MICHAEL BENNETT
 

Michael Bennett is the immediate past President of the Whale Watch Operators Association Northwest and is the owner of Mosquito Fleet based in Everett, Washington. Mike was formerly a captain for Exploration Cruise Lines, and over the last 15 years was involved with many of the National Geographic magazine's whale stories on location in various parts of the world as boat captain and backup diver. He also had the good fortune to be the captain to pilot "Springer", the northern resident orphaned orca, back to her home waters in Canada this summer.

Mike has a great perspective about what businesses can do to contribute to conservation goals and some insight into where the whale-watching industry might be going. The Whale Watch Operators Association Northwest has been considered by some as a model of industry, government, and non-governmental organizations partnering for conservation.

Mike is a panelist in the discussion on 'Captivity & Whale Watching: Scientific, Educational, and Ethical Considerations'.