I'm not good at writing, or at expressing my thoughts, so bear with me.
As World Orca Day comes to an end this year (at least in my timezone), I would like to share two points.
First—today is a day to share about orca conservation, their importance, and the threats that they (among other cetaceans) face.
This website explains it better than I can, but I will try to summarize.
Orcinus orca is a keystone species. Their impact reaches everywhere—both hemispheres, every ocean, most seas. They are apex predators that hunt everything from other whales, to seals, to sharks, to smaller fish like salmon. They keep ecosystems in check. Orcas are an indicator species; changes in their populations and habits can indicate broader ecosystem changes.
Of course, orcas have threats. Pollution—such as oil spills, heavy metals, and pesticides. Noise pollution affects their ability to communicate. Habitat destruction—activities like pile driving and bottom trawling destroys their homes. Entanglement in ghost nets, overfishing, boat traffic, and climate change all affect them.
Here are some organizations that help orca conservation (and cetacean conservation in general).
Orca Conservancy NFWF NOAA Marine Sanctuary
