The bittersweet New Year’s Day visit to central Puget Sound by J and K pods revealed both a new, apparently healthy calf had been born to the endangered population, but also that J35 Tahlequah had lost a calf first spotted on Dec. 20, and was mourning her loss by carrying her daughter’s body, as she did in 2018. Tahlequah’s grief has again made headlines around the world, and has many concerned and curious about the Southern Resident orcas.
The annual Ways of Whales workshop presented by Orca Network, taking place Saturday, Jan. 25, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at Coupeville High School’s Performing Arts Center on Whidbey Island with an option for virtual attendance, is one way to find out more about this critically endangered population, and how to help them recover from the combined threats of reduced prey availability, toxic pollution and disturbance from vessel traffic.
Center for Whale Research’s Dr. Michael Weiss, Coast Salish Elder Rosie Cayou James and Orca Network’s cofounders and current Board President and Executive Director Howard Garrett and Susan Berta will share updates and insights about the Southern Resident orcas.
Salmon conservation, essential to Southern Resident orca recovery, is another topic addressed at the workshop. A panel focusing on salmon passage will include a series of short presentations by Thomas Quinn on salmon behavior, Eric Crawford speaking about Snake River dams, Lee First speaking about the proposed Chehalis River dam, Holly Henderson discussing fish passage in the Skagit and Shane Anderson sharing success stories from the Klamath River dam removals.
Rounding out the program are student activist Nateli Sanderson speaking about youth advocacy, and John Calambokidis of Cascadia Research Collective, speaking about blue whale research and the “52 Hertz Whale.”
The Ways of Whales workshop brings together researchers, advocates, educators and whale lovers for continuing education and networking. In addition to fascinating presentations by experts in their field, the day offers our popular silent auction, an opportunity to socialize with fellow whale enthusiasts and the chance to visit the Learning Lobby and learn about the great work being done by Orca Network’s Pod Partners.
Find more information and register at https://givebutter.com/c/jW1pNG. Registration is $40 for general admission and $30 for seniors and students. Clock hours are available for teachers. A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available for those who need them. Please email cindy@orcanetwork.org for more information.
Please contact Orca Network with any questions at cindy@orcanetwork.org or 360-223-5666.