Here's information about the 2-day Whalefest Monterey Symposium...with more updates to come!

15th Annual Whalefest Monterey: Two-Day Symposium Highlights on April 12-13, 2025

January 17, 2025. Monterey, CA – The 15th Annual Whalefest Monterey, set for Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, will feature a compelling two-day symposium at the Monterey History & Art Stanton Center, 5 Custom House Plaza adjacent to Old Fisherman’s Wharf. This highly anticipated event brings together renowned marine experts to share their knowledge, insights, and the latest research on marine ecosystems and conservation.

Symposium Speaker and Topics Include with more to come:

Jane King Silberstein, Cabrillo College; CSUMB: "The unseen and unsung heroes of Monterey Bay: the beautiful, amazing microscopic plankton!" 

Aliya Khan, Paytan Biogeochemistry Lab, UCSC “Wetlands as Nature Based Carbon Solution”

Peggy Stap, Marine Life Studies: "Whale Entanglement: Risks, Responses, and Prevention"

Ted Cheeseman, Happy Whale: "Surprising stories about our humpback whales: where do Monterey Bay whales go when they wander onward?"

James Fahlbusch, Cascadia Research Collective; Hopkins Marine Station: "A day in the life of a whale biologist"

Joelle De Weerdt, UCSC; Association ELI-S Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB): “From Nicaragua to Monterey: understand humpback whales' migratory patterns and feeding behaviours”

In addition, we have confirmed Lisa Wooninck, Superintendent of the MBNMS and Lindsey Peavey Reeves from NOAA. Details and more presenters to follow.

In addition to the Symposium, Whalefest Monterey will feature many engaging activities for all ages, including dozens of interactive marine exhibits, live music, and hands-on crafts including Gyotaku, Origami, and Scrimshaw. Visitors will also have the chance to tour research and rescue boats and enjoy the popular Abalone Races activity.

“Whalefest Monterey is an exceptional platform for marine education and awareness,” said Mary Alice Cerrito Fettis, Chair, Whalefest Monterey. “This year’s Symposium will provide a deeper dive into the critical work being done to protect our oceans and their incredible biodiversity.”

Held at Old Fisherman’s Wharf and the Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park, this free event supports local and national organizations dedicated to marine conservation and education.

For updates on speakers, exhibits, schedules, and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.whalefest.org or contact [email protected].

15th Annual Whalefest Monterey to be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13, 2025 on and around Old Fisherman’s Wharf and the Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park

“The Monterey Bay Whale Watching Capital of the World”    

 Save the date for the 15th Annual Whalefest Monterey to be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13, 2025 from 10 am - 5 pm each day.

 This "edutaining" free family friendly event will be held at and around Old Fisherman’s Wharf and the Custom House Plaza - Monterey State Historic Park. It includes fun and educational activities for all ages, musicians, and dozens of interactive marine-related interactive exhibits by numerous local and national organizations. In addition, we plan to have several research and rescue boats available for public tours.

 Whalefest Monterey benefits many local and national marine organizations dedicated to explore educate, inspire, and to empower the public to protect the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS).

The always fascinating Symposium with world-renowned marine experts will be held on Sunday in the theatre at the Monterey History & Art Stanton Center, 5 Custom House Plaza. The interactive marine-themed exhibits on the Plaza will be back for both days and will have something interesting for all ages (see list below). An array of live music and engaging activities such as Gyotaku, Origami, Scrimshaw, and the “almost famous” Abalone Races and more will be available on both April 12^th and 13^th on Old Fisherman’s Wharf.

 Be sure to check out the prior Symposium presentations from past years at www.whalefest.org and the Whalefest YouTube channel.

 Whalefest Monterey will feature many educational and engaging displays from local, regional and national non-profits, including many of these past participants:

American Cetacean Society • California Coastal Commission • California Department of Fish and Wildlife • California Killer Whale Project • California State Parks • Camp SEA Lab • Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve • California Department of Fish and Game • Sustainable Monterey • Hericane Rowing / World’s Toughest Row • Hi’ilani ‘O Ke Kai OCC • Hopkins Marine Station at Stanford University • Marine Life Studies • Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) • Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust • Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) • Monterey Museum of Art • Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club • Monterey Public Library • Monterey Waterkeeper • Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History • Paul Watson Foundation  • Santa Catalina Middle School • Save Our Shores • Save the Whales • Sea Otter Savvy • Seafloor Science ROV •  Surfrider Foundation • U.S. Coast Guard Monterey • Ventana Wildlife Society • Western Flyer Foundation

 Note: Subject to change and new exhibitors are added every year!

 Whale watchers come from around the world to view hundreds of whales, orcas, otters, dolphins and pelicans who come to feast on a “krill and anchovy buffet” in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Throughout the year, this Whale Watching Capital of the World offers sightings of 15 species of whales, 10 species of dolphins, 2 species of porpoise, 6 species of pinnipeds and 1 species of Fissiped (sea otter).

Whalefest Monterey is supported by many outstanding sponsors including the Arts Council for Monterey County, thanks to support from the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, the City of Monterey, Fisherman’s Wharf Association, Monterey State Historic Park, Marine Life Studies, Monterey Bay Aquarium, National Marine Sanctuaries Foundation, and numerous business sponsors.

 As a free event, Whalefest relies on sponsorships and donations to bring this unique event to the public. Sponsorships are available for the 15^th Annual Whalefest Monterey on April 12-13, 2025. Please contact Mary Alice Cerrito Fettis at [email protected] for more details.

 About NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries

 Serving as the trustee for 14 national marine sanctuaries and two marine national monuments, NOAA's National Marine Sanctuary System encompasses more than 600,000 square miles of protected marine and Great Lakes waters. Few places on the planet can compete with the diversity of the system, which protects America's most iconic natural and cultural marine resources. The system works with diverse partners and stakeholders to promote responsible, sustainable ocean uses that ensure the health of our most valued ocean places. A healthy ocean is the basis for thriving recreation, tourism and commercial activities that drive coastal economies. Backed by one of the nation's strongest pieces of ocean conservation legislation, the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, sanctuaries seek to preserve the extraordinary scenic beauty, biodiversity, historical connections and economic productivity of our most precious underwater parks.  

For more information go to www.montereywharf.com or www.whalefest.org or call 831-238-0777 or email [email protected]