Learn what ails local whales at a free lecture on 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 26 at The Whale Museum.

Dr. Brad Hanson from NOAA’s Northwest Fisheries Science Center will present the research he has been conducting on Southern resident killer whales.

Hanson is an ecologist currently studying foraging, habitat use, and health status of Southern resident killer whales. His presentation will cover the NWFSC’s and its partners’ efforts to assess the health of Southern resident killer whales to meet the priorities of helping this population recover as outlined in NOAA’s SRKW Recovery Plan.

Hanson joined the Northwest Fisheries Science Center in April of 2003. Previously, Hanson worked as a Wildlife Biologist at the National Marine Mammal Laboratory in Seattle. Hanson earned his Ph.D. from the University of Washington where he worked on the development of improved tag attachment systems for small cetaceans. He also holds an M.S. in Fisheries and a B.A. in Zoology, both from the University of Washington.

The Summer Lecture Series is dedicated to providing the local community and visiting public with knowledge and wonder of the natural world. The lectures are given by local or visiting experts in their field. Each lecture is free and held at The Whale Museum. Donations are greatly appreciated.For more information, call 378-4710 ext. 30.

The Whale Museum is located in Friday Harbor at 62 First St. N. Founded in 1976, The Whale Museum’s mission is to promote stewardship of whales through education and research. The Whale Museum can be found at www.whalemuseum.org.