Water, Water

Last November, something momentous occurred. A wild creature, beloved here in our Northwest waters, won a battle that had pitted nature against the even wilder playgrounds of politics and special interests.

Our orcas were granted desperately needed status as “endangered species.” The battle to bestow this ultimate protection began in 2001 when declining orca numbers inspired 12 environmental groups to petition for endangered status. This request was denied in favor of limited safeguards under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Environmentalists challenged this decision by suing in federal court.

So, why all the brou-ha-ha? Who wouldn’t want to save orcas? Well, it’s the same principle that always governs our stewardship of wild creatures and wild places: when conservation becomes a little inconvenient, forcing our dominant species to give up something, it’s automatically controversial and battle lines are drawn.

Today, after much political wrangling between the State Dept. of Fish and Wildlife and the National Marine Fisheries Service, orcas at last wear the endangered badge. How did they earn it?

In the 1970s, populations took a dive, partly thanks to the infamous aquarium round-ups. During the late 1990s, orca numbers took another dip. (Our resident pods currently number in the low 90s. Friday Harbor’s Center for Whale Research would like to see between 90 and 120 orcas in continuous residence in local waters.)

Blame for reduced populations of orcas lies partly with the decline of salmon, the whale’s preferred diet. Another culprit is contamination from industrial pollution, which reduces fertility and makes marine mammals vulnerable to disease. Boat traffic doesn’t help matters (I’ve watched orcas being harassed by smart alecs in speedboats), nor does Navy sonar which can disrupt whale communication.

Recently won endangered status requires authorities to:

1. devise and implement an orca recovery plan

2. protect critical orca habitat

3. clean up polluted hot spots in Puget Sound

4. tighten restrictions on whale-watchers

5. look more closely at the effects of Navy sonar testing

From time to time, some U.S. Senators have pressed for fewer limits on the flow of crude oil into the Sound, limits established by the late Sen. Warren Magnuson. If we’re smart enough to uphold current limits, implement the new orca protection plans and avoid a major toxic spill, we may be able to turn the tide and allow these intelligent mammals, as well as other forms of indigenous marine life, their time-honored niche in our regional waterways. What’s good for orcas is ultimately good for us.

Nancy Sefton is a marine naturalist living in North Kitsap.  She produces educational DVDs about the northwest environment, for regional schools.

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