About The Whale Interpretive Centre

SOCIETY HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENTS
The Johnstone Strait Killer Whale Committee was founded by the late Dr. Michael Bigg of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and by Dr. Louise Goulet of BC Parks. This committee recommended the establishment of an educational interpretive centre to balance issues involving resource use and resident killer whale needs in the Johnstone Strait area. As a result, in 1993 the Johnstone Strait Killer Whale Interpretive Centre Society (JSKWICS) was established and has remained firmly committed to marine mammal education and research and aspires to create a 'world class' interpretive centre in Telegraph Cove, BC. The Society envisioned a centre that would inspire and involve the local community as well as many international visitors.

The Whale Interpretive Centre was established in 2002 as a result of Habitat Stewardship Funding from Environment Canada. The JSKWICS has, in the past, also provided directorship to the Straitwatch Marine Monitoring Programme and to the Robson Bight Warden Programme.

The JSKWICS was established as a non-profit organization and relies extensively on grants and donations as well as the dedication of many volunteers. The goals and aspirations that were established in 1993 continue to grow and develop with each season.

MISSION STATEMENT
• To encourage and support research and provide educational resources to further the knowledge of killer whale behaviour and biology and, more generally, to encourage marine research including other marine mammals, salmon, and other components of the marine environment.
• To promote public awareness and understanding of killer whales and promote sound marine management policies on the coast of British Columbia.
• To acquire funds and support for the further development of a world class killer whale and marine research centre near Telegraph Cove.

FURTHER AIMS
• To stimulate marine mammal conservation and stewardship.
• To deliver education and support to affect an understanding of the great importance of the Michael Bigg Ecological Reserve at Robson Bight to Northern resident killer whales.
• To promote public awareness and understanding of the threats to marine mammals.

SOCIETY EXECUTIVE (2011)

DIRECTORS
Lance-Barrett-Lennard PhD
Marine Mammal Scientist, Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre
(Volker Daecke, Alternate)
Caitlin Birdsall
Jim Borrowman
Owner, Orcella Expeditions
Mary Borrowman - Treasurer
Owner, Orcella Expeditions
Nicola Brabyn
Brian Collen - Chair
Co-Owner, Pacific Northwest Expeditions
(Gillian Butler, Alternate)
John Ford, PhD
Marine Mammal Scientist, Fisheries & Oceans Canada
(Graeme Ellis, Alternate)
Gordie Graeme
Owner, Telegraph Cove Resorts
David Hunter
Vice-President, Global Engineering Operations at Business Objects
Software Development
Roger McDonnell - Vice-Chair
Owner, Carnegie Street Productions
Lynn Paasch
Robin Taylor, M.R.M.
Environment & Natural Resources Planning Consultant, Acres International

OBSERVERS
Graeme Ellis
Fisheries & Oceans Canada
Aleria Ladwig
Fisheries &Oceans Canada