Doctor Deborah Giles advocates for HB 1652 to protect southern resident killer whales

In a recent government meeting focused on environmental legislation, significant discussions emerged regarding the protection of the endangered southern resident killer whales and the impact of pollution on their habitat. Dr. Deborah Giles, research director for the nonprofit Wild Orca, testified in support of House Bill 1652, which aims to eliminate a major source of pollution affecting the whales' food web and critical habitat.

Dr. Giles highlighted the dangers posed by scrubbers, which discharge highly acidic sulfur oxides, heavy metals, and other toxic contaminants into the marine environment. These pollutants threaten aquatic life through bioaccumulation, particularly impacting the southern residents, who rely on a delicate food chain that begins with copepods—tiny marine animals essential for the health of the ecosystem. She cited a recent study indicating that even low concentrations of scrubber wash water could severely affect copepod development and reproductive success, raising concerns about the broader implications for the food web.

The urgency of the situation was underscored by a 2024 Canadian study revealing that over 28 million tons of scrubber wash water were discharged into the critical habitat of the southern residents in 2022. Dr. Giles also referenced research on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can be transferred from mother to fetus, potentially causing pollution exposure in utero. While she could not definitively link PAHs to pregnancy loss, she emphasized the need to reduce toxicants in the whales' habitat to support their survival.

Following Dr. Giles' testimony, the committee shifted focus to House Bill 1670, with additional testimonies from community members, including Stina Troyer, a Tacoma resident advocating for the Sewage Bill Right to Know Act. Troyer expressed her concerns as a recreational user of the Puget Sound, emphasizing the importance of transparency regarding sewage discharges in the region.

The discussions during this meeting reflect a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of environmental health and the survival of vulnerable species like the southern resident killer whales. As the committee considers these bills, the implications for both marine ecosystems and local communities remain significant, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and legislative action to protect Washington's natural resources.