The Southern Resident Orcas of the Puget Sound off of Washington state were added to the Endangered Species List in Noveber 2005.

First, unlike other types of Orcas, the Resident Orcas of the Puget sound are believed to be exclusively fish eaters. The primary diet of the Resident Orcas is salmon. As salmon populations decrease, Orcas suffer.

Second, he Puget Sound has become increasingly polluted with a toxin called PCBs. Some stranded Orcas have been studied, and their bodies show levels of PCBs that are dangerous to their health. Another toxin called PBDE is one of the newer threats to Orcas in the Puget Sound.

Finally, the waters of the Puget Sound are becoming busier with marine traffic. All of the boat traffic causes noise, water disturbance, and exhaust fumes that are damaging to Orcas. The underwater noise is particularly damaging, as Orcas use echolocation and sound waves to locate food.

Several conservation groups, however, are starting to make a difference. Laws and regulations are being passed which help protect the Orca habitat. There are also things that we can do to help:

• Reduce energy use
• Reduce water use
• Reduce Pollution
• Make other people aware of the problems facing Orca populations