Strengthening recovery actions for Southern Resident killer whales
Independent Science Panel on SRKW Recovery (2025). Strengthening recovery actions for Southern Resident killer whales. https://doi.org/10.70766/32.7300
The recommendations in this report were developed by a panel of killer whale, salmon, and conservation scientists. The workshop participants were: Lance Barrett-Lennard, Tanya Brown, Maithili Devdas, Allison Dennert, Graeme Ellis, Holly Fearnbach, John Ford, Cameron Freshwater, Nick Gayeski, Deborah Giles, Hussein Alidina, Ruth Joy, Michael Jasny, Eve Jourdain, Misty MacDuffee, Paul Paquet, Amy Rowley, Peter Ross, Dave Rosen, Paul Tixier, Dominic Tollit, Jared Towers, Jennifer Tennessen, Peter Thompson, Sheila Thornton, Scott Toews, Valeria Vergara, Michael Weiss, Rob Williams, Brianna Wright, Jeffery Young.
Executive summary
An ad hoc science panel was convened in Vancouver, Canada from March 4-6, 2025, to address the conservation and recovery of the endangered Southern Resident killer whale (SRKW) population – which, as of the July 2024 census, numbered only 73 individuals. The panel assembled 31 international experts from universities, government agencies, and NGOs across Canada, the United States, and the European Union to assess the efficacy and limitations of existing threat-reduction strategies, and propose new or revised measures. Their expertise covered a range of disciplines, including killer whale biology, health and behaviour, Chinook salmon ecology and habitat, underwater noise, ecotoxicology, and conservation science all in support of an ecosystem-level approach to the discussions.
Prey limitation remains the primary constraint on SRKW recovery, and the panel deemed current government initiatives on both sides of the Canada – US border to address this issue to be insufficient. Their recommendations encompass maintaining SRKW priority access to Fraser River early stream-type Chinook salmon through fishing closures, identifying seasonal and annual Chinook abundance thresholds based on daily prey energetic requirements and implementing a management framework for late summer and fall if abundance thresholds are not met, and considering fishery management actions to increase Chinook salmon size and age at maturity.
Undersea noise emanating from anthropogenic sources continues to pose a significant impediment to the population’s recovery, exacerbating the impact of prey limitation by interfering with echolocation and successful foraging. Consequently, the panel recommended the prompt finalization and implementation of meaningful underwater noise reduction targets that are biologically relevant to SRKWs. Additional recommendations included expanding the geographic and temporal scope of existing large vessel slowdown areas, establishing noise output standards for large commercial vessels, and increasing Canada’s small vessel avoidance distance from SRKW to 1,000 m without delay – harmonizing with the 1,000 yds (914 m) buffer already in effect in Washington State.
A third risk factor, exposure to extremely high levels of contaminants, was also addressed. Specific recommendations include strengthening existing chemical regulations and their enforcement, the development of environmental quality guidelines for contaminants of greatest concern to SRKW and their primary prey, the enforced elimination of legacy polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) still in use in closed applications, and the introduction of new regulations and source control measures that will reduce contaminant releases into SRKW habitat or that of their anadromous prey.
The panel emphasized that most of its recommendations could be implemented without further study, but nonetheless developed a targeted list of research priorities to assist in refining and informing additional conservation measures over time. These priorities include: establishing biologically-consequential thresholds for poor body condition based on other health indicators; developing a refined index of salmon abundance that reflects salmon prey preferences; continuing studies on noise effects on foraging and investigating non-foraging impacts of noise on salmon; expanding prey fragment and faecal genetic sampling efforts to improve dietary insights; determining optimal soundscapes for salmon and quantifying loss of habitat quality from anthropogenic sound inputs; continuing social and demographic research to support understanding of population integrity; addressing knowledge gaps regarding the amount, type, and location of pesticide use and their adjuvants; and including animal longevity, trophic level, and habitat use as features to consider in the scrutiny and regulation of chemicals, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals.
Summary of recommendations
Recommendations for improving quality, abundance, and access to prey
1 | To support SRKW access to lipid rich prey and recover at-risk stream-type Chinook salmon, maintain low marine harvest rates in fisheries (1-5%) or reduce higher harvest rates to this level, until exploitation rate and recovery analyses identify appropriate quantitative targets. |
2 | Review and refine the size, location, and timing of fishery closures in Critical Habitat to ensure alignment with SRKW foraging areas, and implement precautionary buffers s. |
3 | Identify thresholds of seasonal and annual prey energy requirements of SRKW and implement a protocol for fishery closures when prey requirements for ocean-type Chinook drop below thresholds. |
4 | Recognizing the value of wild salmon as prey, use of hatchery salmon should ensure production aligns with SRKW prey preferences, particularly run timing, fat content, size and age of the adult Chinook salmon, and prioritizes production for SRKWs over fisheries needs. |
5 | Assess benefits of shifting marine fisheries to terminal areas (i.e., terminus of salmon migration where immature Chinook are not encountered) to increase Chinook abundance, restore larger prey, and enhance SRKW access prior to fisheries. |
6a | Protect freshwater habitat and improve Chinook productivity by ensuring thresholds for critical environmental flows are met, and if they are not, adjust annual harvest plans accordingly. |
6b | Restore fish passage to historical freshwater habitats to support Chinook population recovery by removing or modifying dams, floodgates and culverts. |
Recommendations for reducing acoustic and physical disturbance
7 | Develop and implement regional noise reduction targets that reflect SRKWs’ need for quiet time, communication space and echolocation ability, and make them a requirement for future development approvals. |
8 | Implement enforceable noise output standards to large commercial vessels, focusing particularly on the noisiest vessel classes that disproportionately contribute to underwater noise. |
9 | Strengthen operational quieting measures for large commercial ships by applying an 11-knot slowdown to all classes, expanding slowdown zones, adopting a seasonal approach that is fixed in summer and responsive to whale presence in winter, and testing tidal lift strategies.Improve dynamic whale avoidance measures through expanded WRAS data inputs, vessel notifications of whale presence, and predictive whale forecasting tools, especially for ferries. |
