Oh, do we have some exciting Orca news to share…

It’s called the POI Pod Blast … And if the idea of watching the whales from Vashon-Maury  Island beaches is exciting to you, we think you are going to like it…A LOT!

The POI Pod Blast is a low cost subscription-based alert system that will provide you with real time text messages from POI – or emails if you prefer – notifying you when the whales are here and where you can see them. ( See bottom of page for sign up information)

Check out the video below to see what might be waiting for you with a subscription to the POI Pod Blast.

Orcas at Point Robinson October 28, 2011

The protection of orcas and their critical habitat was front and center in our fight to protect Maury Island – and it continues to be a strong part of our new focus protecting Island shorelines and regional Puget Sound ecosystems.

As a part of this work, POI works closely with the fabulous folks at Orca Network, the regional land based sighting network, to help monitor the whales use of the Island – particularly the Southern Residents who visit in the late fall and early winter months.

As a result of this partnership, we typically have a heads up when the whales are coming our way. And, as soon as they come into scoping range – we hit the beach and spend the day tracking them as they move through the Islands waterways.

Not only is it a remarkable experience, the information is also used to help the researchers who are doing important species recovery work.

We developed the low cost Pod Blast alert system knowing how powerful the experience of land-based whale watching is…and that seeing whales firsthand creates an understanding of how important it is to protect the species and their habitat.

***Please note, we have initiated the Pod Blast alert service  as a 10 month pilot program that will be re-evaluated in October of 2012 to ensure that the service is working as intended and in no way causing a negative impact.  Because as important as it is for the community to experience the whales, our first priority is the orcas .***

Here’s how the POI Pod Blast works.

• The subscription rate to receive alerts during the initial 10 month pilot program will be a mere $15 bucks … that’s one time not monthly. (See below for sign up info)

 

• You will then have whale alerts sent to you via text message to your cell phone or via email – whichever you prefer – whenever we know that the whales are in local waters. And yes, if you really want to cover your bases you can have it sent via both text and email.

 

• When the whales are visiting, we will spend the day tracking them and will send multiple Pod Blast messages to you with details on where they are and what the anticipated times and places to view them from shore will be.

 

• If you choose to receive alerts via text message, you will need to make sure you have a texting plan set up with your cell carrier – or that they have standalone text message pricing that is acceptable to you.

 

• While the primary focus of the alerts will be related to the Southern Resident orcas in the late fall and early winter months, we will also send alerts when we become aware of visits by transient orcas and the other cetaceans, such as humpbacks and gray whales, that typically make periodic appearances around the island.

 

• We worked hard to develop a system that is affordable to most and believe that the $15 is very reasonable – however, its important to us that everyone who wants the experience of seeing whales from shore has that opportunity – regardless of their financial situation. So, if you truly cannot afford the $15 subscription fee contact us info@preserveourislands.org and we will work with you to make sure you receive alerts.

 

***VERY IMPORTANT***

• This is a shore-based viewing program only. If you subscribe to the Pod Blast alert service you are agreeing that you will not, under any circumstances go out on a boat of any kind to watch the whales.  Boats in close proximity to whales are harmful as they cause significant impact to both foraging and transit.

 

• We will be monitoring this very closely and anyone found to be going out on a boat, or knowingly informing others who are on a boat, will be immediately banned from the Pod Blast list for life, scolded profusely, and publicaly humiliated. Really. You don’t want to test us on this.

Here’s How to Sign Up!

To sign up for the alert subscription please add your contact information below for the preferred delivery method, the click the donate button to make your payment via paypal.

Cell Number

Email Address

 

 

 

If you would prefer to sign up for the Pod Blast using a check, please sent $15 and your contact information – including cell number or email address to:

 

Preserve Our Islands

PO Box 845

Vashon, WA 98070.

 

While there are never any guarantees related to how often or for how long the whales come for a visit, signing up for the Pod Blast can give you the best opportunity to see the phenomenal fins when they do come.

 

We are in the heart of the Island orca season…

Subscribe today and join us at the beach!