June 21, 2019 — The United States and Canada are working together to save the endangered Southern resident orca.
The Southern Resident Killer Whale Task Force met for a second time this year for a review of the successful Legislature season and to discuss the group’s next steps on June 3 in Puyallup. Also, earlier this month, a new orca calf was spotted with J pod, the second baby to be sighted this year.
“A lot of good things have happened,” task force co-chair Stephanie Solien said. “Today is really a day to celebrate.”
There was significant progress made by the Legislature this year, Solien explained, with $933 million in actions passed related to Southern resident recovery.
“This funding is significant and will go a long way to helping in implementing our recommendations. And we thank the Legislature for that,” Solien said.
Solien said there are two more meetings scheduled for the task force, one in September and another in October, after which the group will make more suggestions to Gov. Jay Inslee. Over the summer, workgroups will gather to come up with ideas to present to the group during the September meeting.