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Videos & Podcasts from Orca Month 2024
Orca Month 2024: From Orcas to Humans
Orca Month, started by Orca Network, was created to bring together researchers, advocates and a growing community of orca lovers to raise awareness about the threats facing Southern Resident orcas. Now in its 18th year, Orca Month has spread from Washington to Oregon and British Columbia and includes educational and celebratory events throughout the month of June.
This year's Orca Month theme is Clean Water, Healthy Futures. Toxic pollution and contaminants in the environment are one of the three main threats facing orcas. Southern Residents in particular are susceptible to the impacts of toxics when combined with low prey availability. Join us for this special Orca Month opening webinar to hear from experts in the field who will provide an overview of common toxic substances and how they get into the water; how these toxic substances impact fish and killer whales; why people in low income and BIPOC communities experience disproportionate harm from these pollutants; and how we can take action to stop these pollutants from entering our waterways.
This year's Orca Month theme is Clean Water, Healthy Futures. Toxic pollution and contaminants in the environment are one of the three main threats facing orcas. Southern Residents in particular are susceptible to the impacts of toxics when combined with low prey availability. Join us for this special Orca Month opening webinar to hear from experts in the field who will provide an overview of common toxic substances and how they get into the water; how these toxic substances impact fish and killer whales; why people in low income and BIPOC communities experience disproportionate harm from these pollutants; and how we can take action to stop these pollutants from entering our waterways.
Endangered species: What’s caused the population decline of Southern Resident Orcas?
Howard Garrett, Orca Network co-founder and board president, joined ARC Seattle to talk about the changes over the years that have led to a population decrease for the J, K and L Pods.
Tribal Voices Matter: Rising Voices, Youth Advocacy for Wild Waters
Join us for the Tribal Voices Matter webinar titled "Rising Voices: Youth Advocacy for Wild Waters," where three passionate youth advocates will share their perspectives on the critical issue of removing the Lower Snake River Dams. This webinar will provide a platform for young leaders to discuss the profound impact of dam removal on salmon recovery, ecosystem health, and cultural preservation. Through their unique insights and personal experiences, these young advocates will highlight the urgency of this environmental issue and inspire collective action for the future of wild waters and salmon populations. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from the next generation of environmental stewards driving change in the Pacific Northwest.
Killer Conservation in the Salish Sea
Co-hosted by Pacific Wild and Cetus Research & Conservation Society, Killer Conservation in the Salish Sea was an engaging webinar dedicated to the fascinating world of orca whales! Discover the incredible diversity of orcas, learn about their different ecotypes, and delve into their unique cultures and behaviors. Credit: Pacific Wild Alliance and Cetus Research and Conservation Society
Videos & Podcasts from Orca Month 2023
Orca Month Kick-Off Event: Speaker Jay Julius of Se'si’le and the Lummi Nation
Speaker Jay Julius of Se'si’le and the Lummi Nation gave a presentation at Orca Month's Kick-Off event on Sunday, June 4th from San Juan Island. Julius is the former Chairman of the Lummi Nation, a full-time fisherman and father, and the Founder and President of Se’Si’Le. Read Jay’s recent Earth Day message on sanjuans.org.
How boaters can help champion orca recovery
Boaters have an important role to play in championing the conservation and recovery of the iconic and beloved Southern Resident orcas. Join us during for a virtual presentation by the Give Them Space campaign, a conservation education and public outreach effort to help reduce noise and disturbance around the critically endangered orca population. The presentation will cover Southern Resident orca biology and family structure, their unique food needs, and the science behind the three main threats to their survival. We’ll share ways everyone can support orca recovery, including specific actions boaters can take on the water to help.
Legacy Toxics: What Orcas Can Teach Us About What's in our Environment!
In honor of Orca Action Month 2023, Defenders of Wildlife, Washington Conservation Action, Toxic Free Future, and Puget Soundkeeper hosted a virtual panel discussion addressing how the accumulation of toxics in Washington’s waterways is affecting the Southern Resident orcas, salmon, and humans in underserved communities – including what we can do to create a toxic-free. Featured speakers included WA State Representative Sharlett Mena, Dr. Deborah Giles of Wild Orca, Jamie Hearn of the Duwamish River Community Coalition, and Heather Trim of Zero Waste Washington.
Glory Whales of Yesteryear: Orca Month 2023 Storytelling Session
Hear inspiring and fascinating stories of Southern Resident Orcas gone by, from Orca Network and Center For Whale Research staff, volunteers, and others. This storytelling event is part of the 2023 Orca Action Month celebration, following the year's theme of Lasting Legacies.
Oregon's Orcas: The Southern Residents
Orcas, the largest member of the dolphin family, are instantly recognizable with their distinct monochrome ensemble. Best known for exceptional hunting, this has earned them the title ‘killer whale’. However, behind the nickname the mammals have a fascinating array of aptitudes and strategies – such as extreme intelligence, language, familial loyalty, and sheer athletic prowess – that make them apex predators of the ocean.
Even with all these abilities orcas can’t outcompete humans. From overfishing, dams, and chemical exposure this magnificent marine mammal faces many threats. Dr. Giles from Wild Orca and Quinn Read from the Center for Biological Diversity discussed orca biology and how you can help the species thrive.
Even with all these abilities orcas can’t outcompete humans. From overfishing, dams, and chemical exposure this magnificent marine mammal faces many threats. Dr. Giles from Wild Orca and Quinn Read from the Center for Biological Diversity discussed orca biology and how you can help the species thrive.
