ACS Research Programs

RESEARCH GRANTS
Some ACS regional chapters award research grants to people whose passion for studying marine mammals exceeds their ability to fund it. For example, in 2002, ACS Puget Sound (Seattle) announced two calls for proposals for research on prey species of the southern resident community of killer whales (J, K, and L pods) that inhabit the waters of Washington State and southern British Columbia. This population has shown an alarming decline over the past six years, and a petition was filed this year supporting listing the whales under the Endangered Species Act. One possible factor leading to the population decline is decreased food availability. Other chapters that are actively involved in grantmaking activities include San Francisco and Monterey Bay.

CONFERENCES
ACS sponsors an international conference every other year to bring together the world's leading marine biologists, environmental writers, artists, government officials and ocean explorers whose tireless efforts are essential in formulating our conservation actions, updating our teaching aids, and refining our educational programs. This is the place where scientists debate their latest theories, where concerned citizens explore a broad range of cultural, political and technological issues, and the most gifted artists display cetacean masterpieces that move us beyond the power of words.

The weekend event usually includes a silent auction, art show, field trips, photo contest, poster competition, technology presentations, book signings, banquets and other activities for students, scientists and others who are interested in cetaceans and their future.

CENSUS PROJECTS
The Gray Whale Census and Behavior Study, operated by the Los Angeles Chapter, is the longest running gray whale study in the world. Trained volunteers with binoculars and spotting scopes sit atop the cliffs of Palos Verdes every day from December to May and count the gray whales, calves, and other marine mammals in the area. In the past 20 years, these volunteers have logged hundreds of thousands of hours. This study has been useful in providing baseline data on the number and ages of gray whales migrating past our coastline each year.

ACS Orange County runs a similar "Day of the Dolphin" census project. These projects illustrate the commitment of ACS volunteers to expanding the body of scientific knowledge that is essential in understanding how we can ensure the survival of marine mammals.

ACS San Francisco has also conducted a gray whale census since 2003.