Biological Assessment of Southern Resident Orcas (Orcinus Orca Ater) in Oregon and Evaluation of Criteria to Classify the Species as Endangered Under the Oregon Endangered Species Act, March 2025, Science Bulletin 2025-02

Identification Information

Citation

Originator: Takata, H.K., J.A. North, and M.L. Brown

Publish Date: 2025

Online Link: None

BPA Project #:

Contact Information

Agency: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Name: Howard Takata

Job Position: OSCRP

Telephone: 971-673-6065

E-Mail Address: howard.k.takata@odfw.oregon.gov

Description

Abstract: Southern Resident orcas (Orcinus orca ater) are a distinct population of orcas (killer whales) native to the eastern North Pacific Ocean with a range that extends from southeastern Alaska to central California. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) listed the Southern Resident population as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 2005, and in its latest status review in 2021, the agency determined that the population remains endangered. Southern Resident orcas are also listed as endangered in Washington State (2004) and Canada (2001). In February 2023, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission (Commission) was petitioned to list Southern Resident orcas as endangered under the Oregon Endangered Species Act (OESA). When determining whether to list a species as state-threatened or endangered, the Commission must base its decision on documented and verifiable scientific information, and the species must meet criteria outlined in Oregon’s statutes and rules.

Purpose:

Time Period of Content:

Geographic Extent: Oregon Coast

Status: Final

Use Constraints:

Format: PDF

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Data Information

No data information was supplied.

Entity and Attribute Information

Attributes Description: Field attribute information is available in the attached file(s).

Is a physical copy maintained for reference at Headquarters? Unknown