Gary Kilbourn is a passionate SeaDoc Supporter and a member of our Wildlifers Club. He’s also a board member and supporter of our sister program, Gorilla Doctors. We’re so thrilled to have his support and we recently had a chance to catch up with him to talk about his love of the Salish Sea and his support of our science-based mission.
1. What initially inspired you to support SeaDoc Society?
I am involved with and support several key wildlife and nature groups throughout the world. My philosophy is to only support groups who can make a positive difference on the ground, such as groups who move the needle in a positive direction for their specifically targeted goals. The SeaDoc Society does just that, they are such wonderful, smart people, doing great work, and are making a tangible difference.
2. What is your biggest concern about Salish Sea health?
I have learned through my research and contacts in the ocean science world that the biggest concerns for the health of the ocean are 1. the gargantuan levels of overfishing globally. Research has shown that large-scale commercial fisheries are causing the depletion/extinction of many critical ocean species while leaving a trail of pollution (fishing gear, and other) on a staggering scale. In addition, a recent UN report explains that 35% (>50 million tons) of all fish caught go to waste even before reaching the consumer 2. Pollution and climate change. Acidification, eutrophication, and significant ocean temperature rises mean large-scale dead zones and the destruction of many marine ecosystems and their interconnected ocean species throughout the world.
Solutions: 1. Help create more protected marine areas. 2. Ban large-scale trawling 3. Adopt and promote Plant-based diets and lower, i.e. eliminate, human consumption of fish and meat.
Regarding the Salish Sea, directly, I rely on the science and the experts at SeaDoc for the details! One significant concern here would be the effect of both chemical and physical (plastic, and other) pollution, the resulting damage to the salmon population and consequently to the Salish Sea ecosystem as a whole. The impacts of underwater noise pollution, specifically, is a significant risk factor to the sea life in the region, as it is throughout our world’s oceans. This is especially true for Orca, since the severe levels of man-made noise disrupts the Orca’s ability to communicate and find vital food sources (salmon, in this case), thus to avoid starvation. While this noise comes from many sources, heavy ocean traffic is one of the most ever present and problematic, with large commercial fishing vessels and massive container ships as the worst culprits, as their propellers alone cause deafening noise signatures for many miles.
3. What are your favorite aspects of SeaDoc Society as an organization?
Other than the amazing staff? – The positivity radiates from every smiling face at SeaDoc and the passion and attention to detail of the marine ecosystem is clearly evident. This along with their ability to communicate and work with other ocean-connected groups, will always make a positive difference.
4. Why should others consider supporting ocean health?
Aside from the obvious truth that all life in the ocean and on land matters, and is all connected – the ocean and the rainforests are the lungs of our planet and without the oceans, we lose everything.
5. What is your favorite species in the Salish Sea?
I love this question! While it is so difficult to not name the amazing Orca as the favorite, I have to bow to the Octopus as my favorite! Many believe, myself included, as we learn more about the abilities and intelligence of these brilliant animals, that we will all highly revere them as important living partners on this planet as opposed to seeing them as just entertainment or another menu item.