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Habitat ResearchOct 12, 2024
Impact of Vessel Noise on Foraging Patterns
Recent acoustic monitoring data indicates a correlation between commercial vessel traffic density and disrupted feeding behaviors in the J Pod.
Orca Survival Project
Science and education for orca and salmon recovery.
Southern Resident orcas in Puget Sound are endangered and closely tied to Chinook salmon. Pollution, habitat loss, and vessel noise reduce salmon and add stress to whales. Winning means hitting Washington’s stated target for orca growth and showing measurable progress on salmon, contaminants, and vessel impacts.
Why this work matters
Southern Resident orcas are a small, endangered population, and their survival depends on healthy Chinook salmon runs. When salmon are scarce, whales have a harder time feeding and raising calves.
Puget Sound pollution and other pressures do not just affect wildlife. Contaminants and runoff can also threaten water quality, which matters for people who live, work, and recreate in the region.
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What winning looks like
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Orca population stabilizes and grows toward the state’s target
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Chinook salmon habitat is restored and runs rebound
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Toxic runoff and wastewater pollution into Puget Sound drops
Research & Monitoring Data
Current Population
75Southern Resident orcas
Reported as of 2025-12-14
Recovery Goal
84whales by 2028
Target: Add 10 in 10 years
How we work
Our work focuses on: Science education, monitoring, habitat/prey research, and public awareness.
infoNo primary lobbying program (501c3)
Latest Reports
Evidence-led updates on habitat and population.
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Population DataSep 28, 2024
Q3 Population Census and Calf Survival Rates
A summary of the late summer census, detailing current demographic structures and notes on recent births within the Southern Resident community.
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Water QualityAug 15, 2024
Contaminant Loads in Puget Sound Chinook
Analysis of persistent organic pollutants found in primary prey species and implications for higher trophic level marine mammals.
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Stay informed.
We send a monthly briefing summarizing our research and the current policy landscape.