10 | Advance quieter engine and propeller technologies for small vessels and mandate manufacturer-provided controls to reduce echosounder noise, including switching to frequencies beyond SRKW hearing range. |
11 | Extend Canada’s SRKW vessel approach distance to 1,000 m and improve small vessel compliance through better education, enforcement and Class B AIS requirements. |
12 | Evaluate and redesign Vessel Restricted Zones (formerly Interim Sanctuary Zones) to better align with SRKW foraging hotspots such as the mouth of the Fraser and improve enforcement to maximize conservation benefits. |
13 | Refine measures to reduce noise and disturbance on Swiftsure Bank by analyzing noise sources and relocating mid-water trawl fisheries to reduce competition, bycatch risk and disturbance. |
14 | Mandate AIS use for licensed small vessels operating in SRKW critical habitat to improve compliance with whale avoidance measures. |
15 | Phase out Southern Gulf Islands anchorages to eliminate avoidable noise from bulk carriers and improve port arrival management practices to reduce anchoring needs. |
16 | Adopt a lateral shift in the Strait of Georgia Traffic Separation Scheme to reduce underwater noise near key SRKW foraging areas. |
Recommendations for reducing priority contaminant discharges
17 | Eliminate all chemicals that accumulate in SRKW food chains, particularly those with high fat solubility (log Kow >5), even if not currently designated as toxic. |
18 | Advance remediation of contaminated sites in salmon habitats through a Canada-B.C.-First Nations working group and expanded monitoring. |
19a | Improve chemical review and approval processes to reflect SRKW-specific vulnerabilities, including long lifespan, high trophic level and bioaccumulation risks, and wide-ranging habitat use. |
19b | Prioritize the review of new and emerging contaminants of concern, including the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) |
20 | Prioritize water quality in freshwater Chinook salmon habitats by addressing key sources of contamination including road runoff, pesticides and wastewater. |
21 | Remove loopholes in vessel wastewater regulations that allow cruise ships to discharge greywater and sewage into SRKW habitat and improve inspection and enforcement. |
22 | Eliminate scrubber wastewater discharges from large vessels and ban heavy fuel oils in Canada’s territorial waters to reduce toxic pollution in SRKW habitat. |
23 | Review and update provincial regulations for disposal of biosolids and improve monitoring of contaminants of concern such as PFAS, PAHs, pharmaceuticals and microplastics prior to any land application. New or existing guidelines should be applied to these contaminants if biosolids are to be used by farms, forests or mines in B.C. watersheds. |
24 | Require full disclosure and environmental evaluation of all adjuvants in pesticide formulations to assess their risk to salmon and SRKWs. |
25 | Improve stormwater management by creating an intergovernmental panel that incorporates emerging contaminant science into policy and mitigation. |
26 | Review and improve oil spill response plans and transparency, ensuring vessel inspections, tug escorts, pilot awareness and trained Indigenous Guardians. |
1. Introduction
Southern Resident killer whales (SRKWs, Orcinus orca) are a small and declining population of fish-eating killer whales that inhabit the waters of the NE Pacific Ocean along the west coasts of Canada and the U.S. As of the most recent census conducted by the Center for Whale Research in July 2024, there were only 73 individuals in this reproductively-isolated population, underscoring its vulnerability and the urgency of recovery efforts. The principal prey for SRKWs is Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), but they also feed on coho (O. kisutch) and chum salmon (O. keta), and to a lesser extent on non-salmonids, such as Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis), English sole (Parophrys vetulus) and sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria). This population has a high probability of extinction under current conditions (Williams et al. 2024). It faces multiple, interacting, and potentially synergistic threats that jeopardize its survival. As such, the population is listed as Endangered under both the Species at Risk Act (SARA; Canada) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA; U.S.). Despite the implementation of a number of protection measures since 2019 in both countries, the population has not demonstrated discernible signs of recovery — such as higher reproductive success (successful pregnancies and calf survival), improved body condition, or population growth. This underscores the urgent need for more robust actions based on the latest scientific research.
This workshop was convened as an independent, science-focused forum to:
- evaluate the current state of the SRKW population;
- assess the effectiveness of existing management measures; and
- identify the most effective pathways for recovery.
Unlike stakeholder forums that weigh recovery measures within the context of economic interests and policy constraints, this workshop was designed to prioritize science- and evidence-based solutions for the survival and recovery of the SRKW population. While acknowledging the complexities of implementation and political feasibility, participants remained focused on measures necessary to support SRKW survival, rather than those that are politically expedient.
We convened 31 scientists from diverse disciplines and sectors, including universities, government agencies and NGOs in Canada, the U.S., France and Norway to provide an ecosystemic basis for discussions on the plight of SRKWs. The group included specialists in killer whale biology, health and behaviour, Chinook salmon ecology, salmon habitat, underwater noise and ecotoxicology. These participants reviewed and discussed SRKW population status and health indicators by considering published and unpublished research. The panel also assessed current threat-reduction strategies, their successes and limitations, and areas where enhanced conservation measures are required. Based on this analysis, participants developed a set of science-based recommendations to address SRKW recovery through increased prey availability, noise reduction, and toxic contaminant mitigation (for ease of reference, a table summarizing the full set of recommendations is included in the summary of recommendations).
These recommendations reflect the best available data and ecological understanding, emphasizing long-term, cross-border conservation strategies that support the sustained recovery of this population. Although the recommended measures target key threats to SRKWs, their implementation will likely benefit other species and ecological processes by reducing underwater noise (which also supports other acoustically sensitive invertebrates, fish and mammals), improving salmon habitat (which sustains diverse wildlife and coastal ecosystems), and enhancing water quality (which benefits entire food webs and human communities).
