Noyo Center Science Talk: Harbor Seals
Seals Beside Us:
Harbor Seals and Other Inhabitants of the
Point Arena Lighthouse and Stornetta Public Lands
Saturday, April 30 on Zoom
Guest Presenter: Sara Bogard & Sarah Grimes
If you missed the April in-person presentation with Sara Bogard on her field work with harbor seals, join us for this program when she will be joined by Sarah Grimes, Noyo Center’s Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator.
This presentation is a visual journey and stories of the Harbor Seals and other inhabitants that reside, give birth and migrate through the Point Arena Lighthouse and Stornetta Public Lands. They also explore other stories about the spring pupping season in the rookeries in the area, and the valuable marine mammal stranding work conducted along the Mendocino Coast.
There is no fee for our science talk presentations, but your donations help to support the resources it takes to bring you these programs and speakers.
Noyo Center Science Talk: When the Whales Win, Everyone Wins
When the Whales Win, Everyone Wins:
A Tale of Humpbacks and Transformation
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Noyo Center Marine Field Station
5:00 Happy Hour
6:00 Presentation Begins
Guest Presenter: Katherina Audley
National Geographic Explorer, Katherina Audley will tell the story of how a union between humpback whales and a small community in Guerrero, Mexico, led to positive change for both. Learn about the journey of Whales of Guerrero, a groundbreaking citizen science project founded in 2013 by Katherina Audley. Find out how her vision cultivated a spirit of conservation, empowering local fishermen and boat operators to thrive through ecotourism while safeguarding a little-explored marine environment. The transformation of this once-struggling coastal region into a vibrant hub known for its diverse and abundant marine wildlife, where young people are now flourishing as ecotourism guides, whale naturalists, and conservation-minded entrepreneurs has become a model for coastal communities worldwide. Explore how the collaborative research efforts not only contributed to an increase in the local humpback whale population and their relaxed behavior around boats but also led to international protections for these magnificent creatures. Now based at the Noyo Center for Marine Science, Katherina will connect this powerful story to our own backyard, as the very humpback whales that breed in Guerrero feed off the coast of Mendocino. Join us for an insightful presentation and an engaging discussion about the vital lessons learned and how we can all work together to foster healthy oceans and thriving coastal communities.
There is no fee for our science talk presentations, but your donations help to support the resources it takes to bring you these programs and speakers.
Noyo Center Talks Science with Jennifer Garrison
Noyo Center Talks Science
with Jennifer Garrison
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Sustaining and Regenerating Biodiversity
Along the Mendocino Coast
Noyo Center Science Talk: Seals Beside Us
Seals Beside Us:
Harbor Seals and Other Inhabitants of the
Point Arena Lighthouse and Stornetta Public Lands
Saturday, April 5, 2025
Noyo Center Marine Field Station
5:00 Happy Hour
6:00 Presentation Begins
Guest Presenter: Sara Bogard
This presentation is a visual journey and stories of the Harbor Seals and other inhabitants that reside, give birth and migrate through the Point Arena Lighthouse and Stornetta Public Lands. Sara Bogartdphotographs and collects data on the Harbor Seal population, the migratory and nesting birds and other mammals seen on her weekly surveys. This year marks her 6th year of surveying this area.
During the Harbor Seal pupping and molting season her observations focus on mother and pup interaction and the survival skills pups practice during the first month. Each year brings new observations and awareness in this ongoing cycle. As of May 9th, 2024, she had counted up to 39 Harbor Seal pups. Her data continues to show patterns which, over time, reveal information on how this local population is doing from year to year. Each year is different, and observations of unusual or new species and behavior are also recorded. From this data and information, patterns and cycles of birth, nesting and migration emerge to make these bluff tops a spectacular place to view and connect with the natural world.
There is no fee for our science talk presentations, but your donations help to support the resources it takes to bring you these programs and speakers.
Sara Bogard is a citizen scientist and a volunteer for several conservation organizations, including the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Beach Watch Program, the California Harbor Seal Monitoring and Inventory Program, the Marine Mammal Center and the Harbor Seal Docent Program at The Sea Ranch. She does monthly and weekly surveys on beaches and bluff tops from Black Point Beach to South Manchester State Beach. Her volunteer work includes the counts of live and dead species, recording data of dead species on the beach, and taking survey photographs. Throughout the year, and during the Harbor Seal pupping and molting season from March through July, she counts the number of adults, immatures and pups at the Point Arena Lighthouse and Stornetta Public Lands. She assesses the condition of live stranded pinnipeds in the area, and when needed performs seal rescues with other designated volunteers. She also shares information on Harbor Seals for the general public during the Harbor Seal pupping season. Her goal is to collect this data and share her observations to promote the health and sustainability of pinniped populations in Northern California and bring public awareness to the effects of human and current environmental factors which affect these species.
