
CWR Members & Donors
Thank you
We are so grateful for all your generous donations. It is truly heartwarming to know that so many people support our efforts to continue our research and be advocates for the Orcas' survival. Please accept our THANKS for your generous support.
Our MISSION
The Center for Whale Research (CWR) is dedicated to the study and conservation of the Southern Resident killer whale (orca) population in the Pacific Northwest.
Recent
RESEARCH
Postreproductive killer whale grandmothers improve the survival of their grandoffspring
The latest Scientific paper from the Center for Whale Research has just been published in PNAS it shows that grandmother killer whales help keep their grand-offspring alive.
These new findings highlight that the future of the SRKW is dependent not just on the survival of young females who will be producing the future calves but also the survival of grandmothers who play a key role in ensuring the survival of their family group. Grandmother help however, can only stretch so far and it is essential to restore salmon populations to save the SRKW from extinction.
Q13 News - Simone Del Rosario reports
They say it takes a village to raise a child, and parents know how helpful an involved grandmother can be. It turns out the same is true for killer whales.
![Whales_DigitalOOH_Final_Compiled[2]_Page](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/760f65_fcdb50c415834074a628f439ed86ac2e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_244,h_70,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2/Whales_DigitalOOH_Final_Compiled%5B2%5D_Page.jpg)
Orca Billboards
Get the FACTS
If you are driving on the I-5 between Seattle and Tacoma you may notice a couple of digital billboards with important messages about our Southern Resident Orcas.

43 years of RESEARCH
Take
ACTION
One of the most commonly asked questions we get these days is: "What can I do to help?" We've included a variety of options for your consideration. Thank you for caring about the Southern Resident orcas and all the other species that inhabit the waters of the Pacific Northwest ...

SUPPORT our efforts

Orca Survey
Outreach & Education Center
Become immersed in the world of whales through our interactive displays. Watch amazing videos and listen to the whales vocalize underwater. Big screen video footage of the whales in the wild as experienced from our research boats. Come meet the natualists and researchers, they'll share their knowledge of the magnificent whales of the Salish Sea.
185 S. First St., Friday Harbor, San Juan Island WA 98250
Hours: Open 7 days a week 10:00-5:00

recent on the water
ENCOUNTERS
An Encounter refers to any time we observe killer whales (orcas), from one of our research boats or land, where at least one individual is identified and photographed. Typically, 2-4 staff are involved in an encounter. Once we come into contact with whales (ie. within distance of identifying individuals by sight) we have begun our encounter. During an encounter, our main goal is to photograph every individual present from both the left and right side.

TOGETHER
we CAN help
Together we CAN help
Become a CWR Member or make a DONATION
The Center for Whale Research has been studying these amazing whales since 1976 but our work is far from over. We need your help to continue our studies, and to speak out on the Southern Resident orcas behalf.