Q: Are you aware of the effort by marine biologists in Puget Sound to capture, care for, and reintroduce the young Orca whale back into her pod earlier this summer? As marine biologists and teachers, what are your reactions to this effort and its apparent success?
A: There are several sides to this question. Human beings have caused enormous destruction to the oceans worldwide, and any time we have the opportunity to do something positive for the ocean or its creatures, we should seize that chance. On the other hand, it can cost a great deal of money to focus on one animal, and it would perhaps be better to spend that money on a program that could save hundreds of individuals. There is no clear answer to this question.
