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Dr. Kenneth C.
“Ken”
Balcomb III

(1940-2022)
We will carry you ​in
our hearts forever.
On December 15, 2022, Center for Whale Research (CWR) founder and longtime leader Kenneth C. Balcomb III died. He was surrounded by family and loved ones in his final hours. Ken was 82 years old.

Ken, a pioneer and legend in the whale world, was more than just a scientist. He was a North Star, a guiding light which illuminated a path for tens of thousands to follow. His deep-rooted love and connection to the whales and their ocean habitat inspired others to appreciate both as much as he did. His groundbreaking ORCA SURVEY study, which detailed and documented the lives of the Southern Resident killer whale/orca population in the Pacific Northwest’s Salish Sea, was a testament to his dedication. It determined that the Southern Residents needed more food abundance in a healthy habitat to survive, a message he continually heralded to the world—“No fish, No Blackfish.” [No Chinook salmon, No Southern Resident orcas].

 

Ken’s Southern Residents orca research began in 1976; it is the longest study of this population. His goal was for the Center for Whale Research’s scientific studies to continue for 150 years, provided there were whales to study. All of us at CWR share Ken’s vision and mission to preserve and protect the magnificent Southern Resident killer whales. He often said about the critically endangered Southern Residents: “I’m not going to count them to zero, at least not quietly.” The Center for Whale Research’s board of directors and staff are dedicated to continuing Ken Balcomb’s life’s work.

Thank you for everything, Ken. We will carry you in our hearts forever.
Learn more about Ken Balcomb's life's work and impact
  • READ the Memory Board postings below to get a true sense of Ken Balcomb’s effect on the world.

  • READ the December 2022 the WHALE Report, Ken Balcomb Remembered, to appreciate Ken’s work commitment and efforts on behalf of the Southern Resident orca community.

  • READ what Ken Balcomb’s brother and CWR Board Chair Howie Garrett said on the Orca Network website.

  • SCROLL through the Photo Gallery below for a snapshot of Ken Balcomb’s life studying, monitoring, educating about, and advocating for the orcas of the Salish Sea.

the WHALE Report
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Congratulations, Dr. Kenneth C. Balcomb III

We are delighted to announce that the University of Exeter awarded our founder, Ken Balcomb, an honorary Doctor of Science degree during a celebration event in Seattle on April 8, 2024. 

 

This well-deserved recognition is a testament to Ken’s exceptional contributions to science, conservation, and society. His 32 peer-reviewed papers in international journals and his groundbreaking research have not only advanced our understanding of killer whales but have also revolutionized the field of marine science. His unwavering commitment to the preservation of the Southern Resident killer whales is a shining example of his dedication and will continue to inspire us all.

 

The University of Exeter notified Ken of its intention to honor him with the award in 2017, and he had tried to arrange to travel to Exeter to receive it. Unfortunately, this was not possible, so uniquely, the University traveled to Seattle.

 

Ken was a pioneer in marine science and a world-class scientist. We are delighted that Ken has been honored with this award. Congratulations, Dr. Kenneth C. Balcomb III.

Photo gallery from April 8, 2024, in Seattle, when Center for Whale Research Board Chair and Ken Balcomb’s brother Howard Garrett accepted Ken’s honorary Doctor of Science degree from University of Exeter President and Vice-Chancellor Lisa Roberts.

Doctor of Science

The Kenneth C. Balcomb III Legacy Fund (formerly Memorial Fund) will carry his five decades of orca research and advocacy forward for years. Ken’s Southern Residents orca study began in 1976 and is the longest study of this population. One of Ken’s goals was for the Center for Whale Research’s (CWR) scientific studies to continue for 150 years. The CWR board of directors and staff shares Ken’s vision and mission to preserve and protect the magnificent but critically endangered Southern Resident orcas. Your LEGACY FUND donation will support CWR’s ongoing research, education, and conservation efforts.​

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KCB Photo Gallery