Orcas and Salmon
Southern Resident Killer Whales rely on Chinook salmon for survival. Chinooks have higher fat concentrations and nutritional value than other Pacific salmon, providing orcas with more energy than other fish. To be healthy, an adult male orca needs to eat 325 pounds of fish per day with Chinook accounting for 80% of their diets! Unfortunately, the Southern Resident Killer Whales have suffered as Chinook numbers have declined in recent years. In order for these whales to survive, the Chinook salmon population must increase.
Photo by Jami Cantrell
Save Chinook, Save Killer Whales
The Skagit River is the largest producer of wild Chinook in Puget Sound, supplying over half of all the Chinook found there. Restoring habitat for juvenile Chinook salmon helps more fish survive this challenging phase of life. When Chinook populations increase, so does orca food abundance.
Click HERE for a link to our 2022 Speaker Series session with Erin Gless, the Executive Director of the Pacific Whale Watch Association!
How You Can Help
1: Maintain any salmon-bearing streams on your property
- Plant shade trees
- Keep livestock out of streams
- Prevent any contaminants from polluting the water
2: Support laws protecting Salmon & Orcas
3. Volunteer at restoration projects
4: Find your local RFEG
Local Organizations Support Our Efforts
Maya’s Legacy, Island Adventures, Western Prince Whale Watching, San Juan Excursions and Blue Kingdom Whale & Wildlife Tours are local organizations that contribute to orca recovery by supporting our efforts in salmon habitat restoration. Their support includes donating a portion of every seat sold, or by individual donations.
NOAA Fisheries West Coast
Chinook Salmon Photo by Jessica Newley
Check Out These Organizations to Learn More!
