Whales vs. ocean pollution

Author’s book benefits ocean health research

By Richard WalkerRoyalties from “Last Song of the Whales,” a novel by Cherokee/Creek author and educator Wahinkpe Topa, will benefit Algalita Marine Research Foundation, which is documenting the impacts of plastic debris on the oceans.

The book is about “a remarkable partnership between whales and man, intended by the whale to conquer the growing plastic debris problem,” the author wrote. “I really want to raise consciousness with this book about this issue as well as raise funds for Algalita’s research on this issue. … I sincerely hope my first work of fiction will have a significant impact on helping us return to a balanced way of living by remembering our non-human teachers.”

The book, published by Savant Books in Honolulu, is endorsed by The Cousteau Society.

In “Last Song,” a humpback whale mysteriously takes a mixed-blood American Indian professor to sea. While struggling to survive and learning to communicate with a pod of whales, the man rediscovers his indigenous roots. In the process, he learns that thousands of whales may be on a suicide mission in the North Pacific in an effort to end human pollution of the ocean. However, when he realizes the dire effects the whales’ actions could have for all of life on Earth, he and the whale work together–against all odds–to warn the world in time.Someone named Lakota added:I've read Last Song and strongly recommend it for impactful gifts this season. It is only 15 bucks at amazon. Easy to read, I could not put it down till I finished it. I cried, cringed, laughed and have a little hope for the future.Comment:  For more on Natives and whales, see Real Conflict in Everybody Loves Whales and Tashtego in Moby-Dick.