OrcaQuest

Photograph by Rob Startin
Copyright 1997 - 2008

Welcome to Orca Quest. Our web page brings the discoveries of 14 years of research on the Southern Community of killer whales (Orcunus orca) known as "J Clan," or the J, K, and L pods. As Executive Director of this research, my goal and purpose is joining the collective researchers and other Orca websites in disseminating accurate and honest information about the species, commonly known as the killer whale and to facilitate conservation efforts on orca behalf. This includes involvement in key environmental conflicts arising out the listing of this population as endangered, as well as working to ensure habitat and prey sources.

Photograph by Rob Startin
Copyright 1996

The primary focus of my research is gathering evidence to support the hypothesis that killer whales possess culture just as we humans do, applying anthropological criteria to my research. In this sense, my desire is to establish language, a belief system, kinship, cognition through learned behaviours on the part of the whales--also known as transmission of culture--as well as inheritance of kinship lines. I posit that if humankind (Homo sapiens sapiens) can begin to accept that we are not "the" superior species on the planet, we can begin to learn and build on that knowledge to ensure future sustainable conservation efforts for all species.

Used with grateful permisssion - Copyright Mark Atherton - 1996

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All information, photographs and materiel on this site are the exclusive property of Maureen Startin, MACS, CZMT Certified, and Orca Quest. Absolutely no information or photographs may be copied or disseminated in any way without the express written consent of Orca Quest. Any infraction shall be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.