Southern Resident Connections—2021 Posts Archive

Southern Resident killer whales are icons of a vibrant but struggling marine ecosystem. Join us in exploring the ecological connections that tie this system together, and the ways we are protecting and working to recover the whales we care so much about.

West Coast

Increased Hatchery Production Aims to Boost Chinook Salmon for Endangered Killer Whales

Federal, state, and tribal salmon hatcheries in Washington and Oregon have increased production of juvenile Chinook salmon over the last 2 years.

Learn more about increased hatchery production of Chinook salmon

Amended Plan Leaves More Salmon for Endangered Killer Whales in Low Return Years

Dorsal fin of a killer whale swimming off the Washington Coast

NOAA Fisheries is approving an amendment to the fishery management plan for Chinook salmon off the West Coast to make more fish available for endangered Southern Resident killer whales in years when salmon returns are low.

Learn more about the amendment to the fishery management plan for Chinook salmon

Higher Vessel Speeds Offset Salmon Abundance for Endangered Orcas, Reducing Chance of Catching Prey

Killer whale chasing a Chinook salmon under water

Increased abundance of salmon in the inland waters of the Salish Sea increased the odds of endangered Southern Resident killer whales capturing salmon as prey, but increased speeds of nearby boats did just the opposite, according to new research findings.

Learn more about higher vessel speeds

Expanded Critical Habitat Signals Much of West Coast Contributes to Recovery of Endangered Killer Whales

Designated critical habitat for endangered Southern Resident killer whales will now include most coastal waters from Washington to Monterey Bay in California—formerly they encompassed only most of the inland waters of Washington.

Learn more about expanded critical habitat

NOAA Fisheries Joins Orca Action Month with Events Throughout June

NOAA Fisheries is helping orca fans everywhere learn about and help protect endangered Southern Resident killer whales and other killer whales in the Northwest.

Learn more about Orca Action Month

Limiting Chinook Fishing in Low-Return Years to Help Killer Whales: What Do You Think?

NOAA Fisheries is asking for public input on a Pacific Fishery Management Council recommendation to reduce impacts from fishing off the West Coast.

Learn more about limiting or adjusting fishing impacts to help killer whales

Diversity of Fish Species Support Killer Whale Diet Throughout the Year

Endangered Southern Resident killer whales prey on a diversity of Chinook and other salmon. The stocks come from an enormous geographic range as far north as Alaska and as far south as California’s Central Valley, a new analysis shows.

Learn more about the diverse salmon stocks that support killer whales throughout year

As Killer Whale Tales Goes Virtual, its Reach Extends Around the World

Jeff Hogan hold a post showing identifying features of killer whales

Cancellation of field trips, limited in-person classes, and other restrictions drastically changed what school looked like in 2020.

Learn more about how a former teacher engages students with the wonder of the Southern Residents

Diverse Threats Imperil Northeast Pacific Killer Whales, Including Southern Residents

Human impacts ranging from stray fishhooks to vessel strikes have killed more killer whales, including endangered Southern Resident killer whales.

Learn more about an underappreciated but important threat to endangered orcas

More Information

Southern Resident Connections

Last updated by West Coast Regional Office on 03/29/2024

Southern Resident Connections—2021 Posts Archive

Table of Contents

Increased Hatchery Production Aims to Boost Chinook Salmon for Endangered Killer Whales

Amended Plan Leaves More Salmon for Endangered Killer Whales in Low Return Years

Higher Vessel Speeds Offset Salmon Abundance for Endangered Orcas, Reducing Chance of Catching Prey

Expanded Critical Habitat Signals Much of West Coast Contributes to Recovery of Endangered Killer Whales

NOAA Fisheries Joins Orca Action Month with Events Throughout June

Limiting Chinook Fishing in Low-Return Years to Help Killer Whales: What Do You Think?

Diversity of Fish Species Support Killer Whale Diet Throughout the Year

As Killer Whale Tales Goes Virtual, its Reach Extends Around the World

Diverse Threats Imperil Northeast Pacific Killer Whales, Including Southern Residents

More Information

More Information