ON THEIR FUTURE
FOCUSING
ON THEIR FUTURE
FOR GENERATIONS TO COME
FOCUSING ON THEIR FUTURE
FOR GENERATIONS TO COME
“The Center for Whale Research has been conducting ORCA SURVEY for nearly five decades, but that isn’t quite the lifespan of a Southern Resident killer whale. To truly understand their ecology, life history, and society, we must monitor and observe these whales for at least a lifetime, and ideally for multiple generations. That’s why continuing our research is so crucial.”
Dr. Michael Weiss,
Research Director,
Center for Whale Research
A Memorial Fund has been established in honor of Kenneth C. Balcomb III. Donations to this fund will carry his work forward for years to come.
This donation is in memory or honor of someone special. You can include a message in this donation to let us know. Thank you.
FOCUSING ON THEIR FUTURE
FOR GENERATIONS TO COME
Dear Supporter,
Your generous donations will assist CWR in achieving our 2023 research, conservation, education, and advocacy goals. Our priority is continuing our long-term monitoring of the Southern Resident orcas; for two reasons: one is scientific, and the other is conservation-focused.
The science emphasis is two-fold:
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ORCA SURVEY (1976-2022), our 46-year-long mission to document, monitor, and better understand the Southern Resident orcas
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AERIAL OBSERVATION STUDY (since 2018), scientific studies using drones to observe the orcas from overhead and learn more about their social structure, interactions, and behaviors.
Through this ongoing research, we have and are acquiring exciting new knowledge about the whales’ lives.
On the conservation side, if we don’t document the orcas’ numbers and monitor their health, we have no way of understanding whether new stressors to their existence are being introduced to their world, whether the current stresses are worsening, or if management and recovery actions are working.
Besides our vitally important orca research, we will persevere as advocates for wild Chinook salmon. Without further restoration measures, like removing the Lower Snake River dams and other blockades preventing millions of salmon from returning to their spawn grounds, the Southern Resident orcas will continue to struggle to find nourishing food. Balcomb BIG SALMON Ranch is a CWR initiative supporting Chinook salmon renewal.
This year, we saw Southern Resident orca births and deaths. Happy moments and heartbreak. Our beloved “Residents” continue to struggle to turn the tide toward population growth. These intelligent, social, and caring animals need your help and the Center for Whale Research’s help in the fight for their lives.
Thank you again for your steadfast love of the Southern Residents and support of the Center for Whale Research. Your generosity will ensure our ongoing efforts to understand better and assist the J, K, and L pod families now . . . and for generations to come. Our focus is on their future.
With our sincere gratitude,
CWR Board of Directors, and Center for Whale Research Staff
Your tax-deductible Donation goes directly to financially supporting our research of the iconic Southern Resident orcas and empowering educational outreach about this species, while continually defending and speaking for this gravely endangered population that cannot speak for themselves. The orcas need your help like never before. Any Donation amount large or small helps!
The Center for Whale Research is a 501c3 non profit organization registered in Washington State.