Join tech entrepreneur Amy Zimmerman as she explores how immersive technology can help share the story of the beloved Southern Resident Orcas. Amy will be joined by Willi Jansen and Morgan Van Kirk from Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Learn how connecting people to the ocean through art, innovation and storytelling can motivate protection of marine ecosystems. Doors open at 7pm.

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Amy Zimmerman

Mayne Island resident, Amy Zimmerman, has been in awe of Killer Whales since she was a little girl. Determined to champion technology for positive impact, Amy produced and wrote Critical Distance, an augmented reality experience which premiered at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 29, 2021. “My hope with this project is that it will not only lessen our impact on these creatures, but perhaps it can captivate and inspire more Orca advocates. I fell in love with this beautiful family, and it inspired me to take action.” says Zimmerman. Critical Distance allows audiences to interact with Jpod of the Southern Resident orcas, through augmented reality. “We have created an XR experience using Hololens technology,” she says. “It immerses audiences under the Salish Sea and puts you face to face with this critically endangered pod, allowing us to experience firsthand what our human impact can cause within their waters.” Amy will be joined by Fisheries Officers Willi Jansen and Morgan Van Kirk from Fisheries and Oceans Canada who will share their mission and the work being done on the water to help protect the Orcas and their ecosystem. The Conservancy has invited Amy to share her passion as we celebrate Orca Month. The theme for 2022 is “Stream to Sea: Celebrating the Orca/Salmon Connection.” by bringing awareness to the critical connection between watersheds, river systems, the Salish Sea, and the Pacific Ocean.