From:            Elaine Hickman
To:                Commission-Public-Records
Subject:           [EXTERNAL] Return of cruise ships
Date:              Tuesday, May 25, 2021 11:57:11 AM

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Commissioners of the Port of Seattle,
I am a resident of Seattle and life-long resident of Washington State. I am writing to join my
colleague, Patrick McKee, and many others who are strongly objecting to the return of cruise
ships in our fragile Salish Sea. What I would add to Patrick's comments is that in the past year
when there have been no cruise ships, we have witnessed some signs that our resident orcas
circumstances have improved enough to enable them to be reproducing again. According to
Oregon State University Professor John Durban, "We are encouraged that in the last two years
J pod has in general been in better body condition than over much of the last decade," Durban
said. "We are encouraged that in the last two years J pod has in general been in better body
condition than over much of the last decade. We hope it continues and these calves can thrive.
Every calf counts in a population this small."
As you must know, our orcas are struggling to survive and their health and well-being deserve
to to a high priority for all decision-makers.
Yours truly,
Elaine Hickman