John,

It’s that time again! June is Orca Action Month in the Pacific Northwest.

Our theme this year is Clean Water, Healthy Futures. We're raising awareness about toxic chemicals that threaten orcas, salmon, and people alike—children of color and from low-income families are disproportionately harmed by toxic chemicals. We have actions you can take to promote clean water for all.

Celebrate Orca Month!

Here’s the problem: Toxic chemicals in tires, electronics, and plastics make their way into air, dust, and soil. Eventually, these toxics pollute the waters that orcas call home. For instance, University of Washington scientists even uncovered a chemical (6PPD) used in tires that breaks down into another chemical when it wears. When stormwater flows over those roads, it carries this new chemical into creeks, rivers and tributaries killing coho salmon, an important food source for orcas.

During Orca Action Month, we’ll call upon the Washington Department of Ecology to ban harmful chemicals like 6PPD from consumer products to keep our environment safe for both people and nature! Toxic pollution is one the main three threats facing the survival of the Southern Resident orca population.

Here are a few key Orca Action Month Events:

May 29, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.: Orca Action Month Opening webinar
June 8, 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. bird watch and 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.: We’re Coming Out: World Oceans Day Bird Watch & Beach Clean Up at The Sculpture Park in Seattle.
June 12: 6:30 to9:30 p.m. All Our Relations: Tribute to the Orca at the Seattle Aquarium.
June 27, 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.: Orca Action Month Culminating rally at Westlake Park, Seattle. Free Event with music, chalk art, speakers, and more.
All month long: Big River, Resilience & Renewal in the Columbia Basin | Book Launch throughout the region in Olympia, Seattle, Portland, Richland, Spokane, and Nelson, B.C.

Check out the full calendar to plan your June activities and make plans to join us and to take action!

Cheers!

Rein Attemann (he/him)
Puget Sound Campaign Senior Manager
Washington Conservation Action