The Whale Watch Operators Association Northwest (WWOANW), named Darcie Larson executive director on January 17, 2008. The Whale Watch Operators Association Northwest is an international organization of 31 member companies that operate from Seattle, Orcas Island, San Juan Island, Anacortes, Bellingham, Everett, La Conner, Port Townsend, Victoria, Vancouver, Duncan, Richmond and Sidney.

Founded in 1994, the Association provides a cohesive structure to the whale watching industry that operates in the trans-boundary waters of Washington and British Columbia. One of the Association's major objectives is to assist in the conservation of all marine species in these waters, but particularly to contribute to the conservation of the Southern Resident Killer Whales.

The executive director is responsible for guiding the Association’s conservation agenda, and will represent the Association at meetings and workshops addressing issues of concern to the industry throughout the region.

"In addition to advocating for responsible whale watching and maintaining high standards for our members in that regard, my goal is for the Association to be at the forefront of conservation initiatives that will benefit the whales. Restoring abundant wild salmon is a top priority, as is cleaning up toxic contaminants found in the marine environment," said Larson.

Click here to read the complete story on San Juan Islander.