Editorial: 'ORCA PASS'

August-September 2003

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD

by Alan Wilson

Welcome to our special issue on 'Orca Pass'. This is a departure for us. Rarely have we focused an entire issue on a specific geographic area. But Orca Pass is a special place and the Orca Pass project has our full support. Orca Pass and its surroundings have been home to people for thousands of years, due to a remarkable abundance and diversity of life. The Orca Pass area is recognized worldwide as having some of this planet's best paddling, boating, diving, and wildlife watching opportunities, with visitors from around the globe coming here for the experience. Our vibrant ecotourism economy depends on protection of the natural values. But with millions of us now calling the Pacific Northwest home, the area is suffering from combined impacts.

For those who grew up on the coast, the changes even in our lifetimes are very evident - in terms of water quality, seashore development, air pollution, and above all the threats to the majestic orca, the powerful symbol of what's at risk.

These various challenges inspired the launch of the Georgia Strait Alliance (GSA) back in 1990 and their six 'Save the Strait' marathons, featuring Fin Donnelly's phenomenal swims.

In 1991, recognizing similar problems in Washington waters but following a more carefully planned timeline, the People For Puget Sound (PFPS) was formed, and since then the two organizations have grown as sisters, promoting environmental responsibility on their sides of the border, and working together on many projects. From this unique transboundary partnership, the concept of the Orca Pass International Stewardship Area evolved four years ago.

Peter Ronald of GSA and Mike Sato of PFPS - hands across the border. Alan Wilson photo.

In her introductory article, Laurie uses the idea of a patchwork quilt to describe the diversity and complexity of the Orca Pass proposal, a challenging project involving many groups and individuals woven together by shared concerns.

We have devoted an entire issue to the topic because Orca Pass goes to the heart of our feeling for this blue planet. It captures the essence of the possibilities and challenges facing humanity - of finding a way to living peacefully with nature.

We hope you enjoy this special issue and through it feel a renewed commitment to the area and the creatures whose home it has been for time beyond knowing.

Special thanks to biologist Bryan Nichols for his great contribution to this issue.