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A family group of southern resident orcas chasing a salmon - Image taken from an unmanned hexacopter at more than100ft - NOAA SWFSC, SR3 and the Coastal Ocean Research Institute - NMFS permit #19091 (1).jpg
Washington

Clean Water, Healthy Futures: Orca Month Targets Toxics

Volunteers and advocates across Washington will speak out against toxic pollutants that harm orcas, salmon and people during Orca Action Month. This year’s theme is
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Southern Resident Orca Calf

Southern Resident Orcas Receive Oregon Endangered Species Protections

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission voted today to protect Southern Resident orcas under the state’s Endangered Species Act, responding to a February 2023 petition
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2022.08.28 - Two Orcas Swimming - Tongass National Forest - Alaska - Harvey Hergett-USFS.jpg

Defenders Statement on J-Pod Orca Calf Presumed Dead

The Southern resident orca calf reportedly born to the J-Pod at the end of December 2023 is presumed dead, according to the Center for Whale

More Orca Press Releases

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southern resident orca
Boise, Idaho

Idaho Legislative Package Kick-starts Northwest Salmon and Energy Discussions

This weekend Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) announced a comprehensive legislative package that seeks to recover salmon throughout the Pacific Northwest, update our outdated energy infrastructure, and invest in community infrastructure needs throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.
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southern resident orca
Seattle, Wash.

Federal Agencies Finalize Lower Snake River Dam Management Plan

This week, federal agencies finalized a management plan for federal dams in the Columbia River Basin through a Record of Decision (ROD). The plan applies to 14 dams and reservoirs that comprise the Columbia River Hydropower System, including four dams in the lower Snake River.
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Southern_Resident_Orca
Seattle, Wash.

Lower Snake River Dams Should Stay Standing, Say Federal Agencies

This week, federal agencies again ignored science and public opinion in a management plan for federal dams in the Columbia River Basin. The plan, a final environmental impact statement (EIS), applies to 14 dams and reservoirs that comprise the Columbia River Hydropower System. Research shows that four dams in particular – located on the lower Snake River – negatively impact the recovery of endangered Pacific salmon and southern resident orcas as a result.
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Grizzly and cubs crossing road in Yellowstone NP
Atlanta, GA

Feds gut cornerstone environmental protection law

The Trump administration in an announcement today hobbled the nation’s bedrock environmental protection, the National Environmental Policy Act, a law that has given marginalized communities
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southern resident orca
Seattle, Wash.

Final State Budget Funds Wildlife Projects, Delays Studies for Dam Management

Last week Gov. Jay Inslee finalized the state’s fiscal year 2020 operating budget, allocating urgent funds for the COVID-19 pandemic response.
Senior Vice President, External Affairs
lsheehan@defenders.org
(202) 772-3244
Communications Director
mdewane@defenders.org
(202) 772-0217
Communications Specialist
jcovey@defenders.org
Communications Specialist
jpetrequin@defenders.org
(202) 772-0243