Kari Koski at Museum on Jan. 4, 2012
By Jeff Hanson
Kari Koski, who is leaving her role as the Director of the Whale Museum’s Soundwatch Boater Education Program program after 18 years, was honored by the San Juan Marine Resources Committee (MRC) with the Master Steward Award on Wednesday, Jan. 4, just the second such award presented by the group.
The vice chair of the MRC, John Aschoff, has been a volunteer on the Soundwatch boat for four years and he spoke about Kari’s work for the southern resident killer (orca) whales. “It’s important to note how special these whales are”, he said. “They are residents and we’ve had a chance to observe them and know them, their family relationships and their culture. This is a rare thing. And they are truly endangered. We hope not, but it’s quite possible that they may not be here in 50 or 100 years due to limited food, toxins and vessel traffic.”
Kari has been involved with Soundwatch since nearly its inception and because of her work, what could be chaos out on the water around the whales is instead something quite different. Whale watch operators, fishers and recreational boaters have learned how to conduct themselves in the whales’ presence, and that has helped protect these wonderful endangered animals. John credits Kari’s passion, but also her multitasking ability for this accomplishment. “She works with everyone and everything including the whale watch industry from both sides of the border, recreational boaters, wildlife agencies, boat drivers, interns, volunteers, fundraising, and more, and she does all this with diplomacy and a cool head. She defines grace under pressure.”
Kit Rawson, MRC member since 2001, added a few words. “The Soundwatch program embodies all of the principles the MRC is trying to promote, particularly volunteerism and personal responsibility. Of course, Kari was way ahead of us, and she helped developed the Marine Stewardship Area and get it right”, Kit said. In an interview last year with People for Puget Sound, Kari said that upon her arrival in the San Juans, she “fell in with a whale crowd”. Kit added “All of us here, whale crowd members or not, are very fortunate that she did. Kari’s dedication and integrity are unmatched.” He noted that she has stood up for her beliefs and the MRC and the whales have benefitted.
Kari proudly donned her new Master Steward cap and will soon have some time to pursue other interests. When asked what they might be, she said, “I’m sure they’ll be a lot, but, who knows, I might find time to volunteer on a Soundwatch boat!”
