[T]ruly important and powerful...I cannot recommend The Salish Sea Trilogy highly enough." Kyle Keeler, Asst Prof, Env'l Studies, Lafayette College

[Note: Community screenings of THE SALISH SEA TRILOGY can be booked at Bullfrog Communities.]

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.



Grade Level: 7 - 12, College, Adults
US Release Date: 2025     Copyright Date: 2024
DVD ISBN: 1-961192-53-5

Reviews "This is a truly important and powerful documentary that focuses on the intertwined ecologies and lives of the Southern Resident Orcas, Chinook Salmon, water, land, and human residents of the region. Members of the Lummi Nation and their Orca relations under the waves show the need for Native sovereignty, Ceremony, knowledge, and kinship to be at the forefront of conservation initiatives and environmental policy. This is one of the foremost messages of our time that everyone should hear and be familiar with, and this superb documentary makes it clear. I cannot recommend The Salish Sea Trilogy enough." Kyle Keeler, Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies, Lafayette College "The Salish Sea Trilogy is a powerful resource illustrating how the wellbeing of humanity is interwoven with the health of the rivers, salmon, and orcas of the Pacific Northwest. The world was heartbroken when Tahlequah the whale lost her calves and this series urges us to move from grief into action. This intimate look at the legacy of the Lummi Nation and the orcas (the relatives under the waves) shows that it's not too late to save the whales from extinction and highlights the people actively creating hope for the future of the whole ecosystem." Tierra Curry, Endangered Species Co-Director, Center for Biological Diversity "Accessible and engaging, this is the powerful story of both the Southern Resident Killer Whales and the people who are working to protect them. The science, history, and cultures surrounding the Southern Residents and their plight is beautifully intertwined with perspectives from researchers, Indigenous leaders and advocates on the past, present and future of these whales. The Salish Sea Trilogy is a fantastic resource for learning more about these whales, the issues they face, and how we can work together for their conservation." Cindy Elliser, Associate Director, Salish Sea Institute, Western Washington University "The Salish Sea Trilogy is essential storytelling for anyone who wants to better understand the history of the Pacific Northwest and our deep connectedness with each other and this place we all call home. It tells a story of heartbreaking loss, but also of hopeful opportunity. Salmon, orca, and regional Indigenous leaders are all raising the alarm and urging a new/old way forward. It's time to listen." Joseph Bogaard, Executive Director, Save Our Wild Salmon Coalition "This trilogy of films explores the complex challenges facing both the endangered Southern Resident killer whales and their Chinook salmon prey through a solutions-oriented lens, acknowledging the many dimensions of an often contentious story. The Salish Sea Trilogy is both educational and hopeful, highlighting the possibilities for recovery when communities work together." Misty MacDuffee, Director, Wild Salmon Program, Raincoast Conservation Foundation "The Salish Sea Trilogy is a moving and powerful film that really struck me, especially having worked with these whales as a naturalist. I love the depth of knowledge it showcases - from Indigenous voices to the scientists who have studied these populations for decades. The beautiful stories and stunning cinematography will spark heartfelt conversations about ecosystem connection, responsibility, and hope for the future." Sarah Davies, Associate Professor of Biology, Boston University "This film is an enlightening exploration of the endangered 'people under the waves' of the Pacific Northwest being managed to extinction." David Montgomery, Professor of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Washington - Seattle, Author, King of Fish: The Thousand-Year Run of Salmon "The Salish Sea Trilogy is a moving exploration of the critical but sundered relationships among orcas and people, and on the salmon they depend on. The profound losses of these fish due to damming and other habitat impairments have reverberated with both starving whales and with a diminishment of the salmon-reliant culture of indigenous peoples. Nonetheless, there are rectifications being made that inspire optimism for a return towards a healthier ecosystem." John Waldman, Professor of Biology, Queens College - CUNY, Author, Running Silver: Restoring Atlantic Rivers and their Great Fish Migrations