This report summarizes the outcomes of these discussions and outlines critically important and effective measures to support recovery of the SRKW population. In addition to management recommendations, the report highlights research priorities that are deemed essential to support the implementation of effective recovery measures. We anticipate that this report will serve as both an immediate resource and the foundation for a forthcoming peer-reviewed manuscript, which will provide a comprehensive roadmap for promoting the long-term survival of this endangered population.
Throughout this process, the guiding principle was clear: be hard on the problem, not on the people. The gravity of the SRKW crisis today demands urgent, bold, and decisive action for recovery. This report outlines the path forward — the actions that must be taken to prevent extinction and rebuild a resilient SRKW population.
Read the rest of the report (PDF)
Works cited
Alava, J.J., Ross, P.S., Lachmuth, C.L., Ford, J.K.B., Hickie, B.E. and Gobas, F.A.P.C. 2012. Habitat-based PCB environmental quality criteria for the protection of endangered killer whales (Orcinus orca). Environ. Sci. & Tech., 46: 12655-12663. https://doi.org/10.1021/es303062q
Atlas, W. I., Sloat, M.R., Satterthwaite, W.H., Buehrens, T., Parken, C.K., Moore, J.W., Mantua, N.,Hart, J., & Potapova, A. (2023). Trends in Chinook salmon spawner abundance and total run size highlight linkages between life history, geography and decline. Fish & Fisheries, 24, 595–617. https://doi.org/10.1111/faf.12750
Atlas, W.I., Ban, N.C., Moore, J.W., Tuohy, A.M., Greening, S., Reid, A.J., Morven, N., White, E., Housty, W.G., Housty, J.A. Service, C.N., Greba, L. Harrison, S., Sharpe, C., Butts, C.I.R., Shepert, W.M., Sweeney-Bergen, E., Macintyre, D., Sloat, M.R., Connors, K. 2021. Indigenous Systems of Management for Culturally and Ecologically Resilient Pacific Salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) Fisheries, BioScience, Vol 71, Issue 2, Pages 186–204, https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biaa144
Bigg, M.A. (1982). An assessment of killer whale (Orcinus orca) stocks off Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Report of the International Whaling Commission, 32, 655–666.
Bigg, M.A., Olesiuk, P.F., Ellis, G.M., Ford, J.K.B., & Balcomb, K.C. (1990). Social organization and genealogy of resident killer whales (Orcinus orca) in the coastal waters of British Columbia and Washington State. Report of the International Whaling Commission, Special Issue 12, 383–405.
Brown, T.M., Reger, S., Liao, X., Gallilee, C. (2023). Identifying and characterizing tire-related chemical (6PPD-quinone) toxic hotspots in salmon habitat in British Columbia, Canada. Canadian Ecotoxicology Workshop, Ottawa, Ontario, October 2-5.
Brown, T.M., Thornton, S., Xiao, X., Ross, A., Warner, A., & Barrett-Lennard, L. (2025). Contaminant associated health effects revealed through a non-invasive metabolomics platform in at-risk killer whales in the Northeastern Pacific. 5th international symposium on orcas, Tarifa, Spain, February 16-25.
Buckman, A.H., Veldhoen, N., Ellis, G., Ford, J.K.B., Helbing, C., and Ross, P.S. 2011. PCB-associated changes in mRNA expression in killer whales (Orcinus orca) from the NE Pacific Ocean. Environ. Sci. & Tech. 45: 10194-10202. https://doi.org/10.1021/es201541j
Burnham, R.E., Vagle, S., Thupaki, P. & Thornton, S.J. (2023). Implications of wind and vessel noise on the sound fields experienced by southern resident killer whales Orcinus orca in the Salish Sea. Endang. Species Res., 50, 31–46. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01217
Chilcote, M.W., Goodson, K.W. & Fallacy, M.R. (2011). Reduced recruitment performance in natural populations of anadromous salmonids associated with hatchery-reared fish. Can. J. of Fish & Aq. Sci. 68(3): 511-522. https://doi.org/10.1139/F10-168
COSEWIC. (2018). COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), Designatable Units in Southern British Columbia (Part One – Designatable Units with no or low levels of artificial releases in the last 12 years). Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/species-risk-public-registry.html
COSEWIC. (2020). COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), Designatable Units in Southern British Columbia (Part Two – Designatable Units with high levels of artificial releases in the last 12 years). Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/species-risk-public-registry.html
CRITFC. 2014. Spirit of Salmon 2014 Plan Update. Wy-Kan-Ush-Mi Wa-Kish-Wit. Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. Available at: https://plan.critfc.org/2013/spirit-of-the-salmon-plan/about-spirit-of-the-salmon/wy-kan-ush-mi-wa-kish-wit-update/
Cullon, D.L., Yunker, M.B., Alleyne, C., Dangerfield, N.J., O’Neill, S., Whiticar, M.J., and Ross, P.S. 2009. Persistent organic pollutants in chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha): implications for resident killer whales of British Columbia and adjacent waters. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 28: 148-161. https://doi.org/10.1897/08-125.1
Desforges, J.P., Hall, A., McConnell, B., Asvid, A.R., Barber, J.L., Brownlow, A., De Guise, S., Eulaers, J., Jepson, P.D., Letcher, R.J., Levin, M., Ross, P.S., Samarra, F., Víkingson, G., Sonne, C., Dietz, R. 2018. Predicting global killer whale population collapse from PCB pollution. Science 361: 1373-1376. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aat1953
DFO. 2020. Recovery Potential Assessment for 11 Designatable Units of Fraser River Chinook Salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, Part 1: Elements 1 to 11. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2020/023.
