At The Whale Museum, our mission is to promote the stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research.
While we receive grant funding to support several of these initiatives, such funding can fluctuate in amount and availability. Your donations provide a vital safety net, allowing us to maintain operations, expand research efforts, and continue our work even when funding is tight. Every contribution helps us respond quickly to stranded or entangled marine mammals, educate boaters and the public, and advocate for the ecosystems of the Salish Sea and Puget Sound.
By donating today, you are helping support:
-
Our Soundwatch Boater Education program, on the water around the San Juan Islands and now Puget Sound. Our Soundwatch vessels are on the water whenever whales are present and conditions allow, intercepting vessels on-scene with whales and provides education directly to boaters whose actions could disturb or harm the whales and their environment. From Seattle to Friday Harbor, Soundwatch is on the frontlines of reducing vessel disturbance and collecting critical data used by policymakers and regulatory agencies.
-
Our Marine Mammal Stranding Network, responding to reports of stranded marine mammals throughout San Juan County. Live animals are rehabilitated, tagged, monitored, and released, while deceased animals are brought to our lab for comprehensive examinations that provide invaluable scientific data. This data plays a key role in advancing the science on health and disease in Pacific Northwest marine mammals.
-
Our unique education department, hosting expert scientists, offering hands-on workshops, and physically and virtually visiting classrooms across the state. Our educators nurture the next generation of marine science enthusiasts by partnering with schools across Washington—in 2024, we hosted over 200 education programs, with participants from over 65 different schools!
-
And a whole lot more! The Whale Museum hosts local events, maintains a Sightings Network, is a key partner in Be Whale Wise, monitors and maintains a hydrophone and livestream camera at Lime Kiln Point State Park—whether it’s in our building, on the docks, or on the water, we’re working every day to educate, research, and protect.
When you donate, you ensure that these important programs remain strong and impactful, no matter the funding challenges we face. Your contribution allows us to fight for the long-term health of the Salish Sea and all the animals that call it home.
Thank you for your consideration! You can also support The Whale Museum by adopting an orca or buying something from our gift shop!
Make a $10 donation and we'll show our appreciation by sending you a background image as a free gift!
See all the options here.
We're a nonprofit organization, so your donation may be tax deductible! If you would prefer to have your gift designated for a specific program or purpose, please let us know by adding a note to your donation.
Did you know you can support The Whale Museum through your Donor-Advised Fund? Simply recommend a grant to The Whale Museum, EIN 91-1007501.
