CDFW Seeks Information Related to Southern Resident Killer Whale

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 16:19:59 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is seeking data and public comments on a petition to list the southern resident killer whale under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA).

The southern resident killer whale (Orcinus orca) is a distinct population segment of killer whale found along the Pacific Coast between southeast Alaska and Point Sur, Calif. Southern resident killer whales primarily eat fish -- mostly Chinook salmon -- unlike their more common mammal-eating cousins the transient (also called Bigg's) killer whale.

There are three pods, or social groups, of southern resident killer whale – the J, K, and L pods. While all three pods spend most of their time in the Salish Sea of northern Washington and southern British Columbia, the K and L pods have also been documented within California waters, primarily during winter months. Key threats to southern resident killer whales include malnutrition due to reduced prey abundance, vessel noise and disturbance, exposure to chemical contaminants, and the combined effects of these stressors.

On Nov. 25, 2025, the Orca Conservancy submitted a petition to the California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) to list southern resident killer whale as an endangered species under CESA. The Commission published findings of its decision to make the species a candidate for listing as an endangered species on July 10, 2026, and as such, the southern resident killer whale now receives the same legal protection afforded to an endangered or threatened species (Fish and Game Code sections 2074.2 and 2085)..

As of July 10, 2026, CDFW has 12 months to conduct a status review that will inform the Commission’s final decision on whether to list the southern resident killer whale as threatened or endangered under CESA. As part of the status review process, CDFW is soliciting information regarding the species’ ecology, genetics, life history, distribution, abundance, habitat, the degree and immediacy of threats to its reproduction or survival, the adequacy of existing management, and recommendations for management of the species.

CDFW respectfully requests that data and comments be submitted before Sept. 10, 2026, to allow sufficient time to evaluate this information during the status review period. Submit comments and general information on the petitioned action to CDFW’s Marine Region by email at MarineCESA@wildlife.ca.gov and include “Southern Resident Killer Whale” in the subject line. Comments may also be submitted by mail to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Marine Region, Attn: Dylan Stompe, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090. Please note that any information you submit (including your contact information) will become part of the public record and may be disclosed in response to a Public Records Act request.

CDFW will produce a peer-reviewed report based upon the best scientific information available, which will include a recommendation as to whether the petitioned action to list the southern resident killer whale as endangered under CESA is warranted (Fish and Game Code section 2074.6). The report will be made publicly available on CDFW’s website for at least 30 days before the Commission considers acting on the petition. Please note, the Commission -- which is a legally separate entity from CDFW -- is charged with making the final determination on whether to list a species as endangered or threatened under CESA (Fish and Game Code section 2075.5). CDFW serves in a scientific advisory role to the Commission during this process. See the California Fish and Game Commission page for details on submitting comments to the Commission and receiving email alerts for upcoming Commission meetings.

The listing petition, CDFW’s petition evaluation report, and updates on the listing process are available on the Commission’s website.

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Media Contacts:
Dylan Stompe, CDFW Marine Region, (209) 639-2938
Alicia de la Garza, CDFW Communications, (916) 754-7237

California Fish and Game Commission Takes Emergency Action to Prevent White Shark Take and Reduce Potential Interactions Between Hooked Sharks and Swimmers

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 15:11:16 GMT

Prosecutors Honored for Their Work to Protect Wildlife; Southern Resident Killer Whale Named CESA Candidate

Anticipating a larger presence of white sharks in Southern California as a result of warmer El Niño ocean conditions, the California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) adopted emergency regulations at its June 17-18, 2026 meeting to further protect the large ocean predator and reduce the potential for dangerous interactions with ocean users. These regulations will prohibit the use of certain fishing gear from beaches and nearshore that are used to hook large sharks and could create hazards for nearby beachgoers.

Forecasted warmer waters shift the preferred range for juvenile white sharks northward from Mexico and lead them to stay in California nearshore areas later in the year. The emergency regulations protect not only white sharks but also people recreating in the ocean, decreasing the risk of dangerous human encounters with sharks that are hooked with wire leaders from piers and beaches.

Specific gear types used to target large sharks, including hooks greater than 1.5 inches in maximum inside measurement and wire or metallic lines and leaders, will be prohibited when recreational fishing from shore or within 1,000 yards of shore from Pigeon Point (San Mateo County) south to the U.S.-Mexico border. Shore fishing includes beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks and other man-made structures connected to the shore. Unless extended, the emergency regulations will expire 180 days after being filed with the secretary of state. The Commission may pursue up to two 90-day extensions of the emergency action and, ultimately, may propose continuing the restrictions through a regular rulemaking if the regulations prove to be effective.

Prosecutor of the Year

Commissioners recognized two deputy district attorneys who have demonstrated their dedication to protecting California’s natural resources and have effectively collaborated with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to prosecute wildlife crimes. San Luis Obispo County Deputy District Attorney Ken Jorgensen and San Diego County Deputy District Attorney Michael McCann were presented with the Prosecutor of the Year Award for 2025.

Jorgenson’s work resulted in a landmark $165,000 settlement and injunctions in a case involving rare plant habitat destruction, and in another case a $12,500 fine and five years of probation for often under-prosecuted commercial fishing violations.

McCann assisted in the prosecution and investigation surrounding a global wildlife trafficking ring connected to illegal drug and firearm trade. The investigation disrupted a sophisticated trafficking network and resulted in multiple felony and misdemeanor charges, with more anticipated.

Southern Resident Killer Whale

The Commission named the southern resident killer whale (orca) a candidate species for listing under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). This population of orcas inhabits ocean waters from British Columbia to California and is estimated to now number as few as 75.

Orcas face threats such as limited availability of prey; Chinook salmon are a primary food source and have experienced population decline across the entire West Coast range of orcas. The species’ abundance has also been impacted by past practices of capture for live display.

CDFW will have one year to complete a review on the status of orcas, of the best available science, before the Commission can make a final decision on CESA listing. Orca is currently listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act and is considered depleted under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Western Spadefoot

Continued from the Commission’s April meeting, a decision to consider CESA candidacy for western spadefoot frog was postponed to the August meeting to give environmental advocates and the solar industry additional time to collaborate on proposing exceptions to CESA protections that would be allowed under Fish and Game Code Section 2084.

Meeting Participation and Next Meeting

Commission President Eric Sklar, Vice President Darius Anderson and Commissioners Samantha Murray and Erica Zavaleta were in attendance for both days of the June Commission meeting. Commissioner Jacque Hostler-Carmesin was in attendance for the first day. The meeting was held in Sacramento.

The complete agenda for the meeting, along with supporting information, is available on the Commission website. Archived video of past Commission meetings is available online. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Commission is scheduled for Aug. 12-13, 2026, at the California Natural Resources Agency building in Sacramento. Participants are encouraged to attend in person, with options available for Zoom or phone; for more information visit the Commission website.

The Commission authorized public notice of upcoming potential regulation changes related to:

Harpoons and Flying Gaffs Allowance (PDF): A discussion hearing is scheduled for Aug. 12-13 and an adoption hearing Oct. 14-15 on amendments to regulations related to allowing use of harpoons and flying gaffs in the recreational tuna fishery.

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Media Contacts:
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120
Alicia de la Garza, CDFW Communications, (916) 754-7237

CDFW News

CDFW Seeks Information Related to Southern Resident Killer Whale

California Fish and Game Commission Takes Emergency Action to Prevent White Shark Take and Reduce Potential Interactions Between Hooked Sharks and Swimmers