DFO. 2021. Recovery Potential Assessment for 11 Designatable Units of Fraser River Chinook Salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, Part 2: Elements 12 to 22. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2021/030.
DFO. 2025. Southern Resident Killer Whale Prey Selectivity in Relation to Chinook Salmon Stock and Size Composition within Canadian Critical Habitat. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2025/016.
Dolman, J. N., Matthews, M.-N. R., Hannay, D. E., Grooms, C. H., & Li, Z. (2024). Vessel underwater radiated noise (URN) analysis in support of Underwater Vessel Noise Reduction Targets (UVNRT) Working Group. Technical report by JASCO Applied Sciences for Transport Canada Innovation Centre.
Emmons, C. K., Hanson, M. B., & Lammers, M. O. (2021). Passive acoustic monitoring reveals spatiotemporal segregation of two fish-eating killer whale (Orcinus orca) populations in proposed critical habitat. Endang. Species Res., 44. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01099
Environment Canada. 1999. Health of the Fraser River Aquatic Ecosystem Vol. I: A Synthesis of Research Conducted under the Fraser River Action Plan. Eds: Gray, C. Tuominen, T. In 1998; Vol. DOE FRAP 1998‐11.
Erbe, C., Marley, S.A., Schoeman, R.P., Smith, J.N., Trigg, L.E. & Embling, C.B. (2019). The effects of ship noise on marine mammals-A review. Front. Mar. Sci, 6, 606. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2019.00606
Fairchild, W.L., Swansburg, E.O., Arsenault, J.T., & Brown, S. (1999). Does an association between pesticide use and subsequent declines in catch of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) represent a case of endocrine disruption? Env. Health Persp. 107: 349 – 358. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.99107349
Fearnbach, H., Durban, J. W., Barrett-Lennard, L. G., Ellifrit, D. K., & Balcomb, K. C. (2020). Evaluating the power of photogrammetry for monitoring killer whale body condition. Mar. Mam. Sci., 36, 359–364. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12642
Fearnbach, H., Durban, J.W., Ellifrit, D.K. & Balcomb, K.C.. (2018). Using aerial photogrammetry to detect changes in body condition of endangered southern resident killer whales. Endang. Species Res. 35: 175–180. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00883
Fearnbach H., Durban, J.W., Ellifrit, D.K., & Balcomb K.C. (2011). Size and long-term growth trends of Endangered fish-eating killer whales. Endang. Species Res. 13:173-180 https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00330
Fearnbach, H. & Durban, J. W. (2022). Final Programmatic Report to National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Monitoring the Nutritional Health of Southern Resident Killer Whales for Management (WA). Grant 66318.
Findlay, C. R., Rojano-Doñate, L., Tougaard, J., Johnson, M. P., & Madsen, P. T. (2023). Small reductions in cargo vessel speed substantially reduce noise impacts to marine mammals. Sci. Advances, 9, eadf2987. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adf2987
Finn, Riley J.R, Chalifour, L., Gerge, S.E., Hinch, SG.. Scott, D.C .& Martin, TG. (2021). Quantifying lost and inaccessible habitat for Pacific salmon in Canada’s Lower Fraser River. Ecosphere 12, no. 7: e03646. https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.3646
Fisheries and Oceans Canada. (2025). Southern Resident Killer Whale prey selectivity in relation to Chinook salmon stock and size composition within Canadian critical habitat. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2025/016).
Ford, J.K.B., Wright, B.M., Ellis, G.M. & Candy, J.R. (2010). Chinook salmon predation by resident killer whales: Seasonal and regional selectivity, stock identity of prey, and consumption rates. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2009/101.
Ford, J.K.B., Pilkington, J.F., Reira, A., Otsuki, M., Gisborne, B., Abernethy, R. M., Stredulinsky, E. H., Towers, J. R. & Ellis, G.M. (2017). Habitats of special importance to resident killer whales (Orcinus orca) off the west coast of Canada. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep., 2017/035, viii + 57 pp.
Gayeski, N., Tuohy, A. & Jorgenson, A. (2020). Evaluation of pound nets as stock selective fishing tools in the lower Columbia River basin. Final Report prepared for NOAA Fisheries Service Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program (BREP). Wild Fish Conservancy.
