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Orca Conservancy

@orcaconservancy.bsky.social
753 followers 110 following 158 posts

We're a 501c3 non-profit organization committed to protecting the endangered Southern Resident killer whale population

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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
We want to thank you all of our supporters, colleagues, and team members that made this possible! With a special shout out to our colleagues at Friends of Lime Kiln Society (FOLKS) that helped us troubleshoot and guided us through getting the cam online.
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
📣 Exciting announcement: We have a new webcam live-streaming in Puget Sound! The cam is located in Burien, Washington, overlooking East Passage between the mainland & Vashon Island. This area sees whale traffic, including orcas, humpbacks and more. www.youtube.com/live/w45z6_s...
youtube.com
Orca Conservancy Live Stream | East Passage
YouTube video by Orca Conservancy
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
For our supporters in British Columbia ⬇️ Orca Conservancy’s Board Secretary @intertidalkendy.bsky.social will be speaking on Thetis Island this Sunday (10/08) about Southern Residents & watershed-wide conservation! www.orcaconservancy.org/events/conse...
orcaconservancy.org
Conservation of the Southern Resident Killer Whales (The Orca-Stra of the Salish Sea) — Orca Conservancy
Join Kendra, Board Secretary at Orca Conservancy, and Thetis Island Nature Conservancy on August 10thto learn more about the Southern Resident killer whales, Orca Conservancy’s work, and a watershed-w...
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 18/07/2025
Photo: J63 and J40 Suttles (front), J41 Eclipse, J62, and J27 Blackberry (back) Picture Credit: @intertidalkendy.bsky.social
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 18/07/2025
J63 is the first calf born to J40 Suttles, an encouraging development that the population has another reproductive female. Female calves like J62 & J63 are vital for future growth. Both male & female calves play a key role in supporting genetic diversity needed for long-term survival
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 18/07/2025
J63 IS A GIRL! 🩷🎉 In early July, @whaleresearch.bsky.social photographed the underside of J63, confirming she is female!
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
📸: Members of the AT1s | Emma Luck
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
Weakening the Marine Mammal Protection Act now puts other vulnerable populations, like the Southern Residents, at risk of the same irreversible outcome.
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
The MMPA directly mandates the sustainable management and protection of critically endangered Southern Resident killer whales (SRKWs), their habitat, & their prey. Under the proposed changes, marine mammals would no longer be protected from activities with high potential for disruption or injury.
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
• Constrain the federal definition of ‘harassment’ so that it no longer prohibits actions with the potential to harm marine mammals • Require unreasonable or impossible data to estimate population abundances and design best practices for management, which will hinder conservation efforts
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
The proposed amendment would: • Strike down protections for poorly-known populations, such as Alaskan killer whale populations • Eliminate best-practice precautionary approaches backed by decades of science
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
What’s happening: Earlier this week, Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) introduced a draft bill amending the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), the landmark federal legislation that has guided marine resource management and conservation in the United States for over fifty years.
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
🚨 ACTION ALERT Contact your representatives to protect the Marine Mammal Protection Act from weakened regulations. We have put together additional information, contacts, suggested talking points, & resources. Hearing Date is July 22nd. www.orcaconservancy.org/blog/action-...
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
Photo 1: J Pod in a greeting line (Southern Residents) Photo 2: T19 Nootka breaching during a predation (Transients) Photo 3: A5 Pod (Northern Residents)
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
At Orca Conservancy, our work is rooted in protecting wild orcas and the web of life they depend on. That means restoring wild salmon, defending clean waters, and speaking up for the wild places that sustain us all. Today is a celebration and a reminder that their survival depends on our choices.
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
Each has a unique dialect, social structure, and relationship with the ecosystem they call home. These aren’t just whales, they are families, cultures, and ecological indicators of the health of our waters.
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
Happy International Orca Day! Here in the Pacific Northwest, we’re lucky to share our waters with multiple orca populations, including the endangered Southern Residents, the Transients/Biggs, and the Northern Residents.
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
This is the first release of the J Pod Eye Patch Guide, and we’ll continue to update it as we expand our catalog. We will also be working toward acquiring images of all members of K and L Pods to release a complete Southern Resident Killer Whale Eye Patch Guide.
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
We have some exciting news! The J Pod Eye Patch Guide 2025 is NOW AVAILABLE for free digital download and printed booklets are available for pre-sale. Get yours here: www.orcaconservancy.org/eye-patch-gu...
