ACS/LA FUNDS RESEARCH

Over the years, ACS/LA has funded many student and professional research projects as a part of our mission. Because of the generosity of our members, we have again been able to fund a research project which has very timely applications. Currently, the Makah Tribe in the State of Washington is hunting gray whales under a permit issued by the US government. ACS has passed public policy opposing this hunt, and has been able to fund a scientific study that concentrates on gray whales residing in the Pacific Northwest. In March of this year, ACS/LA funded a research proposal submitted by Caitlyn Toropova of the Marine Mammal Education and Research Group, Humboldt State University, Arcata CA, entitled Residency Patterns of Gray Whales in the Pacific Northwest. Although data exists for many areas of the Pacific Northwest concerning resident gray whales, Ms. Toropova's study will be the first to examine resident populations in their southern most part of their range. Her work will concentrate along the Northern California and Oregon coastline. The focus of her work will be to identify individual animals, document ranges, and habitat use. In addition, she will collaborate with other researchers currently working in Washington, and British Columbia, Canada. An important aspect of this work will be to determine if these stocks are distinct from the larger migrating stock of gray whales. If they are distinct, this could have important implications toward the management decisions surrounding the Makah hunt. If the Makah are allowed to take animals from a distinct resident stock, that stock could be significantly depleted. ACS/LA is proud to play a part in funding this important work, and thanks to the generosity of our members, we are able to do so. We will continue to fund at least one research project per year, if finances allow. Please keep this in mind when you receive your annual membership renewal notice. Your money does go to work in helping to preserve marine mammals and their habitats. Tom Lewis, Grants & Proposals Chair