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Orcas in Puget Sound

Case Number # 5627

An extended family of orca whales has made Puget Sound and associated waters its home for thousands of years. Numbers have declined sharply in recent years but it took a win in court to prod the government into protecting them. Earthjustice is keeping a close watch.

Center for Biological Diversity
Earth Island Institute
Friends of the San Juans
Northwest Environmental Advocates
Ocean Advocates
Orca Conservancy
Ralph Munro
Patti Goldman

Press Releases

Industry Attempt to Strip Orca Protections Tossed by Federal Court
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Judge denies standing to farm, development interests
Puget Sound Designated as Critical Habitat for Orcas; Recovery Plan Presented
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Conservationists view designation and recovery plans as important steps toward revival of the orca population
Puget Sound Orcas Finally Protected Under the Endangered Species Act
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Whales protected by court order over resistance from the Bush administration
Puget Sound Orcas Will Be Protected Under Endangered Species Act
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Conservationists hail decision to protect orcas, demand Congress protect Endangered Species Act.
Puget Sound Orcas 'Significant'
Wednesday, December 17, 2003
Judge gives government a year to reconsider protecting resident orcas under the ESA
Motion for Summary Judgement Filed on Puget Sound Orcas
Friday, May 23, 2003
Conservationists fight determination that southern residents are "Not Significant"
Distressed Whales Highlight Potential Impacts of Exempting Military from Environmental Laws
Friday, May 9, 2003
Proposals would allow Navy ships to blast harmful sonar at will
Lawsuit Filed to Protect Puget Sound Orca Whales
Wednesday, December 18, 2002
New births signal there is still time to act
Lawsuit Would Challenge Government's Failure To Protect Puget Sound Orca Whales
Tuesday, August 6, 2002
Fisheries Service: resident whales in Puget Sound not "significant"