*Photo taken by Steve Rink*

With this petition, I am hoping to succeed in convincing Governor Jay Inslee of Washington state to finally lower the four snake river dams. Breaching these dams would not only provide clean electric power and fuel economic growth, but it would honor the commitments made by the government to the tribes that also depend on these fish.  The dams are preventing salmon and steelhead from spawning. The southern resident orcas, being one of the three populations to be seen in these waters, are listed as federally endangered and are starving to death. The SR's main diet consists of chinook salmon, whose numbers are dwindling. As far as eating other marine mammals, such as sea lions and seals, it quite literally goes against these whales culture. The salmons numbers have dropped from 130,000 to less than 10,000. In 1995 the SR's population of individuals was 98, today there are only 75. The orcas lack of pregnancies and calf survival are mainly driven by hunger. If we don't act soon these beautiful, sentient beings will be gone forever. 

I am passionate about helping to save the southern resident orcas in Washington state. I have always loved marine mammals. Growing up, my favorite movie was Free Willy, go figure. After seeing orcas in their natural habitat multiple times, it only fueled the fire. As a veterinary technician it is my dream to one day work with these incredible animals. First, we must save them from extinction.

The southern residents are just one of three populations you can find in these waters. While all three are state endangered species, the SR’s are listed as a federally endangered species. There were 98 individuals in 1995, today there are only 75. The SR’s main diet consists of chinook salmon, whose numbers are dwindling. In February of 2020, Oregon’s governor, Kate Brown, stated that the best way to boost steelhead and salmon recovery was to have the four lower snake rivers dams removed. Fortunately there was an opportunity for the federal government to save endangered orcas, salmons, and steelheads. In July of 2020, President Trumps administration unfortunately hurt these Pacific Northwest icons with a decision to maintain the status quo for the hydro system operations.

In February of 2021, Representative Mike Simpson of Idaho, proposed a plan for salmon recovery in the Northwest. This proposal included breaching the four lower snake river dams. Not only would this plan honor the commitments made by the government to the tribes that depend on these fish as well, but it would also provide clean electric power and fuel economic growth.

Orcas only natural predators are parasites, humans, and diseases. The southern resident orcas are dying. These beautiful, sentient, and sapient beings are quite literally starving to death. Many photos can be seen of the orcas peanut shaped heads indicating malnourishment. The answer is so simple. By breaching the four lower snake river dams overall survival would be increased two-to-three fold.

Washington state Governor Jay Inslee, I implore you to change your stance on these four dams. So many people and animals are counting on you. In the last few years pressure has been placed to remove the dams. In the 1950’s almost 130,000 adult steelhead and salmon returned to spawn in the snake river. Between 1961 and 1975 the dams became operational. By 2017 salmon and steelhead numbers drastically decreased to less than 10,000.

By removing the dams, the fish populations will increase. This will then simultaneously increase the orcas numbers. We are watching these 11 million years old marine mammals disappear before our eyes. It is long past time to intervene and do what’s right. I know there are plenty of people out there who feel the same way I do. I beg of you to take action and help me with finally getting through to Governor Inslee and making a necessary change. The loss of predators in the ocean results in trophic cascade, which is a triggered ecological phenomenon that also impacts prey population. This can cause dramatic food web and ecosystem changes. Through their interactions, all species are connected and a biodiverse and balanced ecosystem are crucial. Without this, there could be catastrophic consequences to the way of life as we know it. One small change could destroy an environment, everything down to the smallest single-celled green algae is important.

Thank you,

Stefanie Rodvansky

Along with signing this petition, this information below is also helpful. You can call and speak with them directly to urge removing the lower four snake river dams.

Jay Inslee⁣- Washington Governor ⁣

Phone: (360) 902-4111⁣

Address: 416 14th Avenue SW⁣

Olympia, Washington ⁣98504⁣

⁣Maria Cantwell⁣- Washington Senator ⁣

Phone:: (202) 224-3441⁣

Address: 915 Second Ave., Suite 3206

Seattle, Washington ⁣98174⁣