Whale Museum’s Summer Lecture Series: Orca Genetic Comparisons

Thursday, September 14, 6:30 p.m., The Whale Museum

— from Tracie Merrill for The Whale Museum —

On September 14, Dr. Lance Barrett-Lennard, Head of the Cetacean Research Program (including the B.C. Cetacean Sightings Network) at the Vancouver Aquarium, will present on genetic comparisons of orca populations in the NE Pacific. This lecture will be held at the Whale Museum at 6:30 p.m. as part of the Summer Lecture Series.

Some highlights of his research include showing that at least nine genetically discrete overlapping populations of killer whales inhabit the northeastern Pacific Ocean. He also showed that resident killer whales avoid inbreeding through an elaborate clan-based mating system. His findings have served as the basis for the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada’s listing of Southern Resident killer whales as an endangered population. More recently, he has co-chaired an expert panel which produced a comprehensive recovery strategy for resident killer whales.

Lance has been an active collaborator in ongoing studies of the behavioral and population biology of killer whales in British Columbia, Washington and Alaska since 1984, and has also studied the species in Norway, Spain and the sub-Antarctic. A molecular geneticist, he uses DNA analysis to better understand population divisions, dispersal patterns, and mating systems. In addition to killer whales, Lance is involved in research on baleen whales, dolphins, sea otters and belugas.

The Summer Lecture Series is dedicated to providing our local community and visiting public with knowledge and wonder of the natural world. The lectures are given by local or visiting experts in their field. Join us as they share their recent research projects, stories, and experiences. Each lecture is free and held at The Whale Museum. Donations are greatly appreciated. For more information, call 360-378-4710 ext.30.  The Whale Museum is located in Friday Harbor at 62 First St. N.  Founded in 1976, The Whale Museum’s mission is to promote stewardship of whales through education and research.  The Whale Museum can be found on-line at www.whalemuseum.org.