Orca Protection & Rescue “Open Boat Event” – October 27th

Meet the crew of Orca Protection & Rescue and learn more about this timely organization on Saturday, October 27, 12:00-3:00 p.m., at Spring Street Landing. Enjoy wine and cheese as you tour OPR’s vessels and learn more about the organization’s mission. Orca Protection & Rescue is dedicated to protecting our local whales and marine wildlife from vessel harassment and marine pollution.

Meet Our Crew:

• Captain Hobbes: Executive Director and Founder. Captain Hobbes is a 17-year veteran of the local whale watch industry who is now transitioning from whale watching to whale protection. Hobbes has operated commercial vessels since the age of 14 and was recently appointed by the United States Coast Guard to the Puget Sound Harbor Safety Committee.
• Peter Brown: President Advisor from Gaia Network. Peter Brown is a director, producer, and cinematographer with 35+ years of experience. Brown has been active with Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and released a feature length documentary based on his experiences (titled Confessions of an Eco Terrorist). Brown now leads Gaia Network, a global coalition of experts and activists working to make the world a better place.
• Scott West: Enforcement Advisor. Scott West is a retired Special Agent-in-Charge with the Environmental Protection Agency. West is the former Director of Intelligence and Investigations at Sea Shepherd USA, who worked extensively in Japan against the dolphin slaughter.
• Erika Hansen: Grant Writer and Community Outreach Specialist. Having worked as a research biologist since 2006, Hansen decided to instead pursue her dream of working in marine conservation.
• Elora West: Media and Communication Specialist. Elora West has extensive experience working with conservation organizations developing media content, working in outreach, volunteer coordination, and campaign strategy. West is most known for her work documenting the dolphin slaughter in Taiji, Japan. West is currently a graduate student in the Communication Leadership program at the University of Washington.

We need your help to save our magnificent Southern Resident Killer Whales, who are hurtling towards extinction! Please donate today at www.orcaprotection.org to keep us in the water.

Directions to Open Boat Event: At Spring Street Landing, located in the harbor in front of Downriggers restaurant. Look for the maritime flags at our two boats at the end of the dock, where the seasonal San Juan Clipper docks.

You can support the San Juan Update by doing business with our loyal advertisers, and by making a one-time contribution or a recurring donation.