ORA

Josh McInnes is a marine ecologist with expertise in the foraging ecology, social behavior, and habitat use of marine mammals. He holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Oceans and Fisheries from the University of British Columbia (UBC) and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biology from the University of Victoria (UVic).

With over 25 years of field experience, Josh has become a leading authority on transient (mammal-eating) killer whales along the Pacific coast, from Southeast Alaska to Southern California. His current research focuses on the feeding behavior, population dynamics, social structuring, and habitat use of these apex predators within the California Current System.

In addition to his work on killer whales, Josh also studies the behavior and ecology of a number of toothed cetaceans, including Risso’s dolphins, Pacific white-sided dolphins, common dolphins, northern right whale dolphins, and sperm whales contributing to a broader understanding of predator-prey dynamics and the structure of marine mammal communities in this ecologically rich region.

Born and raised in Olympia, Washington, Kevin Lester brings a unique blend of artistic vision and scientific expertise to marine conservation. He studied Studio Arts at Pacific Lutheran University before earning a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies from The Evergreen State College, where he specialized in advanced GIS applications in marine environments.

Kevin’s passion for spatial ecology began on the waters of Puget Sound, where he spent a dedicated year independently mapping marine mammals from a small research vessel. Following his graduate work, he contributed to a range of high-profile international GIS projects, including a global wolf distribution model with the National Geographic Society and large-scale reforestation initiatives in Borneo and Uganda with Fairventures Worldwide. He also served as a GIS resource for Washington Tribes at the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, supporting Indigenous stewardship and fisheries management.

Today, Kevin applies his GIS expertise to cetacean research. He is also actively engaged in exposing the environmental impacts of industrial fisheries along the British Columbia coast through his work with Pacific Wild.

With a career rooted in both conservation and cartography, Kevin continues to advance the role of spatial science in marine protection and ecological storytelling.

Chelsea Mathieson is an environmental scientist and marine conservation planner with over a decade of experience studying killer whales and working to protect coastal ecosystems. Originally from the Kootenays in British Columbia, she has called Vancouver Island home for more than 10 years—where her passion for the ocean and marine wildlife.

Chelsea holds a Master’s degree in Resource and Environmental Management and Planning (MRM) from Simon Fraser University, a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Environmental Science from Royal Roads University, and a diploma in Integrated Environmental Planning Technology from Selkirk College. Her academic and professional focus has centered on marine conservation planning, with a strong commitment to the protection and sustainable management of marine habitats.

Currently, Chelsea works in collaboration with Coast Salish Nations on marine resource planning, supporting Indigenous-led stewardship and long-term conservation strategies. She is especially passionate about advancing marine protected areas and National Marine Sanctuary designations as tools for safeguarding marine biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Chelsea’s favorite cetacean is the northern right whale dolphin, a species whose elusive nature reflects her deep appreciation for the lesser-known inhabitants of the Pacific. Through her leadership and collaborative work, Chelsea continues to promote a vision of conservation rooted in respect, science, and community.

Dr. Larry Dill is a behavioral ecologist renowned for his pioneering work on how animals make adaptive decisions in response to ecological trade-offs. His research examines the cost-benefit dynamics underlying key behaviors such as foraging, predator avoidance, and reproduction, all through the lens of maximizing individual fitness.

A seminal figure in marine mammal behavioral ecology, Larry—alongside Dr. Robin Baird—was among the first to study the behavioral ecology of transient (mammal-eating) killer whales off Southern Vancouver Island. Their early research helped establish foundational understanding of how these apex predators hunt, socialize, and partition habitat, setting the stage for decades of subsequent killer whale research in the Pacific Northwest.

Andrew's research is primarily focussed on pinnipeds (Steller sea lions, northern fur seals, and harbor seals) and involves captive studies, field studies and simulation models that range from single species to whole ecosystems. His research is designed to further the conservation and understanding of marine mammals, and resolve conflicts between people and marine mammals.

In addition to his research at ORA, Andrew oversees a research program that includes researchers, students, technicians and support staff at the Marine Mammal Research Unit at the University of British Columbia's Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries . The training of students, and the collaboration between researchers specializing in other disciplines (such as nutrition, ecology, physiology and oceanography) is central to the success of his research program.

Sophie Darling has worked in the marine mammal field since 2006, beginning her career with California sea lions while earning her Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Over the following 16 years, she built deep expertise in marine mammal behavior, wildlife education, and community-based conservation.

In 2022, Sophie completed her Master of Arts in Biology with a focus on conservation at Miami University. Her graduate research explored burnout prevention in the conservation and wildlife care community, with a particular interest in the role of nature in fostering resilience and well-being.

Sophie’s journey in marine biology has brought her back to Monterey, California, where she now serves as both a naturalist and general manager at Discovery Whale Watch. She is passionate about using ecotourism as a platform for education and conservation, inspiring action by helping passengers form meaningful connections with the ocean.

Outside of her fieldwork, Sophie expresses her love for the natural world through scientific illustration. Her artwork supports conservation organizations and projects around the world, including logo design for the Ocean Research Alliance and contributing illustrations to a guidebook for the Estero Hondo Marine Mammal Sanctuary in the Dominican Republic.

