Submitted by the SeaDoc Society.

The SeaDoc Society will bring back its popular Ocean Night series at the SeaView Theatre on Thursday, May 18 at 7 p.m. The debut event will feature the new film “Right Over the Edge: Search for the North Pacific Right Whale.” Admission is free.

“Right Over the Edge” was created by Kevin Campion, filmmaker and founder of Deep Green Wilderness, which takes kids out to sea to learn about science, whales, and the Salish Sea. Campion will be in attendance to introduce the film and take questions.

The North Pacific Right Whale is one of the most endangered species in the world, with only an estimated 30 individuals remaining. The film follows a team of scientists as they search for the elusive creature and work to understand its behavior and habitat.

“We hope that this film will inspire people to care about the North Pacific Right Whale and take action to protect it,” said Kevin Campion, the film’s creator and a board member of The SeaDoc Society. “By sharing this story with the public, we hope to raise awareness about the importance of conserving our ocean’s biodiversity.”

North Pacific Right Whales are so rare that even the foremost experts on the species are lucky to see one or two in their lifetime. A comment period to help conserve their habitat is expected to open up this Spring.

Ocean Night is produced by the SeaDoc Society and made free to the public thanks to SeaDoc donors. The event was paused in 2020 after the Covid-19 pandemic, and the May 18 event marks its return to Orcas Island.

The free event will take place Thursday, May 18 at 7 p.m. at the SeaView Theatre.