The resident killer whales of the Salish Sea are facing many challenges, from pollution and underwater noise to dwindling food sources. Of all these threats, the danger of starvation is particularly dire as recent population studies have revealed. This dire situation calls for quick action if we are to ensure that these beloved creatures will be able to continue living in their natural habitat.
Though these whales feed mainly on salmon, their primary food source has been drastically reduced due to overfishing and other environmental factors. As a result, the resident killer whales have been forced to turn to less nutritious prey like fish found near the surface of the ocean or in deeper waters. Unfortunately, this means that the whales may not get enough energy from their new food sources, leading to debilitating issues associated with poor nutrition such as slowed growth rates and decreased reproduction rates.
Luckily, there is a solution! We can help protect these majestic creatures by investing in projects that aim to restore damaged habitats and preserve important waterway routes for migratory fish populations. By decreasing human interference and improving communication between local fishermen and conservation groups, we can hope to increase the availability of high-quality salmon and other sea life essential for nourishing these beleaguered killer whales.
It’s up to us to make sure that new policies are implemented and resources are put towards preserving these creatures’ habitats so that future generations can enjoy them in their natural environment. The future of Southern Resident killer whales depends on our collective action now more than ever―let’s come together protect them before it’s too late!