Press release:
A pilot project to train orca stewards is launching in June with its first presentation to the local community. Presented by The Whale Trail, the Orca Steward Training Program seeks to teach members of the local community what they can do to help endangered southern resident orcas. Starting with the West Seattle community, the goal is to offer the Orca Steward Training Program in communities around the region, creating a network of people making positive changes for the orcas and the Sound.

You can download the Orca Steward poster at the link above.

The free event takes place on Saturday, June 11th at the Alki Community Center from 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required at brownpapertickets.com.

The event will feature experts sharing their knowledge of orcas with residents of West Seattle and beyond. Cindy Hansen from The Whale Museum will teach “Orca ABCs,” Lynne Barre from NOAA Fisheries will discuss the management and recovery of the southern resident orcas, Mark Sears will share his photos and experiences from over 30 years of orca research in West Seattle, and Franziska McKay of People for Puget Sound will show how everyone can have a positive influence on the Sound, linking stormwater management to orca recovery.

Local Southern Resident orcas (J, K and L pods) have historically and currently use the entire Puget Sound basin. During winter months, they are frequently spotted from the shores of West Seattle. These iconic marine mammals were listed as Endangered in 2005. Threats contributing to their decline include lack of prey, toxin accumulations, and stress and noise from vessel impacts.  If current trends continue or worsen, they could go extinct in as little as 100 years.

Residents of the Puget Sound region have a tremendous impact on whether the orcas will survive. The pilot program will teach how individuals can make a difference for the whales, the Sound, and the marine life that it sustains. As part of the program, participants will be encouraged to make a commitment to one or more specific stewardship actions, focused especially on stormwater management.

This project is funded in part by a Neighborhood Matching Fund award of the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods.

About the Whale Trail
The Whale Trail is a series of sites around the region where the public may view orcas and other marine mammals from shore. Its mission is to inspire appreciation and stewardship of whales and our marine environment. The project is partnering with groups, agencies, individuals and communities around the region to select and develop the Whale Trail sites, and to create and deliver educational programs. With 20 sites established, the project plans to add at least 20 more in the coming year, including four in West Seattle. For more information, visit HYPERLINK "http://www.thewhaletrail.org/" www.thewhaletrail.org or HYPERLINK "http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Whale-Trail/114940735193641" www.facebook.com/pages/The-Whale-Trail/114940735193641.