A permanent sanctuary and rescue center for orcas

• Main Authors: Marino, Lori, Giles, Deborah
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Western CEDAR 2018
• Subjects: Fresh Water Studies; Life Sciences; Marine Biology; Natural Resources and Conservation; Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology; Pacific; Killer Whale; Orca; Killer whale
• Online Access: https://cedar.wwu.edu/ssec/2018ssec/allsessions/294

Panel session The Whale Sanctuary Project’s (WSP) mission is to create the first permanent seaside sanctuary for captive orcas retired from living in marine parks and aquariums. The WSP non-profit organization comprises a five-member board of directors and over fifty marine mammal expert advisors from around the world. The natural habitat facility will be designed to house and provide lifetime care for orcas, as well as serve as a regional rescue and rehabilitation facility with a focus on helping conserve the southern resident killer whale (SRKW) population. As an authentic sanctuary, the project will offer a large expanse of secure space, a full service veterinary clinic and staff, trainers and other personnel, as well as an on-site interpretive center and education programs for the public. The complexity of the Salish Sea ecosystem and stakeholder issues, and, especially, the endangered status of the SRKW, call for a collaborative multi-level approach to conservation and preservation of the orcas. As there are currently no orca rescue facilities anywhere in the Pacific Northwest, the WSP is poised to take on that role as part of it’s mission and meet that urgent need. In this panel we will discuss the various ways the WSP can be an integral part of an overall approach to recovery and conservation of SRKW by providing science and research, community engagement, education, and best practices unique to a sanctuary environment.