Conservation Biology and Management of Killer Whales
Schedule: Thursdays, October 22, 29, November 5, 12, 19, and December 3, 2009; 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Location: UW Campus, Seattle (see maps)
Reg. # 105407

Course Description
This course will engage students in discussion on the roles of government and non-governmental organization in the recognition of Southern Resident Killer Whales as an endangered species and the implementation of recovery plans. It will begin with a review of basic biology of kill whales. This will include evolutionary history, distribution and abundance, life history traits, physiology, feeding and social behavior. Their use of sound for communication and echolocation will be discussed in detail. The threats facing southern resident kills what will be described with an emphasis on disturbance. The legal protections available for marine mammals and process involved in putting them in place will be discussion. Finally potential recovery actions will be debated.

Instructor

David Bain
Bain is currently the Research Director of Global Research and Rescue, whose mission it is to provide support to animals in distress. Global Research and Rescue also enhance the public's understanding of wildlife with which we share this planet by communication and disseminating knowledge of distress marine and terrestrial animals throughout the globe. Dr. Bain holds a Ph.D in Biology from the University of California at Santa Cruz, California and has held academic and research positions with many universities, including the University of Washington, and is affiliated with local and national marine animal societies and foundations.