Puget Sound Orcas, Now An Endangered Subspecies

The Puget Sound killer orcas have been listed yesterday as an endangered species, an Orca Relief Citizens' Alliance press release announced.

"We are encouraged that scientists understand the damage that has been done to this specific orca population, but much more work needs to be done to save these animals", says Mark Anderson, founder of Orca Relief Citizens' Alliance (ORCA).

The San Juan Islands, north of Puget Sound, Washington, are the year-round home of three pods, or family groups of Orca whales. Over the past ten years, massive environmental changes have challenged the health and stability of the San Juan Orca population.

Since 1996, the southern resident population of orcas has declined by nearly 20 percent. During that same period, the number of motorized whale-watching boats in the area has increased dramatically, reaching up to as many as 140 boats in a single day.

"We must put these animals before tourism and tourism dollars", says Dr. Birgit Kriete, executive director of Orca Relief. "We hope increased funding will be available to protect this population", she added.

According to AP, the three pods were already being protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which prevented any hunting or harassment, but the new listing will give them better protection against pollution and a loss of salmon.