The Salish Sea Trilogy Documentary Series
The Salish Sea Trilogy is a series of films exploring the entwined extinction threat facing iconic Southern Resident Killer Whales, and the Chinook salmon they prey on in Pacific Northwest waters. Infused with science and indigenous perspectives, this series invites viewers to imagine how traditional indigenous knowledge and contemporary science might come together to help recover an iconic species.
"Call of the Orcas" (11 mins) highlights scientist Ken Balcomb's efforts to recover resident orcas of the Salish Sea. Balcomb's determined survey work over nearly fifty years helped people to see these orcas as individuals, in family groups led by grandmothers. His research transformed how people understood their orca neighbors, and helped to end the practice of capturing orca calves for sale to Seaquariums.
"Managed to Extinction" (16 mins) pairs an indigenous visionary and orca scientist, as both work to address the threats facing resident orcas and Chinook salmon. Resident orcas specialize in hunting salmon, and work by Dr. Deborah Giles confirms that they are going hungry. Lummi Nation leader Jay Julius reveals the interconnected ecosystem that has supported his community, including orcas, for millennia, speaking about the cultural and ecological importance of salmon recovery.
"Shared Waters, Shared Crisis" (30 mins) delves into the challenge of managing an ecosystem across political boundaries. The Salish Sea is shared by British Columbia and Washington State. Orcas, salmon and tides do not recognize the international border, but people do, with different policies and challenges on each side. Featuring fishermen of the Lower Fraser Fisheries Alliance, a young team of restoration scientists from the Raincoast Conservation Foundation, and Qentol, Yen Marine Guardians based at the WSANEC Nation, this film weaves three communities linked by water, salmon and dreams of a sustainable future.
57 total minutes
Directed by Jessica Plumb