Orca Action Month to raise awareness of conservation needs for Southern Resident orcas

SALEM, Ore. – June in Oregon is the state’s annual Orca Action Month, kicking off an education and advocacy campaign to raise awareness of the issues facing Oregon’s Southern Resident orcas and the barriers to their population’s recovery.

“Orca Action Month” evolved from Orca Awareness Month, started by long-time orca education and advocacy group Orca Network. The month was created to bring together academics, advocates and orca enthusiasts to celebrate orcas and to educate people on the threats they’re facing. For almost 20 years, June has been proclaimed Orca Action Month by the Governor of Washington, and British Columbia and Oregon have joined the effort in recent years.

On May 22, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek declared June 2025 as Orca Action Month in Oregon. This comes at a time when Southern Resident orcas continue to struggle. To date, there’s only around 75 individuals alive while salmon runs in the Pacific Northwest – which are the primary food source for Southern Resident orcas – continue to decline. The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission voted unanimously in 2024 to list Southern Resident orcas as endangered under the state’s Endangered Species Act, which requires state agencies to develop a species management plan. The plan is expected to be completed in Fall 2025 and signals that Oregon is dedicated to safeguarding these marine mammals.

In response to the beginning of Orca Action Month, Environment Oregon’s Oceans Advocate, Ian Giancarlo, released the following statement:

“The Southern Resident orcas are a magnificent species that Oregon is lucky to share its state waters with. These intelligent, social creatures are essential to the marine ecosystem just off our coast, but without our help, their dwindling population faces an uphill climb. This June, offers all Oregonians the chance to come together in support of the Southern Resident orcas and to raise awareness about the need to increase the number of salmon runs they rely on.

“Governor Kotek’s leadership has been essential to raising awareness of the threats that our beloved orcas face. But now, the entire Pacific Northwest must take strong, decisive action and move towards removing the Snake River dams that prevent salmon runs from reaching their full abundance. A thriving marine environment with an ample food source for Southern Resident orcas is more than just achievable – it’s absolutely necessary. Without strong salmon runs, Oregon risks losing one of the species that makes our coastal waters so special.”