Protecting Southern Residents: Orca Conservancy strengthens the CESA case for permanent endangered status with a new scientific supplement

Southern Resident killer whales are among the world’s most endangered marine mammals. Their survival is threatened by declining Chinook salmon, vessel noise and disturbance, and toxic pollution. Although they are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act, listing them under the California Endangered Species Act would provide important state-level recognition and safeguards when they travel through California waters.

Following Orca Conservancy’s petition, the California Fish and Game Commission determined that listing may be warranted and designated Southern Residents as a candidate species.

As the state conducts its formal status review, Orca Conservancy submitted a supplemental scientific report presenting current evidence in support of a final endangered listing. The report was researched and prepared by Orca Conservancy and endorsed by four additional conservation organizations.

NOTE: As a candidate species, the SRKW population receives the same legal protections afforded to threatened and endangered species under California law while the state conducts its review and until the Commission reaches its final listing decision.