Monterey Bay Whale Watch is sponsoring a fund-raising whale-watching boat trip for the Monterey Bay Chapter of the American Cetacean Society (ACS/MB) on Sunday, August 21, 2005. Proceeds from this trip will benefit ACS/MB's educational programs and research grants to local graduate students.

Local distinguished naturalists will be on board to offer explanations and background information concerning the marine mammals, birds and other creatures encountered. Highlights of recent summer/fall whale watching trips include sightings of blue whales, humpback whales, Dall's porpoises riding the bow wave, Pacific white-sided dolphins, minke whales, and numerous common dolphins. Sea lions, harbor seals and sea otters are among the other marine mammals frequently spotted. Birds likely to be seen include pelicans, gulls, cormorants, common murres, black-footed albatross, sooty and pink-footed shearwaters, phalaropes and terns. Leatherback turtles have also been seen, as well as close-up views of ocean sunfish (mola mola).

Cetaceans, pinnipeds and seabirds will be the subjects of data collection as it is done every day by Monterey Bay Whale Watch naturalists. Activities offered by members of the Scientific Advisory Board of ACS/MB will include use of hydrophones, plankton dips to study food sources, photography skills for identification, and artifacts to help us visualize. Passengers might take part in these research elements or simply help spot whales.

The cost is $40 for ACS members, $45 for non-members. The cruise will depart from Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey at 9 a.m. and return at 1 p.m. on Sunday, August 21. Note: Our normal reservation form should not be used to sign up for this trip. See the ACS/MB website for additional information.