Orca populations total 50,000. But for some populations, overfishing, vessel noise and chemical pollution have become burdens too large to bear.
When it comes to who reigns the animal kingdom, orcas are undoubtedly on top. Few can match the skill and intellect of an orca; but for all the strengths these apex predators possess; they are not immune to human-caused hardships. And today, these hardships are only mounting.
There are 50,000 orcas left in the wild. The most at risk of these orcas are the Southern Residents, found off the coast of British Columbia, Washington and Oregon. This species of killer whales are fish eaters, feeding on Chinook salmon year round. And today, there are only 74 of them (a 24% decline since their population was at its highest in 1995).
What’s put these orcas at such high risk of extinction? These are the three biggest threats:
Overfishing
The crisis facing the king salmon (Chinook) has had ripple affects on the Southern Resident orca population. Chinook are now at historically low levels because of environmental pressures, including dams, pollution and warming waters due to climate change — all of which make it more difficult for Chinook to migrate and spawn. But even more, overfishing of salmon has exacerbated the species’ ability to recover. In 2021, commercial fishing of Chinook salmon totaled 3.6 million kg (8 million lbs).
And now, there is less food for orcas because of it. An adult Southern Resident orca needs about 325 pounds of fish a day. But as the Chinook salmon disappears (some estimate as much as 90% in the next 40 years), orcas will only continue to starve.
Chemical Pollution
Oceans are becoming more contaminated from pollutants, many of which persist in the environment for decades. Chemical contamination from old vessels and stormwater runoff threatens the health of killer whales. Because of their long lifespans and large fat stores, these chemicals stay in their systems longer, threatening their immune and reproductive health. These chemicals can even act as a neurotoxin, disorienting orcas, and disrupting their ability to hunt.
Vessel Noise
Orcas are acoustic animals. Increased shipping traffic and boat activity disrupts an orca’s communication, orientation, and pushes them further afield in search of food.
Despite such incredible odds and (at times incredible loss), Southern Resident orcas are trying to increase their populations. In 2022, a new calf was born, one of the few successful births in many years and an example that there is still hope to be had for this subpopulation of orcas — so long as we give them a chance.
Let’s work together this WORLD ORCA DAY. Donate with VAKOVAKO.