Gloriana Musical Theatre presents Finding Nemo
Finding Nemo, Jr.
presented by
Gloriana Musical Theatre
March 21-23 and March 28-30, 2025
Noyo Center is pleased to join Art Explorers and Animal Communicator as a sponsor for these events.
Gloriana Musical Theatre presents Finding Nemo
Finding Nemo, Jr.
presented by
Gloriana Musical Theatre
March 21-23 and March 28-30, 2025
Noyo Center is pleased to join Art Explorers and Animal Communicator as a sponsor for these events.
Gloriana Musical Theatre presents Finding Nemo
Finding Nemo, Jr.
presented by
Gloriana Musical Theatre
March 21-23 and March 28-30, 2025
Noyo Center is pleased to join Art Explorers and Animal Communicator as a sponsor for these events.
Whale Watching on the Telstar with Noyo Center Naturalists
Whale Watching on the Telstar
with Noyo Center Naturalists
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Telstar Charters
32390 N. Harbor Drive in Fort Bragg
MAP
1:00-3:00 PM
$54.48/person
Join the Telstar crew and a guest Noyo Center naturalist for an education focused excursion. Embarking from Noyo Harbor, we will spend two hours at sea conducting community science together. From bird watching, to whale and seal spotting to plankton tows each trip will be tailored to current and local wildlife with expert naturalist interpretation along the way. A portion of proceeds from these trips will be donated to Noyo Center.
All ages welcome.
What's included:
-2 hour trip out the sea board the Telstar
-cabin and restroom on vessel
-welcome to bring anything you'd like to eat or drink
-dress weather appropriate; layers for warmth
Gloriana Musical Theatre presents Finding Nemo
Finding Nemo, Jr.
presented by
Gloriana Musical Theatre
March 21-23 and March 28-30, 2025
Noyo Center is pleased to join Art Explorers and Animal Communicator as a sponsor for these events.
Guided Whale Walk
Guided Whale Walk
March 23
12 PM – 1 PM
Free (Suggested donation $10)
(map)
Join Noyo Center docents for this one-hour walk along the Coastal Trail and learn about the gray whale migration and local marine life.
South Coastal Trail. Start at the parking lot of the South Coastal Trail on the Noyo Headlands and end at the Crow’s Nest Interpretive Center.
Beach Cleanup with Leadership Mendocino
THIS SUNDAY March 23rd, is Leadership Mendocino's Volunteer Beach Clean Up
10 AM at Noyo Beach, Fort Bragg
Parking lot is at the end of N. Harbor Dr.
A program of North Coast Opportunities, Inc.
Leadership Mendocino knows that giving back has benefits well beyond the initial effort. Join fellow Leadership Mendocino alumni and the crew from the Noyo Center for Marine Science as we clean up Noyo Beach at the mouth of Noyo Harbor. After the cleanup we'll stop by the Noyo Center Marine Field Station for optional hot chocolate and a quick talk about their programs.
Families and friends welcome. Dress warm as you never know what weather we'll get.
Noyo Center Marine Field Station is at 32430 N. Harbor Dr.
Mendonoma Whale and Seal Study
Mendonoma Whale and Seal Study
Crow’s Nest Interpretive Center, Noyo Headlands South Trail
(Please park in designated areas only)
Sunday, March 23
10 am – 2 pm
Free
Join Scott and Tree Mercer, founders of Mendonoma Whale and Seal Study, for gray whale counting from the deck of the Crow’s Nest and learn more about their important research.
Gloriana Musical Theatre presents Finding Nemo
Finding Nemo, Jr.
presented by
Gloriana Musical Theatre
March 21-23 and March 28-30, 2025
Noyo Center is pleased to join Art Explorers and Animal Communicator as a sponsor for these events.
Guided Whale Walk
Guided Whale Walk
March 22
12 PM – 1 PM
Free (Suggested donation $10)
(map)
Join Noyo Center docents for this one-hour walk along the Coastal Trail and learn about the gray whale migration and local marine life.
South Coastal Trail. Start at the parking lot of the South Coastal Trail on the Noyo Headlands and end at the Crow’s Nest Interpretive Center