Why are sightings important?

The Southern Resident orcas' steep population decline reflects declining salmon runs, toxic contamination, and habitat loss throughout their critical habitat. Contributing whale sightings builds a community that cares about these precious whales, and informs and motivates involvement to restore salmon runs and protect whales and their essential habitats. Reports also document travel patterns and trends in habitat use.

Looking for where to go to see orcas from shore? See Orca Network’s Public Viewpoints Map for Puget Sound Land-Based Whale Sighting Viewpoints.

To post your sightings reports and photos or videos of orcas, gray whales, humpback whales, minke whales, or any other whales or dolphins anywhere in the Salish Sea, please go to:
How to Report Sightings.

The purpose of Orca Network's Whale Sighting Network and Education Project is to encourage observation and increase awareness and knowledge about Resident orcas and Bigg’s/Transient orcas, gray whales, humpbacks, minke whales, and other marine mammals in the Salish Sea. We are especially concerned with the critically endangered Southern Resident Community of orcas (J, K and L pods), to foster a stewardship ethic, and motivate a diverse audience to take action to protect and restore these orcas' critical habitat.

Listen for whales live on OrcaSound.net

Webinar on safe boating practices around the Sounders gray whales!