Wild orca populations face threats from prey depletion, acoustic pollution, and toxic contamination that compromise both their welfare and long-term survival.
Southern Resident orcas are in a prolonged welfare and survival crisis driven by the collapse of their prey base. Emaciated orcas show visible malnutrition with peanut-head syndrome indicating fat mobilization. Noise pollution forces orcas to call louder and more frequently, increasing energetic costs and interfering with foraging. Toxic bioaccumulation impairs immune function, fertility, and calf survival. These problems interact synergistically, making recovery challenging without addressing all drivers simultaneously.