Born and raised on unceded W̱SÁNEĆ and lək̓ʷəŋən territories, Michelle Watt is a conservationist whose work and studies are focused on the restoration ecology of Vancouver Island’s terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

For more than 20 years Michelle has participated in efforts to restore salmonid populations and enhance habitat in the region’s urban waterways. She leads and participates in various ecological restoration initiatives across South Vancouver Island, working with communities to build meaningful connections with local ecosystems in order to sustain and protect biodiversity.

For over a decade, her work has focused on the recovery of Southern Resident Killer Whales — combining public education, engagement, and art-based initiatives with political advocacy at multiple levels of government in order to drive meaningful, evidence-based conservation actions.

With a background in visual communication, Michelle integrates photography, videography, and illustration into her conservation work, using art as a powerful tool for environmental education and advocacy.

Danny Frank is a seasoned mariner with years of experience operating vessels off the central coast of California. Born and raised in Fort Ord, Danny has spent over 30 years on the water, operating vessels and guiding passengers through the rich marine ecosystems of the California coast.

With decades of experience navigating the waters around whales, Danny brings exceptional skill in vessel operations, drone piloting, and marine photography. His favorite marine mammal, the elusive Baird’s beaked whale, reflects his deep appreciation for the lesser-known species of the Pacific.

Danny is widely respected for his calm leadership, technical expertise, and ability to spot and interpret marine wildlife behavior in real time. Whether deploying drones to document whale behavior or ensuring smooth day-to-day operations on Fisherman’s Wharf, he plays a pivotal role in maintaining the safety, professionalism, and educational focus of Discovery Whale Watch.

Combining his passion for marine life with a lifetime of seafaring experience, Danny continues to inspire guests and staff alike—offering not just unforgettable wildlife encounters, but a deeper understanding of the ocean and its inhabitants.

Trevor Schroeter is a lifelong fisherman and dedicated conservationist with over 15 years of experience working in recreational and commercial fisheries throughout the nearshore and offshore waters of the northeastern Pacific. Passionate about ocean science, Trevor actively tracks marine mammal sightings and contributes regularly to research on ocean ecosystem dynamics.

Spending much of his time offshore, Trevor has a particular interest in transient killer whale populations that range beyond the continental shelf. When not at sea, he brings a unique blend of skills as a seasoned software engineer, avid mushroom forager, and coastal river angler. He also volunteers at local hatcheries, supporting fish conservation and community engagement.

In addition to his field work, Trevor serves on the Government Relations Committee for the Coastal Conservation Association of Oregon, where he monitors and advises on fisheries-related policies and litigation at both state and federal levels.

Julie Conrad is a research assistant studying the behavior and ecology of marine life in the California Current marine ecosystem, with a focus on killer whales off of the Oregon coast. Her work supports ongoing research into the movements, interactions, and conservation of these apex predators.

In addition to field and data work, she manages social media outreach for several marine science communities, including the Oregon Coast Killer Whale Monitoring Program, Oregon Whale Sightings, ORA - Oceanic Research Alliance, and the California Current Killer Whale Study. Through these platforms, she helps connect scientists with the public to collect sighting data, and promote awareness and stewardship of our ocean’s wildlife.

Ryan Hou grew up in Windsor, Ontario, where his early years were spent navigating and fishing the waters of Lake Erie. His deep-rooted connection to freshwater ecosystems, combined with a lifelong fascination with wildlife—and a little encouragement from his wife—led him across the country to pursue a degree in Marine Biology at the University of Victoria.

During and after his studies, Ryan immersed himself in the ecotourism industry, gaining extensive sea time as a deckhand aboard vessels up to 500 gross tons. Driven to elevate his maritime career, he earned his 60-ton Master Captain’s license and soon after founded Neptune Wildlife Tours in Sooke, British Columbia.

With years of experience exploring the dynamic waters of the Juan de Fuca Strait, Ryan brings expert-level navigational skills, a strong working knowledge of local marine ecosystems, and advanced identification skills of species such as humpback and killer whales.

Ryan and his business are highly respected in the region for promoting responsible whale watching and fostering meaningful connections between travelers and the marine environment. He believes that sparking curiosity and wonder in others is key to supporting conservation and research efforts.

Fun fact: Before diving full-time into whale watching, Ryan spent years working in fine-dining restaurants—if he wasn’t guiding on the water, he says he’d likely be a chef.

Favorite marine mammals: Killer whales top the list, but northern elephant seals come in a close second.

Sher is a communications professional and emerging writer with a background in fundraising and program development for non-profit organizations. A lifelong fascination with whales and dolphins inspired her deep connection to the ocean, which further solidified after earning her first scuba certification while living in Australia.

She later pursued a degree in Fundraising Management from Toronto Metropolitan University, where she discovered a passion for purposeful storytelling and advocacy. Now based on the West Coast, Sher dedicates her voice to ocean conservation, using narrative to support the protection of the Salish Sea and the communities and species that depend on it. Through the Oceanic Research Alliance, she combines her writing, outreach, and fundraising skills to elevate marine conservation initiatives and engage the public in stewardship.