Mourn Together with Tahlequah’s Loss

— from Stephanie Buffum, Executive Director, Friends of the San Juans–

After watching Tahlequah, the Southern Resident Orca, hold her dead calf above water for 17 painful days, she has rejoined her pod. Join others on August 28th at the Governor’s Task Force meeting in Anacortes at the Swinomish Casino and Resort from 10 am-5 pm. FREE BUS for islanders to/from ferry to Swinomish.

Southern Resident Killer Whale Recovery and Task Force Meeting August 28 – 10 am to 5 pm Swinomish Casino and Lodge, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes

Governor Inslee established the Southern Resident Killer Whale Recovery and Task Force this spring to determine the significant and immediate actions needed to protect and recover the SRKWs.

Members of the Legislature, the Government of Canada, representatives from tribal, federal, local and other state governments, the private sector and the non-profit sector participate in the Task Force along with designees from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Puget Sound Partnerships, and from multiple other state agencies.

The Task Force is charged with preparing a comprehensive report and recommendations for recovering Southern Residents by October 1, 2018, and a final report by November 1, 2018. The report should detail actions that will address all of the major threats to Southern Residents, including prey availability, toxic contaminants, and disturbance from noise and vessel traffic. A second report outlining the progress made, lessons learned, and outstanding needs will be completed by October 1, 2019.

Public Comments – Please use this link to submit any feedback or comments to the Southern Resident Killer Whale Task Force, or call: 360-902-4111.

Next Task Force meeting is October 18 ​In Lacey/Olympia (times and venue TBD)

More specific actions at www.sanjuans.org/action-center to learn more.