75 life-sized dorsal fins on display for Orca Action Month

A community art project to raise awareness for the endangered Southern Resident killer whales

||| FROM MOLLIE SEGALL for ORCA BEHAVIOR INSTITUTE |||

The non-profit Orca Behavior Institute (OBI) is leading a community art project where 75 artists are creating 75 life-size dorsal fins, one for each living

Southern Resident killer whale. The Southern Resident population, made of J-, K-, and L-Pods, have now been on the Endangered Species List for just over 20 years, yet despite countless millions spent on research and recovery, their population has continued to decline.

“We have not done enough for these iconic whales,” said Monika Wieland Shields, co-founder and director of the Orca Behavior Institute. “Every action matters, but we have yet to tackle the most difficult and complex issues surrounding their lack of abundant prey. The majority of their year-round diet is Chinook salmon, and we need to find ways to help these wild salmon stocks recover.” According to census data from the Center for Whale Research, the Southern Resident population numbered 87 at the time of their endangered listing in 2005. In 2025, the census number was 74, with a calf born in December 2025 bringing that total to 75.

Historically, the central Salish Sea made up the core summer habitat for the endangered Southern Residents. More recently, they have shifted to spend more time on the outer coast in their search for salmon. “The Southern Residents may be out of sight, but they are never out of mind,” said Shields. “We want these dorsal fins to inspire people to learn more about these whales as individuals and families, and ultimately to take action to protect them.”

The dorsal fins, created out of everything from plywood and cardboard to metal and glass, will be on display for all of Orca Action Month (June 1-30, 2026) throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. A map of all the fin locations, details on how to sign up to create your own dorsal fin, and more information about the plight of the Southern Residents can be
found on the Orca Behavior Institute’s website HERE.