Oregon Adopts New Plan to Recover Critically Endangered Orcas | Oceana

Victory | August 31, 2025

Oregon Adopts New Plan to Recover Critically Endangered Orcas

A new plan in Oregon will aid critically endangered Southern Resident Orcas, of which only 73 remain in the North Pacific Ocean. The management plan, adopted by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, addresses the greatest threats to the whales’ recovery, including lack of prey (Chinook salmon), vessel noise and disturbance, and pollution. Actions will include boosting Chinook salmon by restoring habitat and removing physical barriers for migrating fish, as well as protecting ocean waters from future activities, like dredging or construction, that could harm the orcas as they feed off the Oregon coast. Oceana advocated for this new plan, including a requirement to review the plan at least once every 5 years to assess effectiveness.