Ocean Odyssey May 2013

Peggy Stap presents film, Ocean Odyssey, to raise funds for the Jeremy Montes Tap Out Leukemia Foundation.

Jeremy Montes Jr. is a brave young man fighting for his life. Please join us for a wonderful evening to help support Jeremy. Click here for PDF of event.

Jeremy Montes Jr.
with his Dad

Ocean OdysseySaturday, May 18, 2013 at 5:00 pmSoquel High School Library401 Old San Jose Rd.Soquel, CA 95073

Suggested Donation $10
Evening includes refreshments and film
                 Sponsored by the Soquel High School Leo Club

All proceeds go to the
Jeremy Montes Tap Out Leukemia Foundation

Humpback Whale Mother and Calf
© Peggy Stap / HWRF  - NMFS Permit 587-1472

Ocean Odyssey, a documentary filmed in Maui by the Tokyo Broadcasting Systems, features our wonderful oceans and humpback whales in their natural habitat. See the incredible underwater scene of the humpback ballet.

This beautiful film features Dan R. Salden, Director of the Hawaii Whale Research Foundation, and his passion for humpback whales. Also appearing in the documentary is Peggy Stap, Founder and Director of Marine Life Studies.

​Peggy Stap had an incredible opportunity to be part of this historic documentary, which demonstrates and educates the people of Japan how research is accomplished by observing “living” whales. Peggy worked in the water with the Japanese film crew while documenting the behaviors of these magnificent creatures.

Peggy remarks, “The incredible, magnificent and beautiful humpbacks captured the hearts of the Japanese film crew. The joy on their faces after the encounters with the humpbacks was heartwarming and many times members of the film crew hugged me – they were so moved by the experience! All those were involved in the project became great ambassadors for the humpbacks back home in Japan.”

Dr. Dan would have been pleased to know that this film is to benefit Jeremy and his fight against leukemia. Dan passed away July 18, 2012 to stomach cancer at the age of 71.

Dr. Dan R. Salden was Emeritus Professor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. His study of humpback whales and other marine mammals began in 1978. After several years of independent work, Dr. Salden created the Hawaii Whale Research Foundation in 1987. The principal focus of his humpback research in Hawaii and Alaska has been on long-term social affiliation patterns.

Tokyo Broadcasting Systems film Ocean Odyssey stars award-winning actor Hideaki Ito.
Director: Naomi Kawaguchi
Media Producer: Etsuko Shirakawa-Yokokawa

Dr. Dan Salden (center), Peggy Stap (right) and Jill Micklesen (left) with
Toyko Broadcasting Systems film crew on the vessel Luckey Strike II in Maui.