Orcas Online will include ways in which you can become involved in the issues impacting the Southern and Northern Residents, transients and offshore killer whales. These issues impact all marine mammal species to varying degrees. Accordingly, Orcas Online is the area which will raise the issues relating to new environmental policies within the federal government which impact the whales and our oceanic eco-systems. The greater expansion of data gathered, the more sound policies will arise. However, the most important element to this success is to "let the data do the talking!" In that regard, Orca Quest supports transparent use of the best available science, reliance on the data provided through research, and implementation relative to policies of the United States, and the world.

This area will also include materials which I have submitted throughout my graduate work relating to the issue of conflict arising out of competing stakeholder interests impacting the orca, their eco-system, and humans alike. Some of these issues are contaminants, safety in major shipping which potentially could produce environmental "accidents," such as oil spills, that give rise to potentially disastrous impacts on the Southern Residents, the eco-system and humans alike. A major element is for all of us to remember that the oceans of the world are the life-giving system for all species.

Third, Orcas Online will focus on Environmental Conflict Resolution (ECR) issues as well. Currently, I am collaborating with Brian D. Polkinghorn, Ph.D. , a colleague and mentor, on a paper which addresses the methods used in resolving ECR; Brian additionally acts in an Advisory capacity. I welcome this collaboration and am grateful to Brian for all the insights and continued expansion in ECR he provides. To that end, I submit that a proactive approach to the issues facing the Southern Residents and the San Juan Archipelago eco-system as the most positive approach. Accordingly, Orcas Online will serve that purpose as well as others.

Check back soon for a Power Point presentation outlining the issues and stakeholders--an analysis--in the listing of the Southern Resident population as Endangered, and the salmon issues!

As we re-construct our site, this area will expand. Please check back again soon for more information. In the interim, if you have any questions, please email us at orcaquest@rockisland.com.