Clean water, healthy futures is theme of Orca Action Month in June

||| FROM ROSEMARY CONNELLI for ORCA NETWORK |||

About Orca Action Month:
Orca Awareness Month, started by long-time orca education and advocacy group Orca Network, was created to bring together researchers, advocates, and orca lovers everywhere to raise awareness of the threats facing these magnificent animals and
provide a community to celebrate them. Through partnership with the Orca Salmon Alliance, the celebration has since evolved into “Orca Action Month,” as awareness has gained traction and a rallying of community action is necessary to recover Southern
Resident orcas.

Theme:

This year’s Orca Month theme is Clean Water, Healthy Futures. Toxic pollution and contaminants in the environment are one of the three threats facing orcas. It comes from untreated stormwater pollution, industrial discharges, and legacy sources from decades
ago that are still persistent in the environment. With an abundance of policies addressing toxic pollutants in Washington State this year, along with rising concern over the tire chemical 6PPD-Q and increased focus on how environmental pollution disproportionately impacts low-income and BIPOC communities, this is an opportune time to raise awareness and collectively envision a clean water future. Throughout the month of June, event participants will learn about toxic substances threatening orcas, salmon, and people alike and will be empowered to take actions promoting healthier futures for all.

Pre-June Posts (get ready for Orca Action Month):

• Orca Action Month is almost upon us! Join us throughout the month of June for both virtual and live events. We’ll raise awareness about toxics threatening orcas, salmon, and people alike, take actions promoting healthier futures for all, and will
  share some success stories on clean water.
• Our Orca Month opening webinar will occur on Wednesday, May 29th at 5:30 pm PDT [link forthcoming]
• Go to www.orcamonth.com for more details, upcoming events, and registration information. Free and fun events designed for every type of orca-lover out there! Promote the opening webinar (May 29th, 5:30-6:30 pm PST):
• Join the Orca Salmon Alliance for Orca Action Month’s opening webinar on Wednesday, May 29th!
• This June marks the 18th annual celebration of Orca Month in Washington state and the eighth annual celebration in Oregon and British Columbia. Members of the Orca Salmon Alliance (OSA) are hosting events throughout the month to educate the public about the Southern Resident orca population and the challenges they face, including reduced Chinook salmon numbers, pollutants in the water, higher risk for oil spills, and noise and disturbance.
• Visit our website at orcamonth.com to learn more and to find events to participate in!
• Find info about additional Orca Month events throughout the month of June here: Events | Orca Action Month (orcamonth.com)