In May 2003, NOAA Fisheries Service designated the Eastern North Pacific Southern Resident stock of killer whales (Orcinus orca) as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The agency also announced preparation of a conservation plan to restore the stock to its optimal sustainable population.
Soon after NOAA Fisheries Service released the proposed conservation plan for Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW), below, the agency listed these orcas under the Endangered Species Act in November 2005. The ESA requires preparation of a recovery plan. The Northwest Region took the proposed MMPA conservation plan, addressed comments on it, and incorporated ESA elements into a proposed ESA recovery plan, which was released for comment in November 2006. We incorporated comments and new research results and references, and finalized the SRKW recovery plan in January 2008.
Oct. 3, 2005: The Northwest Region announced availability of the Proposed Conservation Plan for Southern Resident Killer Whales, and requested public review and comment on it.
Developing a Conservation Plan, 2003-2004 Workshops on Contaminants, Vessel Effects, Prey
Northwest Fisheries Science Center Marine Mammal Program - The Center's program conducts critical research on Southern Resident killer whales. View its newsletter for information on killer whale population trends, research activities, and how you can help.
Fisheries & Oceans Canada Species at Risk Recovery
Washington Dept. of Fish & Wildlife
Puget Sound Partnership
