The Need for Advocacy
ORCAS OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Protecting our precious marine life
Brain meets Heart
Research-based, respectful policies are imperative for the health and sustainability of orcas, humpbacks and greys. It shouldn’t be a matter of negotiating harm, rather a commitment to do the absolute minimum harm.
Featured Recipients
GEORGIA STRAIT ALLIANCE
Georgia Strait Alliance (GSA) works to safeguard the future of the Salish Sea—one of the most biologically rich marine ecosystems in the world, supporting diverse wildlife and coastal communities. For more than 35 years, GSA has worked in partnership with Indigenous Nations, communities, and decision-makers to advance effective solutions through advocacy, education, community action, and policy leadership. website:https://georgiastrait.org/
CETUS RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION SOCIETY
Cetus Research & Conservation Society’s Straitwatch program monitors vessel activity in the southern Salish Sea, helping protect endangered marine mammals, including the critically endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales. Operating from Victoria and Quadra Island, Straitwatch crews work to reduce vessel-related disturbances by promoting safe distances and responsible boating practices around whales. Through monitoring, education, and outreach, the program helps increase awareness of how vessel traffic affects marine mammals and encourages compliance with protection guidelines and regulations. https://cetussociety.org/straitwatch
References and links
Laws and reports
- Regulations in Canada: Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans
- Violations reports in Canada: contact the 24/7 Observe, Record and Report (ORR) hotline at 1-800-465-4336 or via email at DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
- Regulations in the US: Be Whale Wise Regulations and Guidelines
- Violations reports in the US: Call the NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement at 1-800-853-1964 or submit evidence to the online Be Whale Wise Violation Report form.
A few of the other whale lovers we love
- Whale Museum Livestream
- SIMRES and SGI Network
- Marine Education and Research Society (MERS)
- Orcasound Network live hydrophones
Science and media
Georgia Strait Alliance, “Southern Resident Orcas: Endangered Killer Whales.” Article
MERS, “Plight of Grey Whales: Call to Action.” Article
Alonya Latsinnik, “Whale Crisis: Changing the Perspective on Whale Watching.” Article
Cetus Research and Conservation Society, “Humpbacks, Other Baleen Whales and Dolphins.” Article
For the Orcas 