Gayeski, N., Swanson, D., MacDuffee, M. & Rosenberger, A. (2024). Productivity and resilience of Chinook salmon compromised by ‘Mixed-Maturation’ fisheries in marine waters. bioRxiv. preprint https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.04.25.591098
Gronsdahl, S., Moore, R.D., Rosenfeld, J., McCleary, R. & Winkler, R. (2019). Effects of forestry on summertime low flows and physical fish habitat in snowmelt-dominant headwater catchments of the Pacific Northwest. Hydrolog. Processes, 33(21), 3152–3168. https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.13580
Government of Canada. (2018). Southern resident killer whale: Imminent threat assessment. Assessment prepared under the Species at Risk Act. https://www.canada.ca
Government of Canada. (2024). Southern resident killer whale (Orcinus orca): Imminent threat assessment 2024. Assessment prepared under the Species at Risk Act. https://www.canada.ca
Government of Canada. (2025). Government of Canada’s approach to addressing the imminent threats to killer whale, Northeast Pacific southern resident population. Decision issued under the Species at Risk Act. https://www.canada.ca
Hall, A.J., McConnell, B.J., Schwacke, L.H., Ylitalo, G.M., Williams, R. and Rowles, T.K., (2018). Predicting the effects of polychlorinated biphenyls on cetacean populations through impacts on immunity and calf survival. Environ. Poll., 233, 407-418. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2017.10.074
Hanson, M.B., Baird, R.W., Ford, J.K.B., Hempelmann-Halos, J., Van Doornik, D M., Candy, J.R., Emmons, C.K., Schorr, G.S., Gisborne, B., Ayres, K.L., Wasser, S.K., Balcomb, K.C., Balcomb-Bartok, K., Sneva, J.G. & Ford, M.J. (2010). Species and stock identification of prey consumed by endangered Southern Resident killer whales in their summer range. Endang. Species Res. , 11, 69–82. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00263
Hanson, M.B., Emmons, C.K., Ford, M.J., Everett, M., Parsons, K., Park, L. K., et al. (2021). Endangered predators and endangered prey: Seasonal diet of Southern Resident killer whales. PLoS ONE, 16(3), e0247031. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0247031
Harris K.A., Dangerfield N., Woudneh M., Brown T.G., Verrin S. & Ross, P.S. (2008). Partitioning of current-use and legacy pesticides in salmon habitat in British Columbia, Canada. Environ. Toxicol. & Chem. 27:2253-2262. https://doi.org/10.1897/07-651.1
Holbert, S., Colbourne, K. Fisk, A.T.. Ross, P.S., MacDuffee, M., Gobas, F.A.P.C., Brown, T.M. (2024). Polychlorinated biphenyl and polybrominated diphenyl ether profiles vary with feeding ecology and marine rearing distribution among 10 Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) stocks in the North Pacific Ocean. Environ. Res. Vol 241. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2023.117476
Holt, M.M., Tennessen, J.B., Ward, E.J., Hanson, M.B., Emmons, C.K., Giles, D.A., & Hogan, J.T. (2021a). Effects of vessel distance and sex on the behavior of endangered killer whales. Front. Mar. Sci., 7, 582182. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.582182
Holt, M.M., Tennessen, J.B., Hanson, M.B., Emmons, C.K., Giles, D.A., Hogan, J.T. & Ford, M.J. (2021b). Vessels and their sounds reduce prey capture effort by endangered killer whales (Orcinus orca). Mar. Environ. Res., 170, 105429. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105429
IMO Secretariat. (2023). Outcome of the workshop on the relationship between energy efficiency and underwater radiated noise from ships. IMO Document SDC 10/INF.3.
Jarvela-Rosenberger, A.L., MacDuffee, M., Rosenberger A.G.J., Ross, P. 2017. Oil spills and marine mammals in British Columbia, Canada: development and application of a risk-based conceptual framework. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 73: 131-153.
Joy, R., Tollit, D., Wood, J., MacGillivray, A., Li, Z., Trounce, K. & Robinson, O. (2019). Potential benefits of vessel slowdowns on endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales. Front. Mar. Sci., 6, 344. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2019.00344
King, M.D., Rodgers, T.F.M., Sharma, G., Reger, S., Liao, X., Ross, A.R.S., Mueller, M., Drew, S., Scholes, R.C. & Brown, T.M. 2025. Tracking 6PPD-Quinone dynamics in a coho salmon-bearing stream following rain reveals elevated concentrations for multi hour periods during high flow. Env. Sci & Tech. Letters. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.estlett.5c00477.
Krahn M.M., Hanson, M.B., Baird R.W,. Boyer R.H., Burrows D.G., Emmons C.K., Ford J.K, Jones L.L, Noren D.P., Ross P.S., Schorr G.S. & Collier T.K. (2007). Persistent organic pollutants and stable isotopes in biopsy samples (2004/2006) from Southern Resident killer whales. Mar. Poll. Bull. 54(12):1903-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2007.08.015
Lo, B., Marlatt, V.L., Liao, X., Reger, S., Gallilee, C. Ross, A.R.S., Brown, T.M. 2023. Acute Toxicity of 6PPD‐Quinone to Early Life Stage Juvenile Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and Coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) Salmon, Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 42: 815–822. https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.5568
Lerner, J.E., & Hunt, B.P.V. (2023). Seasonal variation in the lipid content of Fraser River Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and its implications for Southern Resident Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) prey quality. Sci. Reports, 13, 2675. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-28321-9
Levin, P.S., Zabel, R.W. & Williams, J.G. (2001). The road to extinction is paved with good intentions: Negative association of fish hatcheries with threatened salmon. Proc R. Soc. B: Bio Sci. , 268(1472), 1153–1158. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2001.1634
Lundin, J.I., Dills, R.L., Ylitalo, G.M., Hanson, M.B., Emmons, C.K., Schorr, G.S., Ahmad, J., Hempelmann, J.A., Parsons, K.M. & Wasser, S.K. (2016). Persistent organic pollutant determination in killer whale scat samples: Optimization of a gap chromatography/mass spectrometry method and application to field samples. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 70: 9-19. DOI: 10.1007/s00244-015-0218-8
MacDonald, D., Sinclair, J., Crawford, M., Prencipe, H., Meneghetti, M. (2011). Potential effects of contaminants on Fraser River sockeye salmon. MacDonald Environmental Sciences Ltd. Cohen Commission Tech. Rep. 2: 164p & appendices. Vancouver, B.C. www.cohencommission.ca.
