This release was updated on June 24, 2025 with information on how to comment.
June 23, 2025
SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is hosting a public meeting to review the agency’s draft Endangered Species Management Plan for Southern Resident Orcas (SRO). The online-only meeting is July 9 from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
ODFW staff will give a brief presentation of SRO life history and biology, then present information from the draft plan and take public comments. The draft plan is posted online here.
Comments about the draft plan can be emailed to ODFW Southern Resident Orca Coordinator Howard Takata at Howard.K.Takata@odfw.oregon.gov until July 15.
After considering comments, ODFW will then present a final draft management plan to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission for adoption during their Aug. 15 meeting in Salem. The final draft plan will be posted online at least two weeks in advance of the meeting. Public comments on the final draft plan for the Commission can be submitted using this page.
SROs are a distinct population of orcas native to the eastern North Pacific Ocean. Their population is estimated to number just 74 orcas in three pods (J, K, and L). The Oregon coast is a travel corridor for the K and L pods as they move between feeding areas to the north and south. They have been listed as Endangered under the federal ESA since 2005, by the state of Washington since 2004, and by Oregon since 2024.
The meeting can be joined online or phone:
Virtual meeting:
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 232 833 330 890 4
Passcode: RU92Dx3F
Dial in by phone
+1 503-446-4951,,994643264# United States, Portland
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 994 643 264#
NOAA Fisheries photo: ODFW developed a draft management plan for Southern Resident Orcas and is looking for public comment during a July 9 public meeting.
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