‘Give Them Space!’ Campaign Launched
Welcome to the Give The Space -Take the Pledge website! We launched the pledge campaign a month ago, inspired by the news that at least two female in the southern resident orca population were pregnant, including Tahlequah, the orca who so memorably lost and grieved her calf in 2018.
We sent letters to commercial operators and boaters asking them to take the pledge to protect the southern residents by staying one-half nautical mile away.
Two days later, Tahlequah had her calf. Two weeks later, Eclipse (J41) had also had a calf. The two best reasons to go all in for the orcas, and give them the space they need.
It’s not too late to save the southern residents, but it may be soon. Let’s give them the space they need to forage and rear their young, and the best possible chance to survive, and thrive. Here’s a few ways you can help:
Take the Pledge. Every pledge taker means more space and protection for the southern resident orcas. Soon the orcas will return to the central Sound, following Puget Sound chum runs. Help us make it easier for the whales to find food while they are here. Spread the word with Puget Sound boaters!
If you know any commercial whale-watching operators or naturalists, please encourage them to take this pledge and let them know why it matters to you.
Speak up for the Orcas! Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is developing a commercial whale-watching licensing program that must include rules to reduce noise and disturbance around the orcas. Rulemaking is underway and your voice matters. Go to the Take Action page to learn more.
Watch Whales From Shore. The Salish Sea is ringed with locations to watch southern residents and other marine mammals from shore. Check out The Whale Trail to find locations near you. Wear your mask, maintain social distancing, and bring binoculars!
Watch this space for posts from organizers, or news and updates we think will matter to you. If you have feedback or questions about this site, please send them my way.
Thank you for your support. We are all in this together, and the whales need us now more than ever.