Orca Month Youth Zoom-Nora Nickum, Author of Superpod
Join us as we meet author Nora Nickum, who wrote the captivating middle school-aged novel, Superpod. She tells us about the adventures and conversations with amazing researchers she got to have on her journey to publish her book. We play a fun "which southern resident are you" game at the end.
Videos & Podcasts from Orca Month 2022
Orca Action Month Kick-Off Event Recording
The Salmon Coast
The Salmon Coast tells the story of the rivers along the west coast of Washington, and restoration efforts to protect them. Thank you to the Coast Salmon Partnership for permission to share the video.
The Heart of the Fraser River
A precious stretch of the river between Mission and Hope, the Heart of the Fraser provides prime spawning habitat for salmon and white sturgeon and serves as a nursery for millions of baby salmon every year.
The Heart of the Fraser is under threat from agricultural and urban development and is subject to heavy use by recreational vehicles that destroys fish habitat.
The Heart of the Fraser is under threat from agricultural and urban development and is subject to heavy use by recreational vehicles that destroys fish habitat.
The Memory of Fish
THE MEMORY OF FISH IS AN AWARD-WINNING DOCUMENTARY PORTRAIT OF ONE MAN, THE WILD SALMON HE LOVES, AND HIS FIGHT TO FREE A RIVER.
Dick Goin and his family have been fed by the Elwha River's salmon since migrating to Washington's Olympic Peninsula during the Dust Bowl. Dick has never forgotten his debt to the fish — who have been steadily disappearing.
A pulp mill worker and master fisherman turned salmon advocate, Dick uses his memories and persistence to battle for the biggest dam removal project in U.S. history.
His goal: bring the salmon home.
Dick Goin and his family have been fed by the Elwha River's salmon since migrating to Washington's Olympic Peninsula during the Dust Bowl. Dick has never forgotten his debt to the fish — who have been steadily disappearing.
A pulp mill worker and master fisherman turned salmon advocate, Dick uses his memories and persistence to battle for the biggest dam removal project in U.S. history.
His goal: bring the salmon home.
Chehalis: A Watershed Moment
The future of the Washington state's most diverse river hangs by a thread. Faced with worsening floods and a prized salmon population on the brink of extinction, a changing climate can no longer be ignored.
Snag Boat Bend
Feb 7, 2022 Snag Boat Bend is a Unit of William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, located between Eugene and Corvallis on the floodplain of the Willamette River, in Oregon. This short documentary highlights the history, habitat importance, and restoration activities recently implemented in the area, as well as aquatic invasive weeds, and how individuals can help make a difference in protecting floodplain habitats for salmon and other wildlife species in the Willamette basin. Produced by Willamette Riverkeeper in partnership with Long Tom Watershed Council, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Friends of the Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex, with special thanks to River Design Group and Freshwaters Illustrated.
The New Way Forward:
California’s Chinook salmon population is in danger of going extinct. Governmental agencies, environmentalists and others are scrambling to find answers to reverse this potentially catastrophic outcome. Meanwhile, there may be a solution just beyond the riverbank. Discover how farmers, scientists and conservationists are coming together to use Northern California’s rice fields to create not only habitat for wild birds but to now help save the salmon.
Southern Resident Diet
om October through December SRKW diet is comprised of a mix of coho, Chinook, and chum salmon (this study). During the period from January to March further diversity in diet occurs (at least when the whales are in outer coast waters) to include steelhead and various non-salmonid fishes (this study)
Guardians of the River
Dec 17, 2020 In this film by American Rivers and Swiftwater Films, Indigenous leaders share why removing four dams to restore a healthy Klamath River is critical for clean water, food sovereignty and justice.
“Guardians of the River” features Frankie Joe Myers, Vice Chair of the Yurok Tribe, Sammy Gensaw, director of Ancestral Guard, Barry McCovey, fisheries biologist with the Yurok Tribe, and members of the Ancestral Guard and Klamath Justice Coalition.
“Guardians of the River” features Frankie Joe Myers, Vice Chair of the Yurok Tribe, Sammy Gensaw, director of Ancestral Guard, Barry McCovey, fisheries biologist with the Yurok Tribe, and members of the Ancestral Guard and Klamath Justice Coalition.
Videos & Podcasts
from Orca Month 2021
Orca Action Month kick-off event
Full recording of the kick-off webinar including all of the videos, and emceed by Alan Budwill.
Samish Blessing
Poet Laureate Rena Priest
Washington State Representative Debra Lekanoff
The 40th district includes San Juan County as well as portions of Whatcom and Skagit Counties.
Representative Jared Huffman
U.S. Congressman, Calfornia's 2nd District which encompasses the northern coast of the state.
History of Orca Month
with Orca Network founders Susan Berta and Howard Garrett.
Glass Bottom Boat Pilots in Training
Legendary Superpod - Lodie Budwill
Who are the Southern Resident Orcas - Katie Jones
History of Orca Survey - Ken Balcomb
Seattle Aquarium
Drone Video of Southern Residents
Presented by Michael Weiss, Field biologist with the Center for Whale Research.
Eba the Whale Dog & Dr. Deborah Giles
Killer Whale Paternity
With Michael Ford, NOAA
AT1 Chugach Transients - Craig Matkin
UK Orcas with Robb Lott WDC
Norwegian Orca Survey - Eve Jourdain
Orcas of Iceland - Filipa Samarra
Orcas of Strait of Gibraltar
Far East Russia Orca Project - Erich Hoyt
Familial Connections Among the Southern Residents
Monika Wieland Shields, Director and Founder talks about the family connections of the Southern Residents.