Farallones Marine Sanctuary sponsors lectures and excursions
This spring, to celebrate 25 years of ocean protection, Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary will offer a series of free monthly lectures on the Coastside, announcing research and discoveries concerning sanctuary wildlife: sea otters and sea lions, albatross and other seabirds. Each is followed by related weekend fee-based excursions into the realms of these creatures and the scientists who study them. Reservations for all events are with Dru Devlin at
Click "read more" to see the list of events.
On Thursday, March 23rd Marine Biologist Carol Keiper will present “Soaring and Survival Among the Great Seabirds” from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Point Montara Lighthouse on Highway 1 in Montara. Keiper will discuss why mighty albatross and other migratory seabirds fly thousands of miles to feed in the Farallones sanctuary waters beyond the Golden Gate. Learn where they come from, their amazing migration, threats to their survival such as plastic debris entanglement or ingestion, and what we can do to help save them. Free lecture.
From 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 25 outdoor enthusiasts can encounter seals and coastal seabirds from a water-level vantage on a kayaking tour from the Pillar Point Harbor near Half Moon Bay. First time and experienced kayakers are welcome. A local bird expert will help identify the various wildlife. Cost is $30 per person; age minimum 12; those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Register on line with California Canoe and Kayak at: www.calkayak.com
On Thursday, April 20th from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the J. Porter Shaw Library, Fort Mason Center, Building E in San Francisco, The Marine Mammal Center’s Veterinarian Frances Gulland, DVM will bring us up to date with “Marine Mammal Research: Diseases and Cures.” She will examine the latest findings in marine mammal science and medicine, and the research techniques by which we can conserve these warm-blooded, air-breathing creatures, which live the “life aquatic.” Free lecture, J. Porter Shaw Library, Fort Mason Center, Bldg. E, San Francisco.
The following Sunday, April 23rd whale and wildlife enthusiasts can join a naturalist-led sail through the Golden Gate aboard the 82-foot schooner “Seaward” from Sausalito to search for migrating gray whales, sea lions, seabirds and other intriguing marinelife. Cruise departs at 10:00 a.m., returning at approximately 2:00 p.m. Cost is $50 per person, and includes a light lunch. . For reservations contact Dru Devlin at
On Thursday, May 11 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Point Montara Lighthouse, Highway 1 in Montara, Melissa Miller DVM of the California Department of Fish and Game will give a presentation on California’s sea otter population. She will describe the issues that affect their survival, the important work being done to understand these animals, and what new discoveries scientists are making. Free lecture.
Saturday, May 13 from the comfort of a stable 27-foot pontoon boat, “the Safari,” enjoy an excursion into Elkhorn Slough. This placid inlet off Monterey Bay is habitat for playful sea otters, harbor seals and migrating birds. Cruise time is 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.; cost is $25 per person. For reservations contact Dru Devlin at
Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, protects 948 sq. nautical miles of open ocean, bay and wetlands. The Sanctuary also manages approximately 1,380 sq. nautical miles of the San Mateo and southern Marin county coasts. The non-profit Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association supports the work of the Sanctuary in protecting its natural and cultural resources.
For information on special 25th Anniversary and ongoing sanctuary programs, visit the sanctuary’s and Sanctuary Association’s websites at www.farallones.noaa.gov and www.farallones.org, or call 415/ 561-6622.
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