The comprehensive story of the decline of northwest orcas. This article was timed for international release immediately prior to the ESA petition listing on May 1, 2001. SeaWolf was a signatory to this petition. Reprint of an excellent synopsis of the current environmental impacts facing regional orcas by Vancouver Sun journalist Dawn Hanna. Citizen sign-on is requested for this effort.
Recent studies show toxic contamination is the problem.
This again underscores the need for more rigid protections and tanker escorts for this important marine ecosystem. California residents might wish to contact 11th Congressional District Congressman Richard Pombo and express opposition to his recent video address supporting whaling at the 2nd Annual meeting of the World Council for Whalers in Iceland. Japan has apparently retracted their plans to remove orcas from Norwegian waters. Personal communication with the High North Alliance suggests that a Russian capture will be planned sometime this summer, with the Chukotsky region being the likely source of orcas. The Makah Council has indicated that they will begin practising for a hunt this year once again, despite activist's attempts to block the hunt in 1998.