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
The public comment period is open until August 7, 2025. To learn more and submit a comment, visit: www.orcaconservancy.org/blog/action-...
orcaconservancy.org
ACTION ALERT: Oppose EPA Rollbacks of Carbon Pollution Safeguards — Orca Conservancy
Submit a public comment opposing the proposed rule by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to repeal limits on carbon emissions produced by power plants and weaken critical environmental pro...
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
These rollbacks would remove key protections under the Clean Air Act and weaken the federal government’s ability to respond to the climate crisis. Photo: T99 Barakat with fire smoke in the background
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
The EPA is proposing to roll back carbon pollution safeguards for fossil fuel power plants, threatening climate progress, salmon recovery, & the survival of endangered Southern Resident orcas.
orcaconservancy.org
ACTION ALERT: Oppose EPA Rollbacks of Carbon Pollution Safeguards — Orca Conservancy
Submit a public comment opposing the proposed rule by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to repeal limits on carbon emissions produced by power plants and weaken critical environmental pro...
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
🚨 ACTION ALERT🚨 Submit a public comment opposing the proposed rule by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to repeal limits on carbon emissions produced by power plants and weaken critical environmental protections.
orcaconservancy.org
ACTION ALERT: Oppose EPA Rollbacks of Carbon Pollution Safeguards — Orca Conservancy
Submit a public comment opposing the proposed rule by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to repeal limits on carbon emissions produced by power plants and weaken critical environmental pro...
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
The public comment period is open now through September 30, 2025. This is your chance to speak up for endangered orcas, wild salmon, and the health of the Salish Sea. We have put together an Action Alert with more info and how to comment: www.orcaconservancy.org/blog/action-...
orcaconservancy.org
ACTION ALERT: Oppose Tidal Energy in Rosario Strait; Endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale Critical Habitat — Orca Conservancy
Submit a public comment opposing the proposed permit by Orcas Power & Light Cooperative (OPALCO) to the Department of Energy | Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), [Docket No. Project No. ...
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
The proposed project is being pushed forward as a "pilot," yet OPALCO is requesting a 10-year license—an unusually long timeframe for a trial in such a fragile ecosystem, especially without sufficient real-world testing or peer-reviewed science to assess the risks to whales & other marine life.
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
Moving forward without full approval or genuine collaboration with Tribal leaders disrespects treaty rights & disregards cultural practices that have endured for millennia.
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
Beyond the environmental risks, this project also raises serious concerns around Tribal sovereignty & responsible stewardship. Rosario Strait is a traditional fishing area for Coast Salish Tribal Nations.
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
More broadly, the project threatens already stressed marine ecosystems, and fast-tracking it without rigorous, peer-reviewed research increases the risk of long-term, cumulative harm to both species and the fragile balance of the Salish Sea.
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
For Chinook salmon—the whales’ primary prey—the infrastructure and altered water flow could degrade spawning habitat, change sediment transport, and create physical or behavioral migration barriers.
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
Installing a tidal turbine in SRKW critical habitat introduces chronic underwater noise and electromagnetic fields that can interfere with echolocation, disrupt foraging, and displace whales from essential feeding and migratory routes.
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
The turbine, Orbital Marine O2X, is a 243-foot-long floating tidal turbine — larger than a Boeing 747 — capable of generating 2 megawatts of power from underwater currents. It is expected to power just 400 homes—a minimal return that comes at a potentially high cost to critically endangered SRKW
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
Since last year, we’ve been tracking a proposed tidal energy pilot project by Orcas Power & Light Cooperative (OPALCO), which seeks to install a floating tidal turbine in Rosario Strait—part of the designated critical habitat for endangered Southern Resident killer whales (SRKWs) 🧵⬇️
fox13seattle.com
Giant turbine sparks outrage in WA orca habitat: ‘Like a 747 in the water’
A proposed tidal energy project in the Salish Sea is facing fierce pushback from environmental groups. They say it could endanger the region’s last remaining Southern Resident killer whales.
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
From invasive plant removal to planting native species, her work is helping rebuild critical ecosystems that benefit wildlife and support the recovery of the endangered Southern Resident killer whales. We’re so proud of her dedication, knowledge, and leadership!
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
Congratulations to our Intern/Restoration Technician, Samantha Hazard, on her successful completion of her Green River College capstone project. Her project focused on restoration efforts at Orca Conservancy’s Berrydale site, where she played a key role toward restoring this vital salmon habitat.
