Statement from Stephanie Solien and Les Purce, co-chairs of Gov. Inslee’s Southern Resident Orca Recovery Task Force 

June 21, 2018

Contact: Cathy Cochrane, cathy.cochrane@psp.wa.gov, 360.790.7958

 

Statement from Stephanie Solien and Les Purce, co-chairs of Gov. Inslee’s Southern Resident Orca Recovery Task Force 

 

“It is with great sadness that we received the news last week, that the 23-year-old Southern Resident orca L92, also called 'Crewser,' is presumed dead. Crewser’s death brings the population of Southern Resident orca to just 75. The Center for Whale Research also reports that J50, a three-year-old female Southern Resident orca, appears to be dangerously emaciated.

 

The loss of any Southern Resident orca underscores the urgency for the work of the Governor’s Southern Resident Orca Recovery Task Force. We are developing recommendations for bold actions that will recover these critically endangered animals. Our recommended actions will focus on three main issues:

• Make more Chinook salmon available for the orca to eat
• Prevent toxins in water and fish from further contaminating orca
• Lessen the interference of vessels and other water craft with orcas that are feeding and resting

Together, we can, and must, protect orcas and their habitats for current and future generations. “

 

Learn more about the Governor’s Southern Resident orca recovery task force here.