MacGillivray, A.O., Li, Z., Hannay, D.E., Trounce, K.B., & Robinson, O.M. (2019). Slowing deep-sea commercial vessels reduces underwater radiated noise. J. Acoust. Soc. Am., 146(1), 340–351. https://doi.org/10.1121/1.5116140
MacGillivray, A.O., Stothart, F.M.C., Grooms, C.H., Li, Z. & Zykov, M.M. (2025). Ocean noise contributors in southern resident killer whale habitat. Mar. Poll. Bull., 215, 117859. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117859
McIntyre, J.K., Davis, J.W., Hinman, C., Macneale, K.H., Anulacion, B.F., Scholz, N.L. & Stark, J.D. (2015). Soil bioretention protects juvenile salmon and their prey from the toxic impacts of urban stormwater runoff. Chemosphere, 132, 213–219. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.12.052
Manishin K.A., Cunningham C.J., Westley P.A.H. & Seitz A.C. (2021). Can late-stage marine mortality explain observed shifts in age structure of Chinook salmon? PLOS ONE 16:e0247370 https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0247370
McKenna, M.F., Wiggins, S.M., & Hildebrand, J.A. (2013). Relationship between container ship underwater noise levels and ship design, operational, and oceanographic conditions. Sci. Reports, 3, 1760. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep01760
McMillan, J.R., Morrison, B., Chambers, N., Ruggerone, G., Bernatchez, L., Stanford, J. et al. (2023). A global synthesis of peer-reviewed research on the effects of hatchery salmonids on wild salmonids. Fish. Mgmt & Ecol., 30, 446–463. https://doi.org/10.1111/fme.12643
Meador, J.P., Sommers, F.C., Yitalo, G. & Sloan, C. (2006). Altered growth and related physiological responses in juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) from dietary exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Can. J. of Fish. & Aq. Sci.. 63. 2364-2376. https://dx.doi.org/10.1139/f06-127
Meador, J.P. (2014). Do chemically contaminated river estuaries in Puget Sound (Washington, USA) affect survival rate of hatchery‐reared Chinook salmon? Can. J. of Fish & Aq. Sci.. 71: 162‐180. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfas-2013-0130
Meador, J.P. (2015). Tissue Concentrations as the dose metric to assess potential toxic effects of metals in field‐collected fish: copper and cadmium. Env. Toxicology & Chem. 34(6): 1309‐1319. https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.2910
Meador, J.P., Yeh, A., Gallagher, E.P. (2018). Adverse metabolic effects in fish exposed to contaminants of emerging concern in the field and laboratory. Environ. Pollut. 236: 850‐861. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2018.02.007
Muir, D.C.G. and Howard, P.H. (2006). Are there other Persistent Organic Pollutants? A challenge for environmental chemists. Environ. Sci. & Technology 2006, 40, 23, 7157–7166. https://doi.org/10.1021/es061677a
Murchy, K.A., Vagle, S. & Juanes, F. (2022). Anchored bulk carriers have substantial impacts on the underwater soundscape in Cowichan Bay, British Columbia. Mar. Poll. Bull., 182, 113921. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113921
Nattrass, S., Croft, D.P., Ellis, S., Cant, M.A., Weiss, M.N., Wright, B.M., Stredulinsky, E., Doniol- Valcroze, T., Ford, J.K.B., Balcomb, K.C., & Franks, D.W. (2019). Post Reproductive killer whale grandmothers improve the survival of their grandoffspring. Proceed. of the Nat. Acad.of Sci. of the U.S.A. 116(52), 26669–26673. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1903844116
Nelson, B.W., Ward, E J., Linden, D.W., Ashe, E., & Williams, R. (2024). Identifying drivers of demographic rates in an at-risk population of marine mammals using integrated population models. Ecosphere, 15(2), e4773. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.4773
Nielsen, M.L.K., Ellis, S., Towers, J.R., et al. (2021). A long postreproductive life span is a shared trait among genetically distinct killer whale populations. Ecol. Evol. 11, 9123–9136. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7756
NOAA (2023). Washington State Reef Net Fisheries. Current Classification on the List of Fisheries. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/marine-mammal-protection/washington-salmon-reef-net-fishery-mmpa-list-fisheries#current-classification-on-the-list-of-fisheries
NOAA Fisheries. Accessed 2025: https://response.restoration.noaa.gov/oil-and-chemical-spills/oil-spills/resources/oil-spill-response-and-killer-whales.html
Ohlberger, J, Ward, E.J, Schindler, D.E. & Lewis, B. (2018). Demographic changes in Chinook salmon across the Northeast Pacific Ocean. Fish & Fisheries 19: 533 – 546. https://doi.org/10.1111/faf.12272
Oke, K.B., Cunningham, C.J,. Westley, P.AH., Baskett, M.L., Carlson S.M., Clark, J., et al. (2020). Recent declines in salmon body size impact ecosystems and fisheries. Nature Comm. 11:4155 | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-17726-z.
Randon, M., Dowd, M., & Joy, R. (2022). A real‐time data assimilative forecasting system for animal tracking. Ecology, 103(8), e3718. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecy.3718
Raincoast Conservation Foundation. (2023). AMICI CURIAE Brief of the Raincoast Conservation Foundation, Skeenawild Conservation Trust, Watershed Watch Salmon Society, David Suzuki Foundation et al. in support of the Plaintiffs -Appellants/Cross-Appellees in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Available at raincoast.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Amici-brief-CDN-Conservation-Amicus-Part-II-231206.pdf
Remili, A., Brown, T.M. (2025). WHALE, THAT’S TOXIC: A global review of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in killer whales. 5th international symposium on orcas, Tarifa, Spain, February 16-25.
Ricker, W.E. (1981). Changes in the average size and average age of Pacific salmon. Can. J. of Fish & Aq. Sci. 38, no. 12: 1636-1656. https://doi.org/10.1139/f81-213
Ross, P.S., Ellis, G.M., Ikonomou, M.G., Barrett-Lennard, L.G., and Addison, R.F. 2000. High PCB concentrations in free-ranging Pacific killer whales, Orcinus orca: effects of age, sex and dietary preference. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 40: 504-515. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0025-326X(99)00233-7
Rosenfeld, J.S. (2017). Developing flow–ecology relationships: Implications of nonlinear biological responses for water management. Freshwater Biol. 62: 1305–1324. https://doi.org/10.1111/fwb.12948
Ross, P.S., Ellis, G.M., Ikonomou, M.G., Barrett-Lennard, L.G. & Addison, R.F. 2000. High PCB concentrations in free-ranging Pacific killer whales, Orcinus orca: effects of age, sex and dietary preference. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 40: 504-515. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0025-326X(99)00233-7
Ross, P.S. 2006. Fireproof killer whales (Orcinus orca): flame-retardant chemicals and the conservation imperative in the charismatic icon of British Columbia, Canada. Can. J. of Fish & Aq. Sci.. 63(1): 224-234. https://doi.org/10.1139/f05-244
Ross, P.S. 2010. Impact of at sea disposal on resident killer whale (Orcinus orca) Critical Habitat: Science in support of risk management. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep.2010/046: 1-9.
