Americans use 380 billion plastic bags a year!
Over 1 Billion single-use "free" plastic bags are given out each day in the U.S. The hidden costs to consumers include: destruction of fragile habitats and ecosystems from drilling and prospecting for petroleum used to make the bags; death to hundreds of thousands of sea turtles, whales and other marine mammals every year from eating discarded plastic bags mistaken for food.

Using a cloth shopping bag twice a week for a year will save: 832 plastic bags, 11 pounds of garbage, $140 city dollars spent on disposal, and enough petroleum to drive 60 miles. Check out Chico Bags.

Upcoming & Recent Events, Education, Outreach
February 15 - 17, 2008: Whale Quest – Maui

Battle Creek Enquirer article (07/10/07)

January 2007 National Geographic features Hawaii Whale Research Foundation Humpback research.

Peggy Stap has spoken to elementary school students on marine mammals in Monterey Bay both in Michigan and in Monterey. She has also lectured on marine mammals in Monterey Bay to volunteers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and to staff members at major hotels in the area, as well as at the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

February 2007 Whale Quest School Outreach Programs: Peggy Stap, along with Jason Sturgis of Whale Trust, presented the Science and Technology Workshop. Jason and Peggy did the same workshop last year and it was great fun.

Dan R. Salden, Ph.D., President and Founder of the Hawaii Whale Research Foundation, presented at Whale Quest. Hawaii Whale Research Foundation participates in Whale Quest – an annual free event for the public.

Identification photo of killer whales shows difference in size of fins of the male (rear - tall fin) and female types. Also note the variation in their "saddle patches" below and behind fins.

Download Brochure:

Marine Life Studies brochure - pdf

Peggy and Sarah aboard
Sweet Pea in Monterey.

Researchers' Blog:

Well, in 2007 we had some more boat problems, which limited our days on the water. There were a couple times we got back to the harbor safely on a wing n’ a prayer. But the main thing is we got some more water days out on beautiful Monterey Bay. Nothing makes me happier. While working on the boat hoping to get it running while floating dead in the water (luckily it was a calm, beautiful day), I kept dreaming of the day that we can get our dream "Green Research" boat that runs on renewable fuels. See our "Wish List".
See full researchers' blog here...

MLS Research Mission

The overall research mission of Marine Life Studies is to study the foraging strategies of transient and offshore killer whales as well as investigate the abundance, distribution, movement and frequency of occurrence of other whale and dolphin species in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

These activities take place under the General Authorization for Scientific Research, a permit issued by NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service. Research results and data will be disseminated in formal research reports and peer-reviewed publications. Good research is a collaborative process. Marine Life Studies (MLS) is committed to sharing data with other researchers. Whenever possible, we also stand ready to assist other researchers in conducting their research by making platforms available, providing information leads on cetacean activities, etc.

MLS Education Mission

Data collection is meaningless unless it is made available not only to the scientific community but also to the general public. This is particularly true in regard to information about whale and dolphin activity within a National Sanctuary. MLS researchers develop and present public presentations concerning the status of their research on the whales and dolphins in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

MLS Conservation Mission

Species cannot survive unless they have a safe place in which to live. A major threat to whales and dolphins throughout the world is the contamination of their habitats and other damaging effects of human's invasion into marine habitats. The Sanctuary and MLS are committed to actively reducing contamination and dedicated to fostering a respect for the environment.

Other MLS conservation activities of interest include marine mammal entanglement and stranding programs, public education concerning the health of the marine environment and actions necessary to enhance it's good health, and in assisting other dedicated environmental groups in meeting their conservation objectives.

content © www.marinelifestudies.org
“Sweet Pea” © Gina Thomas ~ all other photos © Peggy Stap
Site Design: lagranddesign