In June 2011, NOAA Fisheries and Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans commissioned an independent scientific panel that was asked to determine to what extent salmon harvests affect the survival and recovery of Southern Resident killer whales by reducing the abundance of their prey.

The panel was made up of seven scientists from the U.S. and Canada, chosen for their expertise in population dynamics, marine mammals and fisheries. It held three scientific workshops: two in Seattle (September 2011 and September 2012) and one in Vancouver, B.C. (March 2012). In each nearly a hundred scientists presented and evaluated the best available scientific information on the topic.

The panel submitted its final report, “The Effects of Salmon Fisheries on Southern Resident Killer Whales,” to both agencies today (Nov. 30). View the report and related materials at http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/Marine-Mammals/Whales-Dolphins-Porpoise/Killer-Whales/ESA-Status/KW-Chnk.cfm.