Ross, P.S., Noël, M., Lambourn, D.M., Dangerfield, N., Calambokidis, J.C., & Jeffries, S.J. (2013). Declining concentrations of PCBs, PBDEs, PCDEs and PCNs in harbor seals from the Salish Sea. Prog. Ocean. 115: 160-170. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pocean.2013.05.027
Ruggerone, G.T., A.M. Springer, G.B. van Vliet, B. Connors, J.R. Irvine, L.D. Shaul, M.R. Sloat, and W.I. Atlas. (2023). From diatoms to killer whales: impacts of pink salmon on North Pacific ecosystems. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Series 719: 1-40. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14402
Scholz, N.L., Truelove, N.K., French, B.L., Berejikian, B.A., Quinn, T.P., Casillas, E. & Collier, T.K. (2000). Diazinon disrupts antipredator and homing behaviors in chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Can. J. of Fish & Aq. Sci., 57(9), 1911–1918. https://dx.doi.org/10.1139/cjfas-57-9-1911
Senss, A., Canbulat, O., Uzun, D., Gunbeyaz, S. A. & Turan, O. (2023). Just in time vessel arrival system for dry bulk carriers. J. of Shipping & Trade, 8 (12). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41072-023-00141-0
Stewart, J.D., Durban, J.W., Fearnbach, H., Barrett-lennard, L.G., Casler, P.K., Ward, E.J. & Dapp, D.R. (2021). Survival of the fattest: linking body condition to prey availability and survivorship of killer whales. Ecosphere, 12(8), e03660. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.3660
Stewart, J.D., Cogan, J., Durban, J.W., Fearnbach, H., Ellifrit, D.K., Malleson, M.,Pinnow, M. & Balcomb, K.C. (2023). Traditional summer habitat use by Southern Resident killer whales in the Salish Sea is linked to Fraser River Chinook salmon returns. Mar. Mamm. Sci. , 39(3), 858–875. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.13012
Stredulinsky, E.H., Toews, S., Watson, J., Noren, D.P., Holt, M.M., and Thornton, S.J. (2023). Delineating important killer whale foraging areas using a spatiotemporal logistic model. Global Ecology & Conserv. 48: e02726. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2023.e02726
Stothart, F.M. C., Li, Z. & MacGillivray, A.O. (2023). ECHO modeling of existing and potential future noise scenarios: Haro Strait and Boundary Pass slowdown areas. Technical report by JASCO Applied Sciences for Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.
Sutherland, C. 2011. Cowichan Lake Weir Operation – Rule Curve vs Rule Band. Report to the Cowichan Watershed Board, Kerr Wood Leidal.
Tian Z et al. 2021. A ubiquitous tire rubber–derived chemical induces acute mortality in coho salmon. Science 371, 185-189. DOI:10.1126/science.abd6951
Tennessen, J.B., Holt, M.M., Wright, B.M., Hanson, M.B., Emmons, C.K., Giles, D.A., Hogan, J.T., Thornton, S.J., & Deecke, V.B. (2024). Males miss and females forgo: Auditory masking from vessel noise impairs foraging efficiency and success in killer whales. Global Change Biol., 30, e17490. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.17490
Thornton, S.J., S. Toews, E. Stredulinsky, K. Gavrilchuk, C. Konrad, R. Burnham, D.P. Noren, M.M. Holt, and S. Vagle. (2022a). Southern resident killer whale (Orcinus orca) summer distribution and habitat use in the southern Salish Sea and the Swiftsure Bank area (2009 to 2020). DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep., 2022/037.
Thornton, S.J., Toews, S., Burnham, R., Konrad, C.M., Stredulinsky, E., Gavrilchuk, K., Thupaki, P. & Vagle, S. (2022b). Areas of elevated risk for vessel-related physical and acoustic impacts in Southern resident killer whale (Orcinus orca) critical habitat. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep., 2022/058.
Tierney, K.B., Baldwin D.H., Hara T.J., Ross P.S., Scholz N.L., Kennedy C.J. (2010). Olfactory toxicity in fishes. Aqu. Toxicol; 96(1):2-26. doi: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2009.09.019. 30.
Tierney, K.B., Sampson,J.L., Ross,P.S., Sekela,M.A. and Kennedy, C.J. (2008) Salmon olfaction is impaired by an environmentally realistic pesticide mixture. Environmental Science & Technology: 42: 4996-5001. https://doi.org/10.1021/es800240u
Tuohy, A.M., Skalski, J.R. & Gayeski, N.J. (2019). Survival of Salmonids from an Experimental Commercial Fish Trap. Fisheries, 44: 423-432. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsh.10292
Vard Marine. (2023). Ship energy efficiency and underwater radiated noise. Report by Vard Marine for Transport Canada.
