Submitted by the Orcas Island Library.

On Thursday, June 17 at 6 p.m. Orcas Island Library presents Captain Kevin Campion who will share his tale to save the rarest whale: the North Pacific right whale. You’ll learn about what right whales mean for modern conservation efforts in the North Pacific and the Salish Sea and view scenes from the upcoming film “Right Over the Edge.” Visit the library’s website at https://www.orcaslibrary.org/ to join the conversation.

Less than 200 years ago, North Pacific right whales were frequently seen along the Pacific Rim. Commercial whaling severely depleted the population of North Pacific right whales beginning in the 19th century and continuing into the 1970s. Today the eastern population of North Pacific right whales is critically endangered– considered by many to be the most endangered whale population on Earth. While they are no longer hunted, the whales are impacted by human activities exacerbated by their small population size.

Campion is the Founder of Deep Green Wilderness and Captain of the 86-year-old Orion. He believes strongly in the power of voyaging and storytelling to engage people with conservation. After earning his captain’s license and a degree in evolutionary biology, Campion headed out to sea. Since that day he has crossed two oceans and sailed a variety of boats on five of the seven seas. Campion also serves as board chair for the Orcas-based SeaDoc Society. A life-long whale fan, surfer, skateboarder and sailor, Campion thrives on sharing the things he loves with the rest of the world, especially if it has to do with whales.