The Cruise Bracelet

"Orcas are tracked off the coast of Northern Norway to investigate the effects of the region’s herring migration patterns on their movements, as well as how climate change is affecting where they choose to travel. Additionally, researchers are looking at the effect of group membership and kinship on the diet and movements of these animals."

To learn more about the work our partner is doing, visit their site directly at marineconservationecologylab.com.

To track orcas, researchers use satellite tags implanted in their large dorsal fins. A small antenna transmits information to satellites that can then be read on computers and even cell phones—these devices can provide several locations each day to help determine where orcas go and how fast they travel, which are key indicators of how they use ocean habitats.

To learn more about the work our partner is doing, visit their site directly at marineconservationecologylab.com.

Tracking does not harm the orcas. The tags we deploy are specifically designed not to cause pain or discomfort. We deploy tags in the dorsal fin, made of connective tissues. Once we tag them, orcas don't even seem to notice that they carry one of our tags! These animals are our passion, and before being scientists, we love them, and we always try to minimize our impact on their lives.

Orcas are affected by a wide variety of threats across the world's oceans. In some regions, orcas are negatively impacted by sea ice loss, particularly in Antarctic waters. In other regions, such as Europe, chemical pollution is a major issue affecting their immune system and reproduction. In some cases, threats are cumulative, and several of them can impact populations. For example, off the coast of Washington State, Southern Resident killer whales are impacted by the decline of their favorite prey (salmon) and are too frequently disturbed by maritime traffic.

To learn more about the work our partner is doing, visit their site directly at marineconservationecologylab.com.

Keep an eye out for more bracelet colors and orcas November 2026!

Adult male orcas are significantly larger than females, weighing between 8,000–12,000 lb (3,600–5,400 kg) on average. Females typically weigh in at around 3,000–8,000 lb (1,360 to 3,600 kg). Despite their size, orcas can jump up to 15 ft (4.5 m) out of the water!

The word “orca” in Latin refers to the shape of a barrel or cask, and orcas likely were named due to their body shape.

Actually, no! Orcas are not whales—though they are classified as toothed whales, they are actually the largest species of dolphin.

There is no difference! Orcas and killer whales are the same animal. “Orca” is derived from the species’ scientific name Orcinus orca, whereas “killer whale” is a nickname given originally by 18th-century sailors who witnessed them killing whales at sea. 

Orcas are classified as “Data Deficient” by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature), meaning there is not enough data to declare the entire species endangered. The United States’ only endangered population includes the Southern Residents, which range from Alaska to California and face threats such as lack of available prey, noise pollution and toxic contaminants, and disturbances from vessel traffic.