Protecting Southern Residents: Orca Conservancy’s Petition to List SRKWs as Endangered in California

Written By Shari Tarantino

Orca Conservancy has formally submitted a petition to the State of California to list the Southern Resident killer whales as endangered under state law - a critical step in securing stronger protections across their full migratory range. California’s coastal habitats remain essential for Southern Resident killer whale foraging, resting, and traveling. State-level endangered status will reinforce federal protections, strengthen management tools, and help address the decline of their primary prey, Chinook salmon.

This petition reflects our commitment to using every available path to safeguard the future of this critically imperiled population.

Shari Tarantino
Next

Orca Conservancy’s comments to FERC Opposing the Rosario Strait Tidal Turbine Project within SRKW Critical Habitat