The Salish Sea is the inland body of water between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia and Washington, requiring collaborative governance from a range of diverse actors spanning Western Canada and United States. It is home to the endangered southern resident killer whale (Orcinus orca), an iconic marine mammal that holds significant cultural value for the Coast Salish peoples and fuels the Salish Sea whale watching and tourism industry. The management of this species depends on the successful collaboration of multiple agencies through a transboundary governance network. Previous research suggests that different dimensions of trust are essential for collaboration, in addition to related dimensions of control and perceived risk. By conducting key informant interviews, I aim to qualitatively assess the interorganizational barriers that prevent the formation of trusting relationships in the governance network. A public policy analysis from 2003 to the present, examining legislation, organizational missions, and legislation, will determine the extent of which management strategies of southern resident killer whales facilitate goal consensus among actors. The evaluation of trust, control mechanisms, and perceived risk within the governance network will allow for recommendations to improve collaborative functioning among actors and support more effective planning and execution of southern resident killer whale conservation efforts.