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Scientists Propose 26-Point CanadaU.S. Roadmap to Rescue Endangered Orcas

Federal Fisheries, Transport and Environment departments have yet to endorse emergency protections following the report

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This photo from the Centre for Whale Research shows a new orca calf in the southern resident killer whale population. A new report warns that the whales face extinction without more urgent action.
File photo of an orca breaching in view of Mount Baker.

Overview

  • A workshop of 31 international experts released a cross-border recovery roadmap for southern resident orcas that includes 26 actionable science-based measures.
  • The plan urges limits on chinook salmon fisheries, elimination of key toxins and enforceable standards to curb vessel noise in critical habitats.
  • With just 73 individuals remaining, the population faces a high probability of extinction without stronger intervention.
  • Ottawa and Washington agencies declined an emergency protection order this spring in favor of incremental actions despite imminent threats.
  • Officials have not announced formal responses to the recommendations and acknowledge that biological improvements may take decades to manifest.