Ocean Research and Conservation Association (ORCA)
ORCA is dedicated to the protection and restoration of marine ecosystems and the species they sustain through the development of innovative technologies and science based conservation action.

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  Save the Ocean
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Now Available... "Challenges of the Deep Video", by MBARI & co-written with Edith Widder.
Preview or Order Here »
Protecting Water With Innovative Technology ORCA, founded in response to the global ocean challenge, envisions a revolutionary approach toward marine conservation—one that works "in-the-water" to help reverse continuing trends of marine degradation. ORCA's technology development is targeted toward monitoring and improving the quality of water—the precious habitat fish, marine mammals, and other wildlife require for survival—and partnering with communities to accomplish this. View the video...

Community Foundation Of Palm Beach & Martin Counties Recognizes ORCA With Award In this video, Dr. Edith "Edie" Widder of the Ocean Research and Conservation Association discusses Floridian's impact on local waters and the newest conservation tool being developed by the Ocean Research & Conservation Association.
YouTube - Dr. Edith Widder, Ocean Research and Conservation ...

 
Kilroy
KILROY IS HERE!    Our mighty little wonder of conservation technology —which gauges the health of our waters as never before — went into action this week! Kilroy begins monitoring the vital signs of Florida’s Indian River Lagoon, one of the richest yet most troubled estuaries in the world. Learn more...

 
Orcas Eye-in-the-Sea
The world’s first deep sea webcam!TM

ORCA’s Eye-in-the-Sea begins its six-month deployment in Monterey Bay and with its cameras running 24 hours a day — thanks to MBARI’s cabled observatory — ORCA’s EITS will yield some valuable data and amazing images!

EITS Video is currently unavailable. It will relaunch on July 8th, 2009

The Challenge: Under­standing the Need for Marine Conser­vation

Three recent and com­prehen­sive studies: Pew Oceans Commission the U.S. Com­mis­sion on Ocean Policy and the Millennium Eco­system Assess­ment iden­tified the de­terioration of our oceans as one of our planet's most pressing environ­mental con­cerns. Of particular risk are the coastal zones and estua­ries, which provide essential nurseries for coastal and open ocean species, yet receive the brunt of human impact.
"We need to act now to reverse dis­tressing declines if this and future generations are to continue enjoying the many benefits we derive from our oceans and coasts."
Admiral James D. Watkins, USN (Ret.), Chairman
US Commission on Ocean Policy

A Research Scientist and a Business Executive Recognize the Need

Internationally recognized deep-sea explorer Dr. Edith "Edie" Widder, corporate marketing executive Keith Paglen and others have joined forces to create the Ocean Research & Conservation Association, Inc. (ORCA), a newly formed 501(c)(3) scientific and conservation institute fo­cus­ed on reversing the trend of oceanic and near-shore ecosystem degradation. Mr. Paglen serves as the organization's Chief Exec­utive Officer and Dr. Widder as its President & Senior Scientist.

The Solution: Using Technology to Advance Ocean Conservation

With support from the National Science Foundation, the Office of Naval Research and donations from concerned individuals ORCA is developing high-tech sensors and communications systems capable of detecting the presence of certain plants, animals and other factors important in evaluating water quality. Such systems will report back to scientists and the public through intuitive website interfaces, so better management solutions can be implemented against threats, such as red tides, to healthy marine ecosystems.