Southern Resident orcas in Puget Sound are endangered and closely tied to Chinook salmon. Pollution, habitat loss, and vessel noise reduce salmon and add stress to whales. Winning means hitting Washington’s stated target for orca growth and showing measurable progress on salmon, contaminants, and vessel impacts.
Why this matters now
Southern Resident orcas are a small, endangered population, and their survival depends on healthy Chinook salmon runs. When salmon are scarce, whales have a harder time feeding and raising calves.
Puget Sound pollution and other pressures do not just affect wildlife. Contaminants and runoff can also threaten water quality, which matters for people who live, work, and recreate in the region.