In the misty waters of the Pacific Northwest, you might be lucky enough to spot a pod of Southern Resident Killer Whales. This genetically distinct population lives in the Salish Sea and has its own languages, family structures, and even cultures, like wearing dead salmon as hats! With only 75 individuals left, they are one of the most endangered orca populations on the planet. Decades of pollution, declining salmon, and constant vessel noise have pushed them to the brink. Underwater ship traffic can drown out their calls, making it harder to hunt their already scarce prey and sometimes forcing them to abandon hunts altogether. oceansinitiative is working to change that. Through years of research, they’ve shown that something as simple as slowing vessels down can make a real difference. Learn more about SRKWs and the work to protect them in mitty’s new essay in Ripple Effect with katiecouricmedia. Sign up at the link in our bio to get it sent to your inbox next week! Photos by mit...