Orca Action Day

What’s black and white and formerly dreaded all over? Orcas, the increasingly popular members of the dolphin family. June marks Orca Action Month and to help celebrate, the American Cetacean Society-Oregon Chapter is hosting Orca Action Day at the Hatfield Marine Science Center Visitor Center this Saturday, June 28. 

The purpose of Orca Action Month is to highlight the urgent plight of Southern Resident orcas and empower the public to protect these magnificent Pacific Northwest icons. This year's theme is “Threads of Life: Connecting Orcas, People and the Future We Share.”

Explore the diverse ecotypes of orcas, with a special focus on the Southern Residents, delve into the critical threats they face and uncover actionable ways to protect both orcas and salmon. The event will feature engaging activities for all ages, including an orca ecotypes poster, an orca cut-out perfect for selfies, a real orca tooth for examination, informative handouts for adults and fun salmon cut-outs and orca coloring pages for children.

The Southern Resident orcas are a distinct subpopulation, ranging from the Salish Sea as far south as Monterey Bay, California, with members recently seen off the Oregon Coast in March. Their overall population has dwindled to fewer than 75 whales across their three pods. Primary threats include lack of prey, toxic contaminants and noise pollution. 

Orca Action Day will be held from 10 am to 3 pm at the Hatfield Marine Science Center Visitor Center, located at 2030 SE Marine Science Drive in Newport. Admission is $5 for those age 5 and older, which includes access to the event. For more information, go to acsonline.org.