2014 "WAYS OF WHALES" WORKSHOP THIS SATURDAY, JAN. 25.

photo by Jim Maya

URGENT LAST-MINUTE MESSAGE! Personal circumstances beyond my control prevented me from publishing this post earlier, but I hope some of my readers can still attend the 2014 Ways of Whales Workshop on Saturday, January 25. This exciting annual event takes place at the Coupeville Middle School Performing Arts Center on Whidbey Island in Puget Sound from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. It promises to be a day of wonder for anyone interested in the endangered Southern Resident orcas, as well as their fragile food source: endangered salmon.

These beautiful and amazing creatures are, unlike most of us, truly native to the Northwest, and some of the region's most respected experts will advocate for them by educating the public about current threats to the survival of both species. This year's workshop focuses on the theme of Saving Iconic Northwest Species—Southern Resident Orcas and Salmon. The goal of the event is to bring people together and inspire them to partner effectively in their actions to preserve and protect.

Here is the impressive list of presenters, panelists, and topics of discussion:

• Ken Balcomb, Center for Whale Research - No Fish, No Blackfish
• Lynne Barre, NOAA Fisheries - Southern Resident Orca Recovery Plan
• Joseph Bogaard, Save our Wild Salmon - Salmon Recovery
• Howard Garrett, Orca Network - Lolita and Blackfish updates 
• Florian Graner, SeaLife Productions  - Salish Sea orca/salmon video
• Brad Hanson, NOAA Fisheries NWFSC - Southern Resident orcas and their prey
• Jim Lichatowich, author of Salmon, People and Place 
• Panel Discussion: What is needed to Restore Orcas and Salmon in the Pacific Northwest?

Orca Network provided these details:

Cost of the workshop is $30 ($25 for Students/Seniors), and a hot lunch is available for purchase for an additional $10 on an as-available basis. Pre-registration is highly recommended, as seating is limited. Further information and online registration are available at www.orcanetwork.org. Questions? Contact Orca Network at info@orcanetwork.org or 360-331-3543 or 1-866-ORCANET. 

Sponsored by:

• Orca Network
• Homeplace of Oak Harbor - Special Care Center
• The historic Captain Whidbey Inn on Penn Cove in Coupeville 

All photos courtesy of Orca Network.