Whales and Whale Rescues Will Surface at Ocean Institute with Talk By Capt. Dave

Capt. Dave Anderson made a splash on the Ellen Show last month for his involvement with a whale rescue. Now there’s a chance for locals to hear his story up-close and personal at the on Thursday, May 17 at 6:30 p.m.

Some already know out Dana Point harbor. He is also an author. Thursday night he will share the story of his involvement with a whale rescue, which is featured in his book, Lily:  A Gray Whale’s Odyssey in front of an audience of Ocean Institute members.

The Ocean Institute sees this event as an opportunity to learn more about the leading cause of death for dolphins and whales—fishing gear and entanglement. 

What Can You Expect on Thursday?

• A show and tell with the netting Capt. Dave helped remove from a gray whale
• A demonstration of special tools involved in rescuing entangled whales.
• A talk that will fill you in about problems whales are facing (and how you can help).
• A presentation of footage of his whale encounter.
• A book signing of Lily:  A Gray Whale’s Odyssey.  (The book will be available at the event.)

January through March, seem to be more prevalent during the Ocean Institute’s Marine Mammal Cruises.  “A gray whale sighting must be experienced,” said the Ocean Institute’s R/V Sea Explorer Capt. Mike Bursk. 

Who wouldn’t want to see an adult gray whale?  They can reach up to 46-feet long and weigh 36 tons (72,000 pounds).

But no one wants to see a gray whale tangled in fishing gear. Why not learn a little more about the plight of whales at the two-hour event Thursday?

The Ocean Institute member event is open to the public, too. Members are free.  General admission is $12 for adults and $8 for children, and $8 for seniors.  Information can be obtained at the Ocean Institute website or by calling 949-496-2274 ext 0.