When Erich Hoyt wrote what is said to be the first book on whale watching, The Whale Watcher’s Handbook, in 1984, he was described as "well ahead of his time…few people had grasped the concept of whale-watching as a major, worldwide growth industry." 30 years later, you can hear the guy who started it all, as he's speaking in San Francisco tonight.

In a nine-stop lecture tour across the Pacific Northwest, Hoyt, a noted marine conservationist, whale researcher and author of more than 20 books, will be talking about his years of research among killer whales, from his early work in Johnstone Strait to current research in Far East Russia.

Described by event organizers as an "opportunity to meet one of the scientists at the forefront of killer whale conservation," Hoyt promises that guests at Orca Tour 2014 will hear compelling whale tales, learn more about the conservation issues facing whales today, and get an inside look at the challenges faced by those who work to protect them.

What: Orca Tour 2014
When: Reception begins at 5:30, program starts at 6:30
Where: Bay Theater, Pier 39
Cost: $10 (they throw in hors d'oeuvres and one drink), buy online here