QUICK SUMMARY
Volunteers at Camp Casey in Washington participated in the deboning of a 45-foot grey whale carcass, which washed ashore after three weeks at sea. Led by biologists from Cascadia Research Collective, the effort involved local volunteers and students who aimed to prepare the skeleton for display. The grey whale population, once near extinction, faces new threats from climate change and offshore drilling.
A team of volunteers at Camp Casey in Washington assisted in the deboning of a 45-foot grey whale carcass that washed ashore after three weeks at sea. The operation, coordinated by Jake Carlson and authorized by NOAA, included experts from Cascadia Research Collective and local volunteers, including students from the University of Washington. Participants worked to prepare the whale skeleton for display, a continuation of efforts to educate the public about marine conservation. Historically, grey whales faced near extinction due to commercial hunting in the early 1900s, but effective conservation measures have led to their recovery in the eastern Pacific. Despite this success, climate change and offshore oil drilling pose significant threats to their populations. The involvement of local volunteers helps instill a conservation ethic, while also providing hands-on education about marine biology. Jessie Huggins, a lead biologist, offered lessons on whale anatomy during the process. This community-driven effort not only addresses the immediate need for carcass removal but also promotes awareness of ongoing environmental challenges.