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
For more information and to sign up, please visit: www.orcaconservancy.org/events
orcaconservancy.org
Events — Orca Conservancy
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
It’s Orca Action Month! Here are upcoming events: 🌱 Salmon habitat restoration (June 14th & June 28th at Berrydale Tree Farm) 💕 A Majestic Matriarchy: Honoring Southern Resident Orcas (June 14th at St. Joseph Parish, Seattle) 💻 Beneath the Surface: Southern Resident Stories (June 18th, virtual)
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
Each donation from now through May 7th enters you for a chance to win! Open to US and Canadian donors only donorbox.org/orca-conserv...
donorbox.org
GiveBIG 2025 | Orca Conservancy (Powered by Donorbox)
Help us in our mission to recover the critically endangered Southern Resident killer whales by making a donation to our GiveBIG campaign!This year, to show how much your donation means to us we are gi...
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
The winning donor will receive: 🖤 2025 Southern Resident Bundle flashcard set 🦭 Transient Flashcard Bundle 🛍️ Orca Conservancy logo tee shirt, beanie, & tote bag 🧸 Orca plush toy 📖 The Killer Whale Journals: Our Love and Fear of Orcas by Hanne Strager
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
WIN BIG! Help us in our mission to recover the critically endangered Southern Resident killer whales by making a donation to our GiveBIG campaign To show how much your donation means to us we are giving away an Orca Conservancy prize pack to one lucky donor!
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
GiveBIG is a fundraising campaign where individuals, businesses, and foundations can support Washington State non-profits. And we are excited to share that our friends at Ravenna Gardens have generously offered to match $500! donorbox.org/orca-conserv...
donorbox.org
GiveBIG 2025 | Orca Conservancy (Powered by Donorbox)
Help us in our mission to recover the critically endangered Southern Resident killer whales by making a donation to our GiveBIG campaign!This year, to show how much your donation means to us we are gi...
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
GiveBIG is a fundraising campaign where individuals, businesses, and foundations can support Washington State non-profits. And we are excited to share that our friends at Ravenna Gardens have generously offered to match $500!
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
Your donations directly support: 🐟 Salmon habitat restoration 🔊 AI Hydrophone Initiative 📃 Legislation & Policy 🚨 Emergency Response 📚 Education & community outreach events 🧪 Water temperature and chemistry testing 📊 Research 🚤 Boater Education
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
GiveBig is here and we need YOUR help! Help us reach our $10,000 goal! Your contribution enables us to work to recover the critically endangered Southern Resident killer whales by funding our projects and initiatives. Donate today ⬇️ donorbox.org/orca-conserv...
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
All of these places are considered historic habitat. It’s quite possible they used to frequent these areas much more often when food was more plentiful, but it’s not clear as to why they visit some of these locations. They could be searching for new foraging locations or they are simply exploring.
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
In March of this year, J Pod traveled inside of Bellingham Bay, and the last documentation of them there was in March of 2023.
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
In May 2023 J Pod made an unusual visit and spent a night in Quartermaster Harbor off of Vashon Island. The previous documentation of Js in that area was in 2015!
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
With increased sightings data and awareness, we are noticing SRKW visiting less frequented places. Last year L Pod made history when they returned to Penn Cove on Whidbey Island after nearly 50 years since the 1970s captures. L88 entering Penn Cove on Nov 4, 2024
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
J Pod made a surprise visit into Northwest Bay, Nanoose, BC! While Southern Residents frequent the waters around Vancouver Island, this seems to be the first time in recent years they have been documented in the bay. J51 Nova, J41 Eclipse, J62, and J39 Mako @intertidalkendy.bsky.social
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
And since we mentioned T49A2 Jude, we also wanted to share an update on his buddy T51 Roswell, who was in Barnes Lake with 49A2 in 2023. Last week T51 was spotted about 2 miles up the Siuslaw River in Oregon! www.orcaconservancy.org/blog/orcas-f...
orcaconservancy.org
Two Orcas Freed from Barnes Lake — Orca Conservancy
In mid-August two orcas T051 (male b. 1981) and T049A2 (male b. 2007), members of the transient or Bigg’s population (an ecotype of killer whale that preys exclusively on marine mammals) became trappe...
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Orca Conservancy @orcaconservancy.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
While some of our team was with the T124As and friends in Port Susan, another OC team member caught up with the T124Ds near Vancouver, BC. If we didn’t know any better we’d say the T124 family groups have taken over the Salish Sea! 📷 T124Ds taken by @intertidalkendy.bsky.social
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