Watch the Video: 3/20 Protect What You Love Orca Event

On March 20 in Friday Harbor, Friends of the San Juans explored the plight of the Southern Resident orcas and engaged the community in actions that can help their recovery. Click here to watch the video of the full event.

Find out what the Southern Resident orcas need to survive and thrive including how San Juan County shorelines contribute to orca health; how many Chinook salmon are needed to support the population; how the Snake, Frasier, Columbia, Skagit and other river systems impact the orca; and the current status of state and federal legislation that would protect and recover Southern Resident orcas. Find out how to make your voice heard and how you can help protect and recover the Southern Resident orcas.

Click here to see the list of (and talking points for) elected officials and other leaders who need to hear from us regarding Southern Resident orca protection and recovery.

The featured speakers include Stephanie Buffum, Friends of the San Juans’ Executive Director, and Dr. Deborah Giles, Research Scientist for the University of Washington Center for Conservation Biology and Research Director for Wild Orca.

It wasn’t until 1979 that San Juan County got a comprehensive growth plan and that was largely due to the Friends of the San Juan’s being there to advocate for the shoreline and the ecosystem. Since then, there have been constant waves of pressure by developers. Friends have risen each time, fighting to protect this fragile and precious place.

Liza Michaelson

member, San Juan Island