What You Can Do to Help Whales and Other Marine Mammals

Published:  01/08/2026

1. Where to Donate

These organizations work directly with the Southern Resident population and have high transparency regarding where funds go.

• The Center for Whale Research: They are the primary source of the "Orca Survey," which tracks every individual in the J, K, and L pods. Your donation directly funds the boats and fuel needed for the surveys you just read about.

• SeaDoc Society (Wild Orca): Wild Orca recently joined the SeaDoc Society to expand their health monitoring. They use non-invasive methods (like collecting "blow" and fecal samples) to monitor the whales' stress and nutrition levels.

• Orca Network: Based on Whidbey Island, they focus on education and a sighting network that helps keep the public informed and engaged in local conservation.

2. Petitions & Policy Advocacy

Advocacy is about "speaking for those who cannot speak." Current petitions and campaigns focus on the three main threats: food, noise, and space.

• Snake River Dam Removal: This is currently the most significant legislative push for Southern Residents. The goal is to remove four dams on the Lower Snake River to restore massive Chinook salmon runs.

• Action: You can sign petitions through Wild Orca or Save Our Wild Salmon.

• Vessel Protection Zones: Support the creation of "no-go" or "slow-go" zones in the whales' new coastal foraging areas to reduce the risk of ship strikes and noise interference.

• Action: Follow the Orca Relief Citizens' Alliance for active regulatory petitions sent to NOAA.

• California Endangered Listing: The Orca Conservancy is currently petitioning to have Southern Residents listed as endangered under California state law (they are already federally listed), which would unlock more state-level resources for their southern migratory range.

3. Quick Advocacy "Checklist"

If you have 5 minutes today, you can make a difference by:

• Sending an Email: Use the Action Network to send a pre-written letter to your representatives regarding salmon recovery. https://actionnetwork.org/groups/wildorca

• Joining a Sighting Network: If you live on the coast, download the Whale Alert app to report sightings, which helps alert large ships to slow down.

• Sharing the Science: Post about whales and marine mammals on social media. Public awareness is often the first step toward getting the attention of policymakers.

Guide to Protecting the Southern Resident Killer Whales

The Southern Resident killer whales are a unique and endangered population in the Pacific Northwest. With only about 74 individuals remaining, their survival depends on immediate and sustained action. Here is how you can help protect these iconic animals and the ecosystem they call home.

Support Salmon Recovery

Southern Residents depend almost exclusively on Chinook salmon, but these fish populations are in critical decline due to habitat loss and environmental barriers.

• Restore Spawning Grounds: Support and volunteer for projects that restore river habitats and nearshore areas where forage fish and salmon thrive.

• Advocate for Dam Removal: Urge elected officials to support the removal of obsolete dams, particularly on the Lower Snake River, to restore historical salmon migration paths.

• Choose Sustainable Seafood: If you eat salmon, opt for species that are not the primary food source for Southern Residents, such as pink or chum salmon, and look for "Salmon-Safe" certifications.

Reduce Vessel Noise and Disturbance

Orcas use echolocation to hunt for food and communicate with their pod. Excessive underwater noise from boats can act as "acoustic smog," making it difficult for them to find scarce salmon.

• Follow Be Whale Wise Guidelines: If you are on the water, stay at least 300 yards away from Southern Residents and slow your vessel to 7 knots or less when within a half-mile of them.

• Watch from Shore: Enjoy these whales without adding noise to their environment by using The Whale Trail, a network of shore-based viewing sites throughout the region.

• Report Sightings Responsibly: Use apps like the Ocean Wise Whale Report App to help researchers track whale movements and alert large commercial vessels to their presence.

Minimize Water Pollution

Toxins from stormwater runoff and household products bioaccumulate in the whales' blubber, leading to long-term health and reproductive issues.

• Switch to Non-Toxic Cleaners: Use plant-based, biodegradable household cleaners to prevent harmful chemicals from entering the marine food chain through storm drains.

• Dispose of Waste Properly: Never flush medications or pour hazardous chemicals like oil or paint down the drain. Take them to a designated hazardous waste facility.

• Manage Stormwater: Fix car leaks promptly and consider planting a rain garden to filter pollutants from rainwater before it reaches the sea.

Advocate for Policy Change

Systemic change is required to address the scale of the threats facing these whales.

• Contact Your Representatives: Write to your elected officials to demand funding for Puget Sound recovery, stricter regulations on toxic runoff, and support for the Endangered Species Act.

• Sign Petitions: Support advocacy groups that are actively petitioning for habitat protection and noise-reduction initiatives in shipping lanes.

Educate Your Community

The more people understand the needs of the Southern Residents, the stronger the movement to save them becomes.

• Share the Story: Use your platform to talk about why these whales matter and the specific actions needed to save them.

• Support Research Organizations: Consider donating to or volunteering with groups like the Center for Whale Research, Wild Orca, or the Orca Network, which provide the data necessary for effective conservation.

Recommended Non-Toxic Products

Choosing "orca-safe" products is a simple way to reduce the toxic load in the Salish Sea. Here are some highly-rated, biodegradable options for your home:

• Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner: A highly concentrated, plant-based formula that is effective on hard surfaces, floors, and even laundry without using synthetic dyes or fragrances.

• Seventh Generation All-Purpose Cleaner Free Clear: This 91% plant-based cleaner is unscented and VOC-free, making it a safe choice for reducing chemical runoff from your home.

• Puracy Natural Multi-Surface Cleaner Concentrate: A streak-free, biodegradable cleanser derived from plants that is safe for use on all non-porous surfaces.