About the JSKWICS

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 2001 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 (2010)

DIRECTORS

• Lance-Barrett-Lennard PhD
  Marine Mammal Scientist, Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre
  (Volker Daecke, Alternate)

• Jim Borrowman
  Owner, Stubbs Island Whale Watching

• Mary Borrowman - Treasurer
  Owner, Stubbs Island Whale Watching

• 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
  Owner, Carnegie Street Productions

• Lynn Paasch
• Robin Taylor, M.R.M.
  Environment & Natural Resources Planning Consultant, Acres International 

OBSERVERS

• Nicola Brabyn
  CETUS Research and Conservation Society

• Graeme Ellis
  Fisheries & Oceans Canada

• Aleria Ladwig
  Fisheries &Oceans Canada