What does the future hold for Orcas in the trans-boundary waters of BC and Washington?

Killer Whales, being top predators, have the problem of accumulating toxins. Dr. Peter S. Ross, a marine mammal toxicologist with the Institute of Ocean Sciences, Canada, will show us how stable toxins such as PCB’s and flame retardants can become so concentrated in Orca tissues that they make our whales eligible for treatment as hazardous materials. Dr. Ross has an active research program on (1) the effects of persistent environmental contaminants on the health of marine mammals and (2) the sources, movement and fate of persistent environmental contaminants in marine food chains. He conducts his research in collaboration with colleagues at universities and government laboratories in Canada and internationally. See http://www-sci.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/osap/people/ross/ross_e.htm for more info. Please join us for this free lecture, 7 p.m. on Friday, June 12 at the Friday Harbor Labs Commons. Sponsored by the Friends of the San Juans.