Sign The Petition: Starving orcas need your voice to help restore their primary food source

Have you ever seen an orca in the wild, Friend? Just imagine gazing out at the calm waters of Puget Sound against a backdrop of lush greenery and majestic mountains. Have you ever seen an orca in the wild, Friend? Just imagine gazing out at the calm waters of Puget Sound against a backdrop of lush greenery and majestic mountains. Emerging from the water, a large black and white silhouette rises above the gentle current before elegantly diving back under. It’s like a symphony crescendo, truly a breathtaking sight. Right now, avid whale watchers and tourists in the Pacific Northwest are waiting in anticipation to soon get a glimpse of this magnificent creature. We’re approaching peak season for those who hope to see a Southern Resident orca in its natural habitat as the whales tend to move inland during this time. But spotting one of these elusive creatures is becoming a much less frequent occurrence — there are only 74 remaining in the wild. And while eager spectators are looking for these special whales, the orcas are likely busy looking for something else: Chinook salmon. When we tell you that this fish is critical to orca survival, we aren’t exaggerating. Chinook salmon can make up to 90% of an orcas’ diet. Compared to other types of salmon, Chinook is the largest and fattest, which means it provides the most orcas with the most nutritional energy. Many local communities also rely on this salmon as an important resource to support their livelihoods. To put it simply, Friend: without Chinook salmon, these orcas will starve to death. Too many Southern Resident orcas have already met that tragic fate. Chinook salmon runs are half their original size; meanwhile, orca populations are at their lowest since the 50’s. Future generations of whale watchers may never get to live in a world where Southern Resident orcas exist — but if we restore Chinook salmon runs, we can still give orcas a chance at life and save them from EXTINCTION. [A first critical step is ENDING greedy corporate overfishing that’s taking many of the Chinook salmon away from hungry orcas who need it. Will you take action today and help protect these endangered whales before it’s too late?]( [SIGN THE PETITION]( Orcas are one of the most beloved marine animals, but these iconic whales also play a vital role in our planet’s overall health. Their diverse diet contributes to the maintenance of biodiversity in our marine ecosystems by controlling wildlife populations and promoting balance. Additionally, these treasured aquatic animals hold a significant cultural and spiritual significance for many Indigenous peoples native to the region. These communities often have a deep connection to orcas and view them an integral part of their heritage. But these cherished animals are in danger, Friend. Southern Resident orcas are hanging by a thread, facing unprecedented threats to their existence. Pregnant orcas haven’t been able to keep their babies, with most orca pregnancies ending in miscarriage. Even those with successful births are up against the fact newborn orca calves face up to a 50% mortality rate within their very first year of life. Plus, orcas are intelligent and social animals — so when they lose a member of their “pod” or family, they experience grief and stress just like we do, which can drive these poor creatures even further into starvation! Look, Friend, if the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) doesn’t intervene and rein in the reckless and greedy corporate overfishing industry SOON, we are at risk of losing this precious whale species forever. These vulnerable whales can’t afford another moment of inaction, and they’re counting on you to be their voice today. [Add your name now to tell NMFS to STOP corporate overfishing and bycatch from threatening endangered orcas! >>]( [SIGN THE PETITION]( Thanks for doing your part in protecting these magnificent creatures and securing a sustainable future for their population. Marcie Keever Oceans & Vessels Program Director Friends of the Earth Contact Us: Friends of the Earth U.S. Washington, D.C. | Berkeley, CA PO Box 7010 Merrifield, VA 22116-7010 1-877-843-8687 [Contact us](foe.org/about-us/contact/) Email Preferences: [Click here to unsubscribe]( Learn more: www.foe.org/news www.foe.org/about-us www.foeaction.org Connect: [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Flickr]( © 2024, Friends of the Earth. All Rights Reserved. [supporter]