Over the past couple of weeks Southern Resident orcas have been seen donning a fashion item not seen since the 1980’s: salmon hats.
Onlookers saw one of the orcas with a salmon perched on it’s head, and scientists and experts still aren’t certain why it’s happening. Some think it’s a way for them to carry food in areas where their primary food source Chinook salmon is scarce. Others think they do it simply for play. Regardless, it’s an important reminder that these marine mammals are complex, charismatic, and also imperiled.
A population survey done earlier this year estimated there were 73 Southern Resident orcas remaining. Since then, there have been a couple of deaths putting their population closer to 70 individuals. Scientists estimate that these numbers are not sustainable for the long term, and more needs to be done to get them up.
There are many factors contributing to the Southern Resident die off such as vessel noise and traffic, water pollution, but most prominently a lack of Chinook salmon. Some places in the Pacific Northwest have seen salmon runs decline by over 90% compared to historic levels and four problematic dams located along the Lower Snake River are one of the main causes.
If we’re to save charismatic Southern Resident orcas, who wear salmon hats for whatever reason, breaching these dams need to be part of the solution.
Join us in our fight to get our federal officials to remove the four problematic dams along the Lower Snake.