Veirs, S., Veirs V. & Wood J.D. (2016). Ship noise extends to frequencies used for echolocation by endangered killer whales. PeerJ 4:e1657 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.1657
Veirs, S., Veirs, V., Williams, R., Jasny, M., & Wood, J. (2018). A key to quieter seas: Half of ship noise comes from 15% of the fleet. PeerJ Preprints, 6, https://doi.org/10.7287/peerj.preprints.26525v1
Ward, E.J., Holmes, E.E. & Balcomb K.C. (2009). Quantifying the effects of prey abundance on killer whale reproduction. J. of App. Ecol. 46. 632-640. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2664.2009.01647.x
Washington Department of Ecology. Accessed June 2025. https://ecology.wa.gov/waste-toxics/reducing-toxic-chemicals/addressing-priority-toxic-chemicals
Washington Department of Ecology. Accessed 2025b. https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/cruise-ship-memorandum-of-agreement-mou
Wasser, S.K., Lundin, J I., Ayres, K., Seely, E., Giles, D., Balcomb, K., Hempelmann, J., Parsons, K. & Booth, R. (2017). Population growth is limited by nutritional impacts on pregnancy success in endangered Southern Resident killer whales (Orcinus orca). PLoS ONE, 12(6), e0179824. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0179824
WCMRC (Western Canada Marine Response Corporation) Accessed 2025: https://coastalresponse.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Marine-Oil-Spill-Response-Community-Guide-Web.pdf
West, J.E., O’Neill, S.M. & Ylitalo, G.M. Time Trends of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Benthic and Pelagic Indicator Fishes from Puget Sound, Washington, USA. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 73, 207–229 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-017-0383-z
Williams, R., Lacy, R.C., Ashe, E., Barrett-Lennard, L., Brown, T.M., Gaydos, J.K., Gulland, F., MacDuffee, M., Nelson, B.W., Nielson, K.A., Nollens, H., Raverty, S., Reiss, S., Ross, P. S., Collins, M. S., Stimmelmayr, R. & Paquet, P. (2024). Warning sign of an accelerating decline in critically endangered killer whales (Orcinus orca). Comm. Earth & Environ., 5, 173. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01327-5
Williams, R., Erbe, C., Ashe, E., Beerman, A. & Smith, J. (2014). Severity of killer whale behavioral responses to ship noise: A dose–response study. Mar. Poll. Bulletin, 79(1–2), 254–260. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.12.004
Williams, R., Veirs, S., Veirs, V., Ashe, E. and Mastick, N., 2019. Approaches to reduce noise from ships operating in important killer whale habitats. Mar. Poll. Bulletin,139, pp.459-469. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.05.015
Wladichuk, J.L. (2021). Modelling underwater sound from small vessels in Southern Resident killer whale critical habitat: Noise reductions for increased approach distances of 400, 600, 800, and 1000 m and changes in listening distances (Document 02365, Version 4.0). Technical report by JASCO Applied Sciences for Innovation Centre, Transport Canada.
Zizheng, L., MacGillivray, A.O. & Stothart, F.M.C. (2024). ECHO modeling of existing and future ship noise scenarios—Phase 2: Haro Strait and Boundary Pass slowdown areas. Technical report by JASCO Applied Sciences for Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.
ZoBell, V.M., Frasier, K.E., Morten, J.A., Hastings, S.P., Peavey Reeves, L E., Wiggins, S.M. & Hildebrand, J.A. (2021). Underwater noise mitigation in the Santa Barbara Channel through incentive-based vessel speed reduction. Sci. Reports, 11, 18391. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-96506-1 ZoBell, V.M., Gassmann, M., Kindberg, L.B., Wiggins, S.M., Hildebrand, J.A., & Frasier, K.E. (2023). Retrofit-induced changes in the radiated noise and monopole source levels of container ships. PLoS ONE, 18(3), e0282677. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0282677
Appendix I – SRKW Science Workshop participants and affiliations
| Name | Affiliation |
| Lance Barrett-Lennard, PhD | Raincoast Conservation Foundation |
| Tanya Brown, PhD | Simon Fraser University (SFU) |
| Allison Dennert, PhD | Raincoast Conservation Foundation |
| Maithili Devadas | Georgia Strait Alliance (GSA) |
| Graeme Ellis | Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) – Retired |
| Holly Fearnbach, PhD | SR3, SeaLife Response, Rehabilitation & Research |
| John Ford, PhD | Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) – Retired |
| Cameron Freshwater, PhD | Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) |
| Nick Gayeski, PhD | Wild Fish Conservancy (WFC) |
| Deborah Giles, PhD | The SeaDoc Society |
| Hussein Alidina | World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF-Canada) |
| Michael Jasny | Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) |
| Eve Jourdain, PhD | Norwegian Orca Research |
| Ruth Joy, PhD | Simon Fraser University (SFU) |
| Misty MacDuffee | Raincoast Conservation Foundation |
| Paul Paquet, PhD | Raincoast Conservation Foundation |
| Dave Rosen, PhD | University of British Columbia (UBC) |
| Peter Ross, PhD | Raincoast Conservation Foundation |
| Amy Rowley, PhD | Raincoast Conservation Foundation |
| Jennifer Tennessen, PhD | University of Washington |
| Peter Thompson, PhD | Simon Fraser University (SFU) |
| Sheila Thornton, PhD | Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) |
| Paul Tixier, PhD | MARBEC Université de Montpellier |
| Scott Toews | Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) |
| Dominic Tollit, PhD | Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) Consulting |
| Jared Towers | Bay Cetology |
| Valeria Vergara, PhD | Raincoast Conservation Foundation |
| Michael Weiss, PhD | Center for Whale Research (CWR) |
| Rob Williams, PhD | Oceans Initiative |
| Brianna Wright | Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) |
| Jeffery Young | David Suzuki Foundation (DSF) |
| Organizing committee | |
| Hussein Alidina | World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF-Canada) |
| Lance Barrett-Lennard, PhD | Raincoast Conservation Foundation |
| Maithili Devadas | Georgia Strait Alliance (GSA) |
| Michael Jasny | Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) |
| Ruth Joy, PhD | Simon Fraser University (SFU) |
| Misty MacDuffee | Raincoast Conservation Foundation |
| Amy Rowley, PhD | Raincoast Conservation Foundation |
| Dominic Tollit, PhD | Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) Consulting |
| Valeria Vergara, PhD | Raincoast Conservation Foundation |
| Jeffery Young | David Suzuki Foundation (DSF) |