Whether it is local or federal elections, voting is one of the best ways that you can use your voice. The people we elect into office as well as the policies and legislation can make all the difference when it comes to the recovery efforts of an endangered species. The Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act helped recover multiple species on the verge of extinction. These are examples of policies that have been implemented and have made a difference. Even if you aren’t a resident of Washington, you can still vote in your local and federal elections for policies and representatives who support environmental protection. The ecosystem is all connected, so what will help the environment in your own community will help the global community as well.

In addition to voting, you can also reach out to your local representatives to urge for action on the things that you care about. You can do so by calling or writing. To find how to reach your local representatives we have linked a directory here. When speaking or writing, be sure to be kind, and make it personal. When you share your personal experiences and the reasons why you are reaching out it is more memorable and more likely to make an impact. When reaching out to advocate for the Southern Resident killer whales some suggested topics are urging for meaningful action around salmon recovery, protection of vital habitat, the removal of the lower Snake River dams, legislation to address climate change.

Farmed fish (Atlantic salmon) held in net pens in wild salmon habitat pose a major risk to the salmon stocks and the orcas that depend on them. Farm fish pose threats such as the potential transfer of diseases to wild species, pollution caused by the fish excrement and uneaten feed, and sea lice which can spread to wild stocks. Other concerns include escapes of farmed fish into the ecosystem which can will increase competition of resources to native fish as well as pose the potential risk to disrupt the reproduction of the wild stocks. To find sustainable seafood when shopping or dining, check out this consumer guide.

A way to reduce the level of pollution that enters oceans and vital waterways is to reduce or eliminate single-use plastics. When discarded items like plastic and bottles enter the ocean, they get broken down by the wind, waves, and sun, and develop into tiny fragments called microplastic. These microplastics pose a threat to our ecosystem, wildlife, and even humans through ‘trophic transfer’ which is the process of transfer of contaminants through the food chain. To help prevent plastics from entering the ocean, opt for using reusable water bottles or utensils.