Vancouver Aquarium is SADquarium
Box 3117 V6B 3X6 Vancouver, BC, Canada

OPEN LETTER January 13, 2021 Re: Stop the Comox Valley Sewage Commission Pollution Plans!... Victoria, that was the last major city to pump raw sewage into the ocean, has built a proper Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant. However, Canada is still dumping untreated sewage and harming oceans. This includes deadly viruses such as Covid-19 found in sewage collected in Ottawa to track the spread of the disease. Governments must mandate the optimum sewage treatment that is Tertiary Level 3! In spite of the growing human population and health care costs, the Comox Valley Sewage Commission recently stated that they will only upgrade to Secondary Treatment. The health of people and animals must not continue to be put at risk for another 10 or more years waiting for full raw sewage protection. Shamefully Save Money on Cheaper Sewage Treatment or Save Lives Now! If Governments fail to make Tertiary Sewage Treatment the law, it will be tantamount to force feeding sewage to endangered orcas! stated Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce Founder, Microplastics are found in orca feces as they swallow sea water or eat fish. Microplastics contain harmful chemicals and viruses that enter the waters from inadequate sewage treatment plants. (Source US NOAA) Dolphins and beluga whales have been infected with related corona viruses. We must protect the countless endangered species and their fragile ecosystems. For Further Information: [email protected] URGENT: PLEASE HELP US GET TO 15,000 SIGNATURES! Let’s Raise A Stink To Save Orcas! Petition at https://www.change.org/p/let-s-raise-a-stink-to-save-orcas

Here is a photo promoting land based whale watching off the Comox Valley. For 20 years Lifeforce operated the education program "Orca Trails". We would inform park users when orcas would pass by. At Lighthouse Marine Park in Point Roberts, WA there was a lone False Killer Whale. This dolphin would follow some boats but would always come over and stay with the Lifeforce boat. There was a unique, very special bond for 10 years. See the photos of "Wilma" following Lifeforce.

Orcas Need a New Protection Plan! The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission are considering not implementing their proposed plan to suspend viewing of the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKWs) by whale watch companies. As WDFW previously stated: The purpose of creating rules for commercial whale watching of SRKW is to reduce the impacts of vessel noise and disturbance on the whales' ability to forage, rest, and socialize ... For these reasons, commercial vie...Continue reading

Dear Friends, Some of the ongoing Lifeforce messages during these stressful times is to try to laugh or tell a joke every day. For several months we have been sending out "joke" photos and videos. See the attached "Ducks’ Splish Splash" video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5X_xD2y0dSk). More can be found on Lifeforce Ocean Friends https://www.facebook.com/Ocean-Friends-1442963759271400/ If you can make a donation your help would be greatly appreciated.... Hope You Enjoy a Smile, Peter Hamilton Lifeforce Director See more

"Save the Wild" as Lifeforce has done for 40 years! Please Donate to Lifeforce!

World Day For Animals! Oct 4th! Please Donate to Lifeforce!

Remembrance Days for Animals in Wars! SHOCKING UPDATE: This month the US government permitted the U.S. Navy’s training and testing activities in the Pacific Northwest from November 2020 through November 2027. It authorize take of individuals of 28 species of marine mammals by the Navy’s training and testing activities from the use of sonar and other transducers and in-water detonations. In addition, it gives authorization for the potential serious injury or mortality of up... to three large whales from vessel strikes. https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2020-23757 The endangered Southern Resident Orcas and other sentient marine life continue to be at risk from decades of questionable, unethical experiments that have not saved them. These researchers are also often permitted authorized takes including injuries and deaths. Please Sign and Share the Lifeforce Petition: Orcas Must Not Be Mistreated Like Suffering Laboratory Animals https://www.change.org/p/wilbur-ross-thesec-doc-gov-orcas-m Tens of thousands of animals have died during combat and used as weapons of war. Domestic animals include dogs, pigs, oxen, camels, and horses. Elephants, pigeons, and rats were also used for transport and bomb detection. Dolphins and sea lions are presently abused by the military. Military Experiments Canada: In addition to military bases, there are universities and hospitals also conducting military experiments. In the 80s Lifeforce exposed US military funded experiments at the University of Western Ontario. Live monkeys were used in laser weapon tests on their eyes. The Canadian military continues using thousands of live animals for testing chemical-weapons and military training. In Memory of These Forgotten Victims Lifeforce believes that all people and animals have rights to their freedom. Musicians, artists, and others formed a very powerful peace movement against racism and wars in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. In view of ongoing wars and the violence affecting all life the song, Simple Song of Freedom still needs to be heard. A new peace movement for all life is desperately needed, stated Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce Founder, This time a peace movement must include animal rights and oppose speciesism. Simple Song of Freedom https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuaMtwaBoQI Lifeforce is raising funds for online and on location memorials for fellow animals with whom we share this planet. They continue to suffer and die in various ongoing human battles. They are the unwilling victims of painful, unnecessary experiments. Please donate to Lifeforce’s Memorial Campaign: In Remembrance for All Life: https://www.facebook.com/MemorialCampaignInRemembranceForAllLife For further information: [email protected]

Aug 30/19 Memories: Re: 2 New Humpback Visitors Nicknamed by Lifeforce Ocean Friends Two new Humpback Whale visitors to the Salish Sea near Comox, BC have been documented by Lifeforce Ocean Friends and the Marine Research and Education Society (MERS). Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce Founder, took photos of the first one on July 1st and July 21st. Then on July 27th he found the second one. Jackie Hildering from the Marine Education and Research Society (MERS) discovered that both... were first time recorded visitors. Photographs will be posted in the MERS Humpbacks of Northern Vancouver Island catalogue. The First Visitor has been given the nickname Spock. This was based on the humpback’s unusual dorsal fin. The fin is a pointed shape similar to the Vulcan Spock’s ears in the Star Trek shows. The Second Visitor has been given the nickname Harbor. This was based on the white pigmentation shape on the left side of the fluke that resembles a Harbor Seal. This name encourages safe harbor to cherish and protect them. Last July, Hamilton had previously named Flier who had a plane type mark on the fluke and did over 20 repeated breaches when first seen. Getting to nickname a Humpback is certainly is a special honor, stated Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce Founder, Lifeforce continues our very important research that started in 1993. It has led to increase protection for orcas and now we hope that it will raise public awareness of the plight of Humpbacks and others. As their numbers increase in local waters they are being entangled in fishing gear and severely injured by boaters. For further information: Lifeforce [email protected] and MERS [email protected] Lifeforce Humpback Education: Regulations: https://www.facebook.com//p.24903867478/2490386747862424/ Video: Humpback Heaven or Hell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYRP-Py-cIo See more

Aug 30/19 Memories: Re: 2 New Humpback Visitors Nicknamed by Lifeforce Ocean Friends Two new Humpback Whale visitors to the Salish Sea near Comox, BC have been documented by Lifeforce Ocean Friends and the Marine Research and Education Society (MERS). Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce Founder, took photos of the first one on July 1st and July 21st. Then on July 27th he found the second one. Jackie Hildering from the Marine Education and Research Society (MERS) discovered that both... were first time recorded visitors. Photographs will be posted in the MERS Humpbacks of Northern Vancouver Island catalogue. The First Visitor has been given the nickname Spock. This was based on the humpback’s unusual dorsal fin. The fin is a pointed shape similar to the Vulcan Spock’s ears in the Star Trek shows. The Second Visitor has been given the nickname Harbor. This was based on the white pigmentation shape on the left side of the fluke that resembles a Harbor Seal. This name encourages safe harbor to cherish and protect them. Last July, Hamilton had previously named Flier who had a plane type mark on the fluke and did over 20 repeated breaches when first seen. Getting to nickname a Humpback is certainly is a special honor, stated Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce Founder, Lifeforce continues our very important research that started in 1993. It has led to increase protection for orcas and now we hope that it will raise public awareness of the plight of Humpbacks and others. As their numbers increase in local waters they are being entangled in fishing gear and severely injured by boaters. For further information: Lifeforce [email protected] and MERS [email protected] Lifeforce Humpback Education: Regulations: https://www.facebook.com//p.24903867478/2490386747862424/ Video: Humpback Heaven or Hell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYRP-Py-cIo See more

Protecting Humpback Whales and People! In July there have been several large gatherings of Humpback whales off the Comox Valley, British Columbia. At this time of the year these Humpbacks come from as far as Mexico or Hawaii. There have already several entanglements with fishing gear that pose threats to their lives. They are also seriously injured when hit by boaters that can also pose serious harm to people. Imagine if you got too close and had a whale land on you.... We urge you to watch this Humpback 101 video so you can learn about Humpback behaviors and how to prevent such accidents. In general, drive slowly when in whale waters, stop when you see blows and stay 400m away from all whales. Humpback Heaven or Hell? https://www.youtube.com/watch Report all Entanglements, Injuries, Improper Vessel Operations and Other Violations to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada 1-800-465-4336 and National Marine Fisheries Service, US 1-800-853-1964 Please Enjoy Wildlife Watching Safely and Help Protect Them! Further Information: Lifeforce www.lifeforcefoundation.org https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkZADJEmruI&feature=youtu.be

July 23rd was quite a Nature Wonders Day off Comox Valley. First there were 3 Humpbacks, then 40 plus Pacific white-sided dolphins and some of the K pod and L pod (from the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales). Lifeforce has voiced our concerns to DFO that many boaters were in violation of the new 400m distancing from orcas regulation. We have fought for decades to implement increased distances in order to protect them! Freedom! Not Captivity!

The Four Ws : How to Report Whale Locations In the early 90s Lifeforce created the Orca Trails Whale Watching Program - the trails and places where people can do land base whale watching. We advised park managers when the orcas will pass by. In Point Roberts there was even an Orca Center with education displays by Lifeforce. Unfortunately others found ways to make money from Lifeforce’s original plans and even included the aquarium industry that included 2 aquariums that star...ted the orca captures! In order to help people report sightings we used what Lifeforce called the 4 W(hale)s that is also known as a news fact checker. 1. Who: Species sighted and how many. Also include by who (person(s) on land or water). 2. What: Activities viewed: travelling, hunting, socializing, resting, etc. (see Lifeforce Orca Field Guide). 3. Where: Location and direction of travel. We urge people to watch for as long as they can so Lifeforce could help other land based watchers view them. 4. When: Date and time(s) of start and ending of observations. Whale Reports can be made by email: [email protected] or by text: 604-649-5258 Thank you!

Victory! BC West Coast Pinniped Slaughter Stopped! Here’s a Victory for Wildlife News Scoop from Lifeforce. We have known for a few weeks that it will not be permitted but government would not confirm it to organizations and media as Lifeforce reported. So Late June 28thTom Sewid, President of Pacific Balance Marine Management, posted DFO not allowing Pacific Balance Marine Management to have license for pinniped harvest for foreseeable future. And then on June 29th he post...Continue reading

June 30th Orcas Action Month Ends and Old Ways Must Also End! # 8 As the June 2020 Orca Action Month ends it is just the beginning of Lifeforce’s new actions to protect the rights of orcas. The ocean habitats are the homes of indigenous orcas. They live in all oceans of the world. They have their cultures and language. However, they do not have rights yet to stop humans from violating their lives! Some Further Actions Needed:...Continue reading

Orca Action Month 2020 # 7 LACK OF ORCA FOOD Lifeforce awaits the decision of the Federal Government as to if they will not permit an inhumane First Nation industry that would kill tens of thousands of seals and sea lions. This would also be a threat to orcas. The endangered Resident Orcas depend on salmon and other fish. The pinnipeds help protect salmon because they eat predators of salmon. Also, the mammal eating orcas rely on pinnipeds and keep the natural nature’s balanc...Continue reading

Orca Action Month 2020 # 6 Stop Barbaric, Unnecessary Experiments on Orcas! Researchers are increasing vaccine and antibiotic experiments in wildlife species. Should endangered orcas be part of this Big Pharma and Research Industry money maker? Any alleged benefits of multi doses of antibiotics and vaccines in wild orcas and others are unproven, life threatening risks!...Continue reading

Orca Action Month 2020 # 5 Covid-19 Threatening Orcas! Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic Lifeorce has sent advice to Provincial, State and Federal Health agencies in Canada and the US urging them to protect endangered orcas and any possible chain of contamination to other wildlife. Gloves and masks used to contain Covid-19 are being thrown away in wildlife homes. Sewage continues to pollute orca habitats and threatens salmon that is a vital food source for endanger...Continue reading

Part 4 Orca Rights! Orcas Must Be Given Their Rights to Clean Water, Healthy Food and Safe Homes!... We must protect both the health of people and wildlife! While we are trying to find ways to protect people and animals from the Covid-19 pandemic we can and must also eliminate all environmental pollution! One of the ways to achieve a healthier world is government funding and laws that mandate the most effective prevention of sewage and storm water pollution! All orcas are facing extinction! Pollution is one of the four major threats to the Southern Resident Killer Whales! For decades, they have lived and died in increasingly polluted waters! In order to protect people, animals and ecosystems monies must be spent now on the best available technology. Many governments are planning to upgrade aging sewer treatment systems to only Secondary Treatment. If they do, households and industries will continue polluting land and water habitats. Implementing the most effective Tertiary Sewage Treatment can’t wait for another 30 years! There is the increasing human population wastes, future increased costs and more pollution related health care costs! Read about the Life and Death Issues! Please Help Sign and Share this Lifeforce petition: Let's Raise a Stink to Save Orcas! https://www.change.org/p/let-s-raise-a-stink-to-save-orcas Lifeforce has been fighting to save orcas since 1981. Please Help Us Help Them! by making a greatly needed donation to the Lifeforce Foundation through Paypal > http://www.lifeforcefoundation.org/support.php Thank you!

Part 3 June is Orca Action Month in British Columbia, Washington and Oregon! Victory! End Cetacean Captivity at Vancouver Aquarium!...Continue reading

UPDATED June is Orca Action Month! There have been major steps forward to protect the endangered SRKWs and other orcas! Lifeforce has declared one of our petitions Equal Laws to Protect West Coast Endangered Orcas! a Victory! However, we still have to stop harmful, unnecessary experiments with the excessive research boat traffic and to continue the fight for Orca Freedom! The major factors in the decline of their populations include aquarium captures that wiped out a whole... generation (at least 68 were captured). The capture of all young orcas resulted in a devastating abnormal age and sex ration. Other factors include depleted food, toxic pollution, military and other noise pollution, and excessive experiments with continued boat traffic harassment. June is also the beginning of new Federal Regulations in BC. Boaters must maintain 400 m from all orcas in order to protect the endangered Southern Resident. Whale watch companies and protection organizations may have permission to get up to 200 m to Transient Orcas. These new laws are to protect the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKWS) and other cetaceans. Learn more at Be Safe for the Whales and Boaters! (bewhalewise.org) The Shocking Truths! Throughout Orca Action Month Lifeforce will be posting the history of Orca Network’s Orca Action Month since 2007 and memories of the SRKWs that Lifeforce has protected since the 80s. We fought against captivity and fought for improved laws not the meager volunteer guidelines. Lifeforce will also reveal the shocking truths that we told Governments months ago > COVID-19 and Orcas; Antibiotics and Vaccine Experiments on Wildlife and Captive Orcas and a lot more! Orcas need healthy food, clean water and safe homes. Lifeforce has advised governments that fishing moratoriums MUST include catch and release to avoid transmission of coronaviruses! Please Help Lifeforce Raise Money For Orca Protection! In order to not overload you with our emails please advise us if you want to receive these Orca Action Month Updates. Send us your email at [email protected] to be put on the Saving Orcas Email List! During Orca Action Month Lifeforce will also be offering our few last copies of Orca: A Family Story for $20 including postage. ($20 CAN in Canada, $20 US in the US and Other Countries). To receive your book Please Contact Lifeforce at [email protected] when made your payment to Lifeforce through Paypal > http://www.lifeforcefoundation.org/support.php All book sales and other donations will go directly to the nearly 40 years of successful Lifeforce Campaigns that have helped orcas and others with whom we share this planet. For Freedom, Peter Hamilton Lifeforce Further information: [email protected]

Help Celebrate Orca Action Month! June 2020! June has been proclaimed Orca Action Month in BC, WA and Oregon in order to continue the needed protection for endangered orcas. Throughout the month Lifeforce will be emailing information about the protection that have been accomplished and what still needs to be done! We will also be on the water educating boaters about safe and respectful operations around orcas. In remembrance of the past decades of orca protection work Lifefor...ce is providing our historic information through our heart warming story of what can be achieved! Orca: A Family Story In 1993 I wrote about the plight of orcas captured for the aquarium industry. In this fictional story I focused on the untold tale of survival by the Northern Resident Killer Whales (NRKWs). I wrote about how a reunion of Corky and Yaka with their family could be accomplished after life in aquarium prisons. I hoped for the family’s joy of being together again. Sadly, Yaka passed away in captivity and organizations continue to try to Free Corky! The story is based on scientific and historic documentation of the A5 pod. You will learn about their complex social structure and how they live together for their entire lives if not captured. It includes a lot of historic information for those who continue or begin to take actions to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Please Help Lifeforce Raise Money For Orca Protection! During Orca Action Month Lifeforce will be offering the book for $20 including postage. ($20 CAN in Canada, $20 US in the US and Other Countries). Please Contact Lifeforce at [email protected] when you send your payment to Lifeforce Foundation through Paypal. http://www.lifeforcefoundation.org/support.php All book sales and donations will go directly to the nearly 40 years of successful Lifeforce Campaigns that have helped orcas. We are all volunteers to Help Save the Orca Families! For Freedom, Peter Hamilton Lifeforce