On April 2nd, Governor Christine Gregoire signed a proclamation declaring June as "Orca Awareness Month", to focus attention on the plight of the fragile Southern Resident Community of orcas, to honor their presence in our waters, and to speed up efforts to recover the population. The Southern Resident orcas were listed as Endangered under the Endangered Species Act in November 2005.

Major factors in the decline of the Southern Resident orca population include captures for marine parks in the 1960s and 70s, declining salmon runs, toxic pollution, loss of habitat, and increasing vessel traffic and noise levels in Puget Sound and the ocean.

To view the Governor's proclamation, click here.