water photo

OBI Art For Orcas:
20 Years Endangered


An ambitious community art project to raise awareness of the plight of the Southern Residents during Orca Action Month in June 2026
Learn about the Southern ResidentsSign up to create a fin
(Will Activate June 1)
75 Fins for 75 Whales

1. What It Is:

This June, during Orca Action Month, our vision is to have 75 life-sized dorsal fins created by the community and on display throughout the Salish Sea region and beyond. Our goal is that these visual representations will spark conversations, inspire storytelling and education, and encourage people to learn more about the plight of these whales and what they can do to make a difference. Every fin will be displayed in a public area alongside a QR code leading to a website to learn more and members of the public can participate by making additional fins of the whales of their choice. As far as medium, OBI-sponsored fins will include paintings, paper mâché, plywood, cardboard, salvaged materials, stained glass, driftwood, even food! Anything goes.

help the Southern Residents recover & THRIVE

2. Why It Matters

The Southern Resident killer whale population is made up of J-Pod, K-Pod, and L-Pod. Despite 20 years on the endangered species list, their population has continued to decline. These iconic orcas are connected to wild salmon, the broader ecosystem, and our shared future in the Pacific Northwest. By raising awareness and building connection to these orcas through public art, we hope to inspire the additional bold actions needed to help the Southern Residents recover and thrive.

FOR EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE

3. Who It’s For

This project is for everyone, everywhere. You don’t have to be an artist, and you don’t have to live in the Salish Sea! Participation is all about passion, not perfection. We want to spread the incredible stories of the Southern Residents across the country and around the world. Whether you want to find fins in your community or create a dorsal fin out of the medium of your choice, you are welcome to participate.

#OBIArtForOrcas

4. How It Works

Through our Whale University classes and research and educational partners, we have secured commitments for 75 artists to create 75 fins, one for each living Southern Resident killer whale. From June 1-30, 2026, these fins will be on display throughout the Salish Sea region and beyond. A map on our website can help you find fins in your area, and we encourage you to find as many as you can and take and share photos of them on social media using the hashtag #OBIArtForOrcas.

Additionally, we invite members of the public to create additional Southern Resident fins to further amplify this message throughout the month of June! You can fill out this form (link active starting ~May 24) to receive basic instructions and a reference photo for the Southern Resident of your choice. Share your creations on social media using the #OBIArtForOrcas for the chance to be featured on our social media accounts!

Salish Sea & beyond from June 1-30, 2026

5. Where and When It Happens

OBI’s 20 Years Endangered project will feature fins on display throughout the Salish Sea region and beyond from June 1-30, 2026. All artist creations will also be visible on our website where they will remain viewable after the conclusion of Orca Action Month. While most fins will be in public locations throughout the Salish Sea in both Washington State and Canada, some will be across the broader Southern Resident killer whale range in Oregon and California, and a few more across the continent and around the world. We believe that connection to the Southern Residents is important no matter where you live, and we can all do our part to inspire the conservation actions needed to support the ultimate recovery of these iconic orcas.