2025 California Current Killer Whale Research Fundraiser

California Current Killer Whale Study

Since 2005, the Oceanic Research Alliance (ORA) has been conducting extensive research on killer whales along the Pacific coast. Our field studies began off southern Vancouver Island, where we focused on the behavioral ecology, fine-scale habitat use, and population dynamics of transient (mammal-eating) killer whales in coastal waters. Over the years, our research has expanded to cover both coastal and offshore waters of the California Current System, from southern British Columbia to southern California. We currently operate three primary field sites: Otter Point (Sooke), British Columbia; Newport, Oregon; and Monterey Bay, California. Additionally, our dataset extends back to 1979, thanks to the pioneering efforts of Dr. Marilyn Dahlheim at NOAA's National Marine Mammal Laboratory in Southeast Alaska. This long-standing research legacy has made our study one of the most comprehensive and detailed investigations of killer whales in the North Pacific.

By contributing to this fundraiser, you’re helping our continued long-term conservation efforts of killer whales in the California Current Ecosystem and to help us better understand the ecology, behavior, and habitat needs of killer whales off southern British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California. Together, we can protect their habitat, secure their food sources, and raise awareness about their importance to our oceans.

How Will the Funds Be Used?

1. Photo-identification analysis

Funding will support the on-going and extensive photo-identification database and the analysis of photographs from our 2024/2025 season.

2. Production of the 2025 NOAA Transient Killer Whales of the California Current Catalog

We are currently working to update our transient killer whale catalog for the coastal and offshore waters of California and Oregon. This catalog will provide crucial information that can be used in population conservation and management.

3. Research & Monitoring

Contributions will help fund scientific research to monitor transient killer whale along the Pacific coast from southern British Columbia to southern California. Including vessel and shore-based responses to killer whale reports.

4. Research Vessel

Funding will go towards the maintenance of our research vessel Tl'uk. This will include the purchase of a new battery and engine check up.

Ways You Can Help:

1. Donate:

Every donation counts! Whether it’s $10, $50, or $500, your contribution will directly support the research and conservation efforts for killer whale along the Pacific coast.

2. Share the Campaign:

Help us reach more people by sharing the fundraiser with your friends and family on social media. The more people who know, the more orcas we can save together!