information from the Whale Trail

The Whale Trail and Seal Sitters invite the public to an inspirational, educational, fun and family-friendly event on Saturday, December 1, to mark the annual return of the southern resident orcas to the inland waters of Puget Sound. At the event, members of the public can learn about the final recommendations put forth by Governor Inslee’s Southern Resident Orca Task Force and have fun while learning about Seattle’s famous residents and the major threats to their survival.

“There’s nothing like watching J, K or L pods from shore at Whale Trail locations like Alki Beach, Point Robinson, or Point Defiance, or from the deck of a ferry. Seeing these endangered whales follow salmon into Puget Sound is a reminder that we each and all have a role to play in their recovery,” task force member and The Whale Trail founder Donna Sandstrom said. “The Governor’s Task Force has recommended a robust and comprehensive set of actions to address the threats that have brought these beloved and iconic pods to the edge of extinction: lack of salmon, toxin accumulations, and vessel noise and disturbance.” 

 “Now we need everyone’s help to make sure the recommendations are acted on,” Sandstrom continued. “With three pregnant females in the population – one each in J, K and L pod – there’s even more reason to act, and no time to wait.”

Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network was founded in 2007 to protect marine mammals and to educate the public about our shared environment. “The Whale Trail is a natural ally in this work, said Lynn Shimamoto, Co-Investigator of Seal Sitters. “We are thrilled to join with all our partners in welcoming the orcas back to Puget Sound.” 

Details on the Welcome the Orcas event: 

Who: Hosted by The Whale Trail and Seal Sitters with support from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and with partner booths from SR3, Orca Relief, Puget Soundkeepers and Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group

What: “Welcome the Orcas” community event featuring environmental booths, face painting, orca BINGO and an orca parade to welcome the southern residents to the central Sound. Event-goers are encouraged to dress in their best “orca spirit” costumes! Free and open to the public.

When: Saturday, December 1, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Event Schedule:

10 a.m. Welcome and event begins

10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Activities for kids, games and partner booths

11:30 a.m. Speakers

Noon Orca Parade led by J, K and L orca volunteers

12:30 to 2 p.m. Event continues with a light reception

Where: Alki Beach Bathhouse, 2701 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA

More information: https://thewhaletrail.org/event/welcome-the-orcas/?instance_id=7

About The Whale Trail, a nonprofit organization
Our mission is to inspire appreciation and stewardship of orcas, other marine mammals and the marine environment by identifying a network of viewing sites along the whales’ trails through the Salish Sea and along the Pacific Coast. The trail has more than 100 sites along the Pacific Coast from British Columbia to Southern California. The Whale Trail has its roots in a rare conservation success—the successful return of the orphaned orca, Springer. Our vision is a fully recovered Southern Resident orca population thriving in a healthy sea for generations to come. www.thewhaletrail.org