Dammed to Extinction

This documentary dives into the ongoing struggle of a unique population of killer whales that relies heavily on chinook salmon for sustenance. Ken Balcomb, a renowned whale scientist, has dedicated over 40 years to studying these orcas and their hunting patterns. The film presents a stark reality: as salmon numbers dwindle, the orcas face starvation, needing roughly a million salmon each year to thrive.

The film discusses the potential solution of removing four dams located 500 miles away from the orcas' hunting grounds. These dams are obstructing the natural flow of the river, which historically produced the largest chinook salmon population. Balcomb argues that restoring this ecosystem is essential for the survival of the orcas and the overall health of the marine environment.