Keep Orca Whales on Endangered Species List

By Ona Coughlan

Target: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Goal: Ensure threatened Puget Sound orcas are not removed from endangered species list

The orcas of Puget Sound are different from other animals of their kind. They have distinct forms of communication, unique family groups, and only eat fish. There are three pods (84 animals) that live in the sound, and they make up only .2% of the total global orca population.

In 2005, the Puget Sound orcas were placed on the endangered species list. Pollution, warming oceans, and over-fishing have significantly cut into their numbers over the past few decades. With the listing, critical habitats were established for the animals, and fishing for the orca’s primary food became highly controlled. All of these regulations were put in place to ensure these unique animals do not go extinct.

Recently, however, the Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF), a non-profit that fights environmental laws, petitioned the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to remove the Puget Sound orcas from the endangered species list. The PLF argues that listing the orcas as endangered places too many regulations on fishing and water usage, resulting in reduced profits for Washington’s businesses. According to the PLF, these businesses should not have to lose money because a small number of marine mammals are on the decline.

The members of the PLF do not understand the importance of protecting the Puget Sound orcas. They are unique animals essential to the health of the sound’s ecosystem. If they are removed from the endangered species list, large shipping vessels will invade their habitat and their food will be over-fished. This should not happen in the name of profit. Tell the NOAA to keep the Puget Sound orcas listed as endangered and ensure that these rare and amazing creatures do not disappear forever.

PETITION LETTER

Dear National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,

The endangered Puget Sound orca pods are very special. They differ from others of their kind with their unique communication techniques, distinct family groups, and their desire to only eat fish. There are three pods (84 animals) that live in the sound, and they make up only 0.2% of the total global orca population.

The Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF) wants you to remove these marine animals from the endangered species list. They claim the listing places too many regulations on fishing and water usage, resulting in reduced profits for Washington’s businesses. According to the PLF, these businesses should not have to lose money because a small number of orcas are on the decline.

This thinking is callous and short-sighted. Large farms and fisheries make millions of dollars every year, and regulations in place to protect orcas are not driving them to bankruptcy. Business owners just want more money.

For the sake of rare, threatened animals around the globe, please keep the Puget Sound orcas on the endangered species list. Their habitat and food supply should not be destroyed for the sake of profit.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: vijay_SRV via Flickr