Species Recovery Efforts
Orca Whales
Orca Whales (Orcinus orca), or killer whales, have long been icons of British Columbia and Washington, held in high esteem by locals, First Nations cultures, and tourists. Unfortunately, they are threatened by pollution, a depleted food supply, and other human activities. Vancouver Aquarium is gathering information about the areas where whales and dolphins feed, travel, rest and play—from whale watchers, tour guides, and boaters.
The Seattle Aquarium has an extensive education program to help citizens and tourists protect Puget Sound’s habitat and water quality and avoid boating impacts on the whales. Seattle Aquarium is also a member of the Salish Sea Hydrophone Network, which monitors levels of underwater noise pollution and also detects passing Orcas.
