Orca Quest - A Quest for Harmony Between Human Kind and Planet Earth

Greetings and Welcome to our new website! Orca Quest is a Washington State non-profit research project, the aim of which is to promote knowledge and conservation of the Pacific Northwest Resident population of killer whales (Orcinus orca) known as J, K, and L pods respectively. We actively work to promote and disseminate accurate information about this species and the crucial need to protect them since the listing of Endangered on November 18, 2005. Our site will also provide information regarding our continuing research, now in its 14th year. My name is Maureen Startin, MACS, CZMT Certified, and I am the Primary Investigator and Executive Director for the project. As we expand, we will be updating the site regularly with field season reports, interactive pages, educational information, and more! Additional information regarding Environmental Conflict Resolution will also be a new area of the site as we deal with more disputes arising from resource depletion, including Washington's beloved whales and our endangered salmon, to other issues impacting our world. I am also available for consultation on environmental disputes and conflicts. Please be patient as the site is re-constructed, and we hope you will drop by often to engage with us and check on our progress. If you have any questions in the interim, please e-mail us at orcaquest@rockisland.com

All information, written and photo/video/audiographic, on this site is the intellectual property of Maureen Startin, MACS, CZMT Certified, with exception to information with attribution. Any copying, distribution, or use of non-attributed materials without express written consent violates copyright laws and will be treated accordingly as plagiarism. Full citations are being compiled on a separate page as necessary; attribution is made within body text. A search will bring up the information; if full citation is desired, please e-mail. In the interim, I ask for your patience!

As we re-construct our site, you will find addtional information compiled from past field seasons and upcoming seasons. Currently, having just completed my Masters in Cross-disciplinary Studies (MACS), concentration track Environment & Society, and Masters Certification in Coastal Studies, from Nova Southeastern University, I am in what is considered the "laboratory!" It is the period that is post-field season, when one returns to compilation and analysis of the data. I hope you will stop by to check on the news, updates, and progress of Orca Quest and the J-Clan.

Welcome to the new site. While still re-constructing, please be patient. Some links--while working--will lack expanded information. I appreciate your patience and continued support.

Please check back, as new areas will include surveys and more. Surveys will be available for particular time periods, and all data collected will be in compliance with the ethical standards of the American Anthropological Association of which I am a Professional Member. All participants are protected with full faith and confidence. I pledge to maintain the highest standards of academic, ethical, and disciplinary pursuits.

If you are interested in joining our Quest, have time to share your talents, I welcome your support! For those who are generally interested in supporting this important research, please e-mail me at the above address. Orca Quest is processing its 501(c)(3) status; in the interim, all support provided is deeply appreciated! For those interested in collaboration in field studies, please contact me. Please e-mail with any questions about how you can join our Quest and consider that through the wholistic perspective,we access new vistas producing many ways to contribute and change directions naturally. Thank you!