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Event
Our Toxic Orcas, 2nd Annual
June is Orca Month in Washington. It's a time to celebrate one of our region's most iconic wildlife species. It is also opportunity to reflect on the plight of these imperiled creatures.
One of the biggest threats facing our orcas is toxic pollution. Living in Puget Sound, next to major metropolitan areas, Southern Resident orcas are exposed to pollution from our cities and communities. They are considered to be the most polluted marine mammals in the world, and all of the toxics building up in their bodies cause a host of health problems.
Last year, Southern Resident orcas lost their long-time leader, Granny(J2), and six other family members. With only 78 individuals left in the wild, the survival of each orca is vital for this critically endangered population's future.
Fortunately, each one of us can reduce the amount of pollution entering Puget Sound and contaminating our orcas. Join us for Our Toxic Orcas as we explore the impacts toxics have on orcas, where these toxics are coming from, and how you can be part of the solution. There will be light food and refreshments during a pre-program reception.
Reception: 6:00 - 7:00 PM (Light Food and Drinks Provided)
Program: 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Where: UW-Tacoma YMCA - 1710 Market Street Tacoma, WA 98402
Featured Speakers:
Dr. Sam Wasser, Director, Center for Conservation
Biology and Research Professor, Department of Biology,
Unv. of Washington
Nancy Uding, Program Director, Toxic Free Future
Ryan Cruz, Citizens for a Healthy Bay
Dr. Sam Wasser will talk about his work using dogs to sniff out orcas so he can analyze their health. Through this work, Dr. Wasser has shed light on the toxics affecting our orcas.
Nancy Uding from Toxic-Free Future will talk about where toxics are coming from and about some simple steps everyone can take to reduce the amount of pollution reaching our orcas.
Ryan Cruz from Citizens for a Healthy Bay will frame the conversation in a local context by recounting Tacoma's transition from a toxic legacy toward cleaner waters. We will also explore major threats facing our community today and how we can all get involved.
This event is sponsored and hosted by Citizens for a Healthy Bay, Defenders of Wildlife, Toxic-Free Future, UW Tacoma Sustainability and Science & Mathematics Committees, and Washington Environmental Council
See you on Wednesday, June 28th!
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LocationUniversity of Washington Tacoma - YMCA (View)
1710 Market Street
Tacoma, WA 98402
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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