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Marine Wildlife Conservation Programs
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Lifeforce Founder Peter Hamilton has worked in the field of ecology and animal behaviour since
1978. He has designed various methods to enrich the lives of captive animals by mimicking the
species' natural environment. He published two peer-reviewed papers on this subject.
His studies of "The Behaviour and Travel Patterns of Orcinus Orca (Southern Community Killer
whales)" have been conducted under research permits from the Canadian Department of
Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). Research findings from this study were reported in Lifeforce’s Orca
Field Guide.
In 1982, Lifeforce helped stop another capture of the Southern Community near Victoria, BC. An
estimated 48 orcas in these families had been taken in the late 60s and 70s. These captures not
only resulted in the loss of the 48 orcas but has also created a very low birth rate. The abnormal
age and sex ratio will take decades to return to normal.
Mr. Hamilton wrote a book entitled "Orca - A Family Story" in 1993. Methods of orca transport
were discussed in this book and were praised by the responsible US government agency. It could
have been used in the plan to reunite Luna with his family. In 1997
Mr. Hamilton design and wrote the "Whale Watching Guidelines for Southern BC and
Washington" in consultation with DFO and NGOs.
Lifeforce has been conducting Marine Life Programs for over fifteen years. Our programs
increase our knowledge of orcas and contribute to the development of strategies for Orca
Recovery Plans.
Many of Lifeforce’s Marine Life Program objectives are to conduct programs in cooperation with
government plans to mitigate any harm to the marine wildlife populations and their habitats.
The Lifewatch Boater Awareness Program was the first in Southern BC to conduct
monitoring activities to stop vessel traffic disturbances. We distribute Whale Watch
Guidelines for compliance among commercial and recreational boaters. This was the
first area specific one developed through consultation with government and others. We
are helping to mitigate boat harassment by education and reporting whale watch
guidelines violations to appropriate agencies.
 Download Lifeforce Marine Wildlife Conservation Programs Overview
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