A Community Website by Lopez Island
P.O. Box 1577
Friday Harbor
360.378.5835
Center for Whale Research
The Center for Whale Research is dedicated to the study and conservation of the Southern Resident killer whale (Orca) population in the Pacific Northwest.
The Center for Whale Research has been the leading voice for the now gravely endangered Southern Resident killer whales (orcas) generating over 4 decades of scientific research and health assessments that have been used to inform agency decision-makers and elected officials about the whales' ecosystem needs to ensure the viability of this playful, social, and beloved population. Our unique on-the-water research approach entails recording information through whale encounters that provides important social, demographic, health and geographic information. We provide this information to U.S. and Canadian government agencies annually for conservation and management purposes.