Dear Center for Whale Research Supporter,

 

We constantly reflect on the Center for Whale Research (CWR) and Ken Balcomb’s achievements as we make strategic choices for our future. At the forefront of these plans are how we navigate and adapt our research to allow us to support the conservation of the Southern Resident orcas (SRKWs) in a changing world.

 

Our long-term data, which spans back almost 50 years, shows that the SRKWs spend less and less time in their traditional Salish Sea core summer habitat due to insufficient wild Chinook salmon, their primary food. This changing pattern of habitat use, due to the lack of principal prey, requires altering our approach to our research undertakings. We must travel further afield to document the SRKWs, monitor their health, and study their behaviors. Often, we must be on the sea in less-than-ideal weather conditions.

 

It became clear to Ken and our team that the Center for Whale Research needed to adapt to the orca’s expanded habitat and replace our most crucial scientific-study tool: our research vessel. Our current 41-year-old boat cannot travel the distances to assess and study the whales and keep our field researchers safe. It needed replacing. CWR’s new 23’ LIFE PROOF research vessel is on order (Read: New vessel will open up new opportunities for Center for Whale Research fieldwork).

 

Your financial support ensures that our ORCA SURVEY and Aerial Observation Study research continues, helps us provide public education about the iconic orcas through the ORCA SURVEY Outreach & Education Center and WhaleResearch.com, and allows us to invest in ecosystem conservation like Balcomb BIG SALMON Ranch vital to the survival of all inhabitants of the Salish Sea. 

Every day, we remember and celebrate Ken Balcomb’s lifetime commitment, vision, and numerous accomplishments. He repeatedly said: “I want my life’s work to continue for over 100 years, greater than a single Southern Resident killer whale’s lifetime and greater than one researcher’s. Please keep working and fighting.”

 

Ken appreciated the pivotal role that the Center for Whale Research’s financial supporters—YOU—played in achieving our daily and long-term goals. We hope you will continue to help fund our RESEARCH, EDUCATION, and CONSERVATION initiatives to benefit the Southern Resident orcas and the Salish Sea habitat.

 

With our sincere gratitude,

 

Center for Whale Research Board of Directors, and Staff

 

Note. CWR’s ORCA SURVEY is the longest and most complete study of orcas on earth, leading to numerous discoveries that have changed how we view these marine mammals

 

​