Donor Spotlight: Mariann and Ken Carrasco

Orcas Island’s Mariann and Ken Carrasco both had successful careers in biology and remain dedicated supporters of science-based solutions to protect the wildlife. SeaDoc Society is lucky to be one of the organizations they entrust with their energy and their dollars. We had the opportunity to ask some questions about their relationship with this ecosystem and their efforts to preserve it!

What inspired you to support SeaDoc Society?: SeaDoc provides necessary information for managing the Salish Sea appropriately and is a terrific support for all wild creatures that inhabit this ecosystem. 

What's your biggest concern about Salish Sea health?: Pollution in all aspects is the biggest threat to wild populations in the Salish Sea. SeaDoc provides the research data to support policy changes necessary to improve pollution in the Salish Sea. 

What's your favorite aspect about SeaDoc Society as an organization?: Community support in the San Juans with regard to information on how to manage wildlife and fish populations is so needed and welcomed! 

Why should others consider supporting ocean health?: If someone is interested in the health of our planet and/or interested in the health of our islands, by definition they have to to be interested in the oceans that surround us. They are the lifeblood of our islands in all aspects of our daily lives. The Salish Sea is why most of us live here. 

What's your favorite species in the Salish Sea?: Killer whales but I love them all. 

Organization affiliations and interests: 

  • Friends of the San Juans 

  • Islands’ Oil Spill Association 

  • Orcas Animal Protection Society 

  • The Whale Museum 

  • San Juan Islands Marine Mammal Stranding Network 

  • The Whale Sanctuary Project 

  • Coast Guard veteran (Ken) 

  • Has an interest in electric marine propulsion (Ken)