Submitted by the SeaDoc Society.

Some people think it is glamorous to study killer whales. But how would you like to spend your day following southern resident killer whales and trying to collect the feces and mucus they leave behind?

More like an episode of the “Dirty Jobs” show, this smelly job gives scientists unbelievable insight into the health of the local whale population. From the spew, poo and goo scooped up with nets, researchers like Dr. Brad Hanson of NOAA Fisheries learn not only what killer whales are eating but also  what chemicals are present in their prey and how stressed the animals are.

Hanson will present “Tracking Killer Whales: Spew, Poo and Goo” on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. in the Eastsound Fire Hall Community Room.

The lessons learned have implications for the larger marine environment.

“Whales are at the top of the food chain,” says Hanson, “and if they aren’t doing well then something lower in the food chain is likely in trouble too.”

Hanson is the team leader at The Center for Marine Mammal Ecology, which conducts research on Southern Resident Killer Whales. His focus is on habitat and foraging ecology.

“Join YMCA Camp Orkila and the SeaDoc Society for what promises to be a fascinating lecture,” say organizers.

The 2011/12 Marine Science Lecture Series is designed to inspire the general public and to highlight the fish and wildlife of our region. Lectures are free.

The Lecture Series is presented The SeaDoc Society and YMCA Camp Orkila. For more information visit http://www.seadocsociety.org.