We are committed to protecting the ocean, whales, dolphins and other marine wildlife through research, education, conservation, and whale rescue. Our mission is to acquire and share knowledge and inspire the next generation of whale, dolphin and ocean conservationists.
Marine Life Studies’ Whale Entanglement Team (WET)® is a rapid response team dedicated to rescuing entangled whales in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Their primary vessel, R/V Current’Sea, known as the whale disentanglement ambulance, is fully equipped for response—including an inflatable boat designed specifically for this work.
R/V Current’Sea is essential not only for rescues but also for collecting critical data to help prevent future entanglements and for training WET® members. Maintaining the vessel and securing specialized gear is vital to ensure it's always ready when a call comes in.
In April 2025, WET® successfully disentangled a well-known whale named “Check.” After the rescue, Check was seen exhibiting normal behavior—including lifting its tail, a movement it had not displayed while entangled.
Ongoing support will keep R/V Current’Sea mission-ready to protect marine life throughout the region.
We engage with the public on multiple levels in Monterey County. Our Ocean Literacy Education programs and WET® demonstrations connect people with the ocean. We’ve forged partnerships with organizations such as MBNMS, MBARI, NPS, MLML, USCG, CSUMB, and various government agencies and nonprofits. Since 2007, we’ve presented educational programs for children (K-8) including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County, and offered a research scientist program for high school, college students, and any ocean enthusiasts that want to help make a difference in ocean conservation. Since 2017, CSUMB students have completed their service learning with us as part of their graduation requirements. We give presentations at various events and clubs and partner with local businesses to benefit and highlight Monterey County. Our work has been featured locally and globally, bringing significant attention to the area and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Marine Life Studies' Ocean Literacy Education program brought the ocean into my classroom in the most engaging and meaningful way. My first graders were captivated by real whale bones and specimens, and the team made complex conservation topics understandable and empowering—even for young students. In our school community, not every family has the opportunity or time to take trips to the ocean, even though we live relatively close. This program brought the ocean to us. It made science come alive in a way that textbooks simply can’t, and it inspired a newfound curiosity and care for the natural world. Their visit meant so much to us, especially knowing they traveled over an hour to reach our school. That gesture alone spoke volumes about their commitment to equitable education.
- Chelsea Andon, Milpitas
