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Eco-Interactions has spent many years all over the globe, experiencing
and bridging the gap between research, education, tourism and conservation.
Below is a sampling of events that we have been involved in.
 In 1993 we spearheaded the effort to get the country of Dominica NOT to
vote against the proposed Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary at the 1993
International Whaling Commission meeting. At first a dialogue was created between the
International Wildlife Coalition (who were at that time initiating a tourism
boycott of Dominica in protest of Dominica’s announced support of Japan in
voting against the whale sanctuary) and the government of Dominica. We continued
by contacting countless important environmental organizations in the world and
persuading all of them to flood Dominica with praise and promises of
visitation if they voted in favor of the sanctuary. This worked, Dominica ended up
abstaining from voting, other small Caribbean countries followed suit, and much to
the dismay of the Japanese, the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary referendum
passed at the IWC meeting of 1993.
In 1996 work was begun with the Mingan Islands Cetacean Study (MICS) of
Longue Pointe de Mingan, Quebec. Responsibilities included, running field
research teams of up to 9 people in Perc'e, Quebec. Doing every bit of field
research imaginable including driving the research boats and being the photographer
for the following. Photo ID of blue, finback, humpback, sperm, gray and
killer whales. Driving for biopsy work on blue, finback, humpback and minke whales.
Driving for satellite tag work on blue whales. Helping to do matching work
in the blue whale catalog which MICS curates for the North Atlantic Ocean.
Working in the field with Pacific blue and finback whales in particular off Baja
California each winter and assisting in curating MICS 18 year old Baja catalog
of blue whales. Doing fundraising for MICS which is a 21 year old non profit
organization. This includes organizing for groups to come and actively
participate on MICS research boats, which we do in all MICS locations and is one of
MICS main ways of supporting itself.
 Created El Delfin Joven (School of the Sea). The mission statement is to
bring high school aged students into a real live marine mammal research
setting. The school has operating locations in Spain, Costa Rica and Baja
California. Students can participate for 2 week sessions in the location of their
choice and afterwards are eligible to take a short inexpensive course by computer
through Wheelock College of Boston, Mass. and be eligible for 3 college
credits.
Conceived of the concept of creating a marine reserve adjacent to
Corcovado National Park and the Osa Peninsula on Costa Rica's southern Pacific coast.
These waters are home to many species of whales and dolphins, as well as
numerous sea turtles. They house coral reef systems, as well as huge schools of
tuna and are the only place on earth where humpback whales from both
hemispheres are known to frequent. This concept with great internal Costa Rican support
is still in the planning stages.
Eco-Interactions has for many years tirelessly made "in school"
presentations and led groups of schoolchildren on field seminars. To experience,
appreciate and strive to conserve is always the theme. The primary institution
that we have worked with is the Durham Academy of Durham, North Carolina. At all
times we will have upcoming trips to offer interested individuals, school
groups as well as specialized groups, to join us in the field of nature and
experience the awesome life forms we share the earth with as we continue to study
and protect the natural world.
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