The Southern Resident killer whale population
The Southern Resident killer whale population is a major focus of our conservation efforts in the Salish Sea. The population is endangered with key threats including reduced food availability and quality (Chinook salmon), contaminants, and acoustic disturbance from a range of vessels.
We submitted evidence to the National Energy Board that included a population viability analysis. This demonstrated that the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain Project will intensify existing threats, accelerating their rate of decline and possibly leading to complete extinction. The analysis also told us that reducing vessel noise and increasing Chinook availability increases their likelihood of long term survival.
In December we launched a second lawsuit to challenge the federal approval. This population, and the individuals within it, deserve our best efforts.
Photo by Misty MacDuffee.
#raincoastscience #ocean #wildlife #biodiversity #salishsea #killerwhale #orca
