Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival 2026

The Salish Sea is an amazing habitat full of marine wildlife. Many species of whales make the Salish Sea their home for part or all of the year. Some, like the humpback whale, have recovered from near extinction and are an incredible success story. Others, like Southern Resident orcas and gray whales, are struggling and need our help. Learn about our fascinating whale neighbors in the Salish Sea and how we can become involved in their protection and recovery.

Bio:Cindy Hansen received a degree in Zoology from the University of Washington and has worked as a naturalist and educator for over 20 years. She has been the Education and Advocacy Coordinator for Orca Network since 2016, working from her home on San Juan Island as well as doing education, outreach and advocacy throughout the region. Additionally, she is a board member and volunteer for the research organization Orca Behavior Institute. Cindy also spent 20 years migrating with the gray whales to Laguna San Ignacio in Baja Mexico where she worked as a naturalist/guide.