The Killer Whale, Orcinus orca, is the apex predator of the ocean and one of the most charismatic cetaceans in the world- and yet we still know very little about this population of orca here in Australian waters. Project O.R.C.A. (Orca Research and Conservation Australia) has been conducting research on the killer whales found in Western Australia since 2014. Working in collaboration with CMST, Curtin University, this project adopts a multidisciplinary approach to investigate the distribution, abundance, bioacoustics and population dynamics of killer whales in Australian waters. Why is the research important? Very little is known about killer whales in Australian waters. Their abundance, movements, ecology and population status are yet to be determined for the Australian population. An alarming statistic given their importance in the ecology as the top predator. Killer whales are currently listed as ‘Data Deficient’, meaning there is insufficient information to assign a conservation listing for the species. This 'Data Deficient' labelling then prevents this species from being categorized accordingly and properly assessed, meaning it also may prevent them from receiving the conservation attention they urgently require. What we understand, we can protect. Right now we know very little about the killer whales here in our Australian waters, and we need to obtain baseline data so we can get a basic understanding of their population status. Once we know more about these killer whales, we can help protect them and the environment they live in. With your help, we can continue this important and crucial research. All donations go directly into field research- with funds used for boat fuel, boat time and equipment. Not a cent is wasted- you can be rest assured to know that every contribution to Project ORCA goes a long way in protecting and conserving our ocean’s apex predator- the Killer Whale. Every little bit counts and we thank you for your support.