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Orca liquidity positions are represented by position NFTs. The position NFT controls access to the liquidity position it represents. If a position NFT is burned, the funds, accrued fees, and rewards associated with that position are permanently and irreversibly inaccessible. Orca cannot recover the NFT, reassign the position, or withdraw the liquidity on your behalf.
Do not burn, sell, or transfer a position NFT unless you intend to permanently give up access to the position or transfer control of it to another wallet.

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Why can’t Orca recover a burned position NFT?

A position NFT is the onchain proof of ownership for an Orca liquidity position. The wallet that holds the position NFT controls the associated position. If the NFT is burned, the ownership token is destroyed. Without that NFT, the position cannot be accessed, managed, withdrawn, or closed. Orca cannot recreate the NFT, reverse the burn, reassign ownership, or withdraw the liquidity on behalf of a user. This is because Orca is non-custodial. Orca does not hold user funds, does not control user wallets, and cannot reverse confirmed onchain actions.

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How position NFTs work

  • Each Orca liquidity position is represented by a unique NFT.
  • The NFT identifies the specific liquidity position.
  • The wallet holding the NFT can manage, withdraw, or close the position.
  • Transferring the NFT transfers control of the position to the receiving wallet.
  • Burning the NFT destroys the ownership token and permanently removes access to the position.
The position NFT acts like the access key for the position. Without it, the position cannot be managed, withdrawn, or closed.

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What happens to the deposited tokens?

The deposited tokens remain in the pool onchain. However, without the position NFT, the position cannot be accessed, managed, withdrawn, or closed. Any accrued fees or rewards associated with the position also cannot be claimed. The pool itself may continue to operate, but the burned position is no longer controllable by the original wallet, by Orca, or by anyone else.

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Why can’t Orca reverse the burn?

Onchain actions are generally irreversible once confirmed. Orca smart contracts do not include a mechanism for Orca to recreate a burned position NFT, reverse the burn, or assign the position to a different wallet after the NFT has been destroyed. Orca also does not have access to your private keys or wallet. Only your wallet can approve actions involving your assets and NFTs.

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How to avoid burning a position NFT

Before taking any action involving a position NFT:
  • Review the wallet prompt carefully.
  • Do not burn a position NFT unless you intend to permanently give up access to the position.
  • Do not send a position NFT to another wallet unless you intend to transfer control of the position.
  • Be cautious of wallet cleanup tools, NFT burn tools, spam-removal tools, incinerator protocols, and third-party apps.
  • Contact Orca support if you are unsure what an action will do.
Orca position NFTs display “DO NOT BURN” because burning the NFT permanently removes access to the position it represents.

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Why didn’t Orca prevent the burn?

Orca includes warnings in the interface and documentation explaining that position NFTs should not be burned. The NFT itself is also labeled with a warning. However, Orca does not control external wallets, NFT burn tools, wallet cleanup tools, incinerator protocols, or third-party applications. If a user approves a burn transaction through one of those tools, Orca cannot reverse the action after it confirms onchain.

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Can Orca support help?

Orca support can explain what happened and help you understand position NFT mechanics. However, Orca cannot recover a burned position NFT, recreate the NFT, reassign the position, or withdraw the liquidity associated with the burned NFT. For future position or wallet questions, use the in-app Support function or see Contact Support.

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If this loss is affecting you

Losing access to funds can be extremely distressing. If this loss is affecting your wellbeing, consider speaking with someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or professional adviser. If you feel at risk of harming yourself or need urgent support, contact local emergency services or a crisis support service in your country. Avoid making rushed financial decisions while distressed.

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Important reminders

  • A position NFT represents ownership of an Orca liquidity position.
  • Burning a position NFT permanently and irreversibly removes access to the position it represents.
  • The funds, accrued fees, and rewards associated with a burned position NFT cannot be recovered by Orca.
  • Transferring a position NFT transfers control of the position to another wallet.
  • Orca cannot recover liquidity if the position NFT is burned or transferred away.
  • Always review wallet prompts before signing transactions.
  • Never share your seed phrase or private keys with anyone.