words she gave to us.
