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When people think about the threats to the orca population, the first thing that probably comes to mind is Sea World and similar marine animal parks. These attractions are extremely inhumane and no orca, or animal in general, should be subjected to such awful treatment. One of the other big threats to orcas and other whales are container ships and the overfishing of salmon, orca’s main food source.

Due to a variety of human activities, the Southern Resident Orca is endangered and their population near Washington state has dwindled down to 73. However, Governor Jay Inslee signed an order to establish the Southern Resident Orca Task Force to protect the orcas, their habitat, and their food sources. He also signed orca recovery bills into law for even more protection. Sadly, there is a new threat to Southern Resident Killer Whales and it needs to be stopped in order to save these orcas from going extinct.

The Robert Banks Terminal 2 (RBT2), a three-berth container ship terminal, is being considered for construction less than a mile from Washington State. It would increase container ship transits from 468 to 520 and cover 437 acres of critical habitat for Southern Resident orcas, salmon, and migratory birds in the Fraser River Delta. According to Canada’s Federal Review Panel report, the project would negatively impact the environment and the local wildlife, especially on Southern Resident Killer Whales. The project would also increase noise pollution as well as the risk of cargo, hazardous materials, and oil spills.

Sign this petition to tell Governor Jay Inslee that you agree with the 41 organizations requesting that he oppose the RBT2 container ship project on behalf of Washingtonians and the environmental, cultural, and economic resources of the state.

Oppose Shipping Project that Will Threaten Orcas, Salmon, and Migratory BirdsClick Here to Sign Petition

To continue speaking up, sign these other petitions as well:

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