Did you know that the scientific name for the killer whale, Orcinus, is derived from the Latin word orcus , which means “of the netherworld.” Originally known as “whale killer,” the orca's common name stems from early whalers' records of the species' predatory behavior. Killer whales are found in all of the world's oceans and most seas, but the Southern Resident population makes its home in the international inland waters of Puget Sound, Juan de Fuca Strait, Haro Strait and Georgia Strait, occasionally visiting California in winter. The stresses and dangers faced by the Southern Resident Orcas (or Puget Sound killer whale) are many. Toxic chemicals, declines in salmon, general ecosystem deterioration, growing whale-watching pressure, collisions with ships, oil spills, Navy sonar, and entanglement in fishing nets have pushed this population into decline. Fewer than 75 Southern Residents remain on Earth. Using science and law, we will continue to defend this critically endangered po...