Submitted by Lifeforce Ocean Friends

British Columbia has now proclaimed June as Orca Awareness Month. For 11 years, June has been proclaimed Orca Awareness Month by the Governor of Washington — and for the first time in 2016 Orca Awareness Month was celebrated in Oregon and in British Columbia as well.

Equal laws are needed in both the U.S. and Canada. Boat distances are mandated for up to 400 yards in the U.S. but are only 100 yards in Canada. Lifeforce members are urging everyone to sign the organization’s Change.org petition. Search for “Equal Laws to Protect West Coast Endangered Orcas!” at www.change.org. Email lifeforcesociety@gmail.com for more information.

Upcoming events:

Orca Sing is at 7 to 9 p.m., Saturday, June 24 at Lime Kilm State Park, San Juan Island. The public is encouraged to bring a picnic, chairs, and blankets. The free event is hosted by Orca Network, Friends of the San Juans, Whale Museum, FOLKS, and LKSP.