SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is teaming up with a nonprofit to help give statewide protection to the southern resident orca under Oregon’s Endangered Species Act.
The Center for Biological Diversity filed a petition in February to give this orca endangered species protection on the state level for Oregon. Currently, the southern resident orca is protected federally and under the state of Washington. A listing in the state of Oregon would require state agencies to develop a plan to protect the species.
Several factors are threatening the southern resident orca, the total population of which is now at 73. The species feeds on Chinook salmon, who have suffered from a population decline in recent years. Pollutants and noise from vessels on the coast of Oregon and California also disturb the orca way of life and underwater communication.
“Orcas, because they’re at the top of the …