I can't wait for noninvasive brain scan tech that can give whales, orcas, and dolphins voices to communicate with us. We'll probably need to develop a semi tame culture of cetaceans to go out and live and learn among wild groups to allow us to learn more. Our brains and thumbs are enough to assist other species, not just our own - we might be the best thing to happen to every extant species if we can get our shit together in time.

I don't think they are capable of communicating anything more than "food", "hey, the surf's good", "mate", or "back off!"

I dunno - Bunny the talking dog has a YouTube channel that's fascinating. The dog talks about dreams, feelings, friends, family, and fart jokes. Koko the gorilla was a more interesting and empathic person than many actual humans I can think of.

Whales making fart jokes would make the entire enterprise worth it.

I think not having language is a limitation on the upper bounds of animal intelligence, and providing voices through technology will enhance animal cognition beyond what they could achieve naturally.

Humans providing education and training could make their lives more meaningful and nuanced by giving them the jump start of participating in our culture. Besides, imagine cooperative orca tribes assisting in human endeavors, like seasteading and ocean rescue?

Who knows, if orcas are smart enough, they could be the first nonhuman writers or scientists?