What is Orca Action Month?
Orca Awareness Month, started by the long-time orca education and advocacy group Orca Network, was created to bring together researchers, advocates, and orca lovers everywhere to raise awareness of the threats facing these magnificent animals and provide a community to celebrate them. Through a partnership with the Orca Salmon Alliance, the celebration has since evolved into “Orca Action Month,” as awareness has gained traction and rallying of community action is necessary to recover Southern Resident orcas.
2024 marks the 18th year that Washingtonians celebrate Orca Month, and now, we’re bringing it to Oregon!
Protecting Southern Resident Killer Whales Benefits Oregon’s Coastal Biodiversity
Oregon Shores and several allied groups rallied public support and successfully listed the Southern Resident killer whales on Oregon’s Endangered Species list earlier this year. This milestone achievement is vital for these magnificent creatures’ survival and holds significant benefits for Oregon’s coastal ecosystems.
Southern Resident killer whales, an iconic symbol of the Pacific Northwest, rely heavily on healthy marine environments for their survival. One key aspect of their habitat is the rich ecosystem provided by Oregon’s estuaries. These estuaries serve as primary prey habitat for the whales, offering an abundant source of Chinook salmon, their main food source.
By securing protections for the Southern Resident killer whales, we are also safeguarding the health of Oregon’s estuaries. Enhanced protections mean stricter regulations on pollutants, habitat degradation, and human activities that may harm these critical habitats.
Preserving the health of estuaries benefits killer whales and supports a myriad of other species, including fish, birds, and marine mammals. Estuaries act as vital nurseries for various fish species, contributing to their populations and ensuring the stability of the entire coastal food web.
Furthermore, protecting Southern Resident killer whales and their habitat aligns with Oregon Shores’ mission of preserving and enhancing Oregon’s coastal environment. By raising awareness, advocating for policies, and engaging in conservation efforts, we aim to ensure a thriving and resilient ecosystem for both wildlife and communities along Oregon’s coast.
Together, we can continue to make strides in protecting Southern Resident killer whales and preserving the rich biodiversity of Oregon’s coastal ecosystems for generations to come.
Get Involved
By taking these actions, you can contribute to the protection of Southern Resident killer whales and help preserve Oregon's coastal ecosystems for future generations.
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Spread the Word
Take the opportunity to educate friends, family, and colleagues about the importance of Southern Resident killer whales and the threats they face. Share articles, videos, or educational resources to help others understand the issues and inspire action. You can also share the information we post about Orca Action Month on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Use hashtags like #OrcaMonth and #ProtectOurOrcas to raise awareness. You can also create posts or stories highlighting the importance of Southern Resident killer whales and the need for their protection.
Don’t forget, they’re Oregon’s orcas, too!
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Attend Events
Check out all the Orca Action Month events we are hosting! Not in Oregon? No worries- here’s the full calendar of Orca Action Month events happening on the West Coast.
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Support Our Work
Support Oregon Shores’ conservation efforts by making a donation. Your contribution will help fund research, advocacy, and outreach programs aimed at protecting Oregon’s coastal ecosystems, including the habitats critical for Southern Resident killer whales.
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Report a Sighting
As one of CoastWatch’s community science efforts, we’ve teamed up with the Oregon Coast Killer Whale Monitoring Project to help track sightings of these whales in Oregon waters.
The Oregon Coast Killer Whale Monitoring Program aims to collect current information about killer whales that spend time off the Oregon coast. When reporting, include the time of sighting, location, and direction of travel. Any additional information, such as the number of individuals or behavior, is also welcome.
Please maintain a safe distance and be a responsible steward on land or sea.
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Shop to Support
Visit our Bonfire store and purchase an “Oregon’s Orcas Too” shirt, sweatshirt, or hoodie and support orcas in style.
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Contact Legislators
Advocate for policies that support the protection of Southern Resident killer whales and their habitats. Write letters or emails to local and state legislators urging them to prioritize marine conservation initiatives. You can also sign petitions or participate in letter-writing campaigns organized by environmental organizations.
Commit to Conservation
You Can Help
By monitoring our coastlines, CoastWatch volunteers play a crucial role in understanding the health of marine habitats and the species that depend on them, including Southern Resident killer whales. Spending time on your mile as a CoastWatch volunteer increases your chance of seeing orcas, providing valuable observational data that contributes to scientific research and conservation efforts. With their distinctive markings and behaviors, orcas serve as indicators of ecosystem health, helping researchers assess the impact of human activities and environmental changes. By actively participating in CoastWatch, volunteers not only contribute to orca conservation but also gain a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of marine life and the importance of protecting our coastal environments.
Adopt a Mile Today
Protecting Ecosystems, Protecting Orcas
Stay Involved All Year Long
Orca Action Month is just one month of the year, but we're working hard to protect our coast year round. Learn more about our work to protect Oregon's estuaries, which are critical habitat for the salmon Southern Resident killer whales depend on, or how to get involved as a CoastWatch Volunteer.
Campaign for Oregon’s Estuaries
The goal of the Campaign for Oregon’s Estuaries is to build a strong popular movement for conserving our estuarine resources based on a broad public understanding of the importance of these places where rivers meet the sea.
CoastWatch
Through adopting a mile of the Oregon coast, CoastWatch offers opportunities to learn about shoreline ecology and contribute to coastal research and conservation.