Whales of Southern California

ITINERARY

Research Summary

Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, and Redondo Beach, California, US — Gray whales were the first great whales to be removed from the endangered species list, but their future is by no means certain.

They typically spend their summers feeding in the plankton-rich waters of the Bering and Chuckchi Seas in Canada and their winters near the coast of Baja California, Mexico where their calves are born. They generally migrate through Southern California waters from December through April.

However, recent evidence suggests that some whales are feeding in the winter and mating in the fall. Dr. William Megill, Dr. Lei Lani Stelle, Dr. David Duffus, and colleagues are looking at how much grey whales are eating at each end of the migration and what impact varying prey abundance has on the whales. 

About the Research Area

This short duration expedition will give you the chance to experience a few different locations in the coastal Los Angeles area including San Pedro (Cabrillo Aquarium), Redondo Beach,  and Rancho Palos Verdes (Point Vicente Interpretive Center).

Rancho Palos Verdes is one of the premiere whale watch and research spots along the California coast. The Point Vicente Interpretive Center features interactive exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the area, emphasizing the Pacific gray whale migration.

Accommodations

You'll stay with members of the research team in quality hotel accommodations near the water and onshore research locations (exact hotel tbd). Volunteers will most likely share rooms (same gender only), with two volunteers per room.

Cuisine

Breakfasts will most likely be at the hotel, dinners will be at area restaurants, and lunches will be bag lunch/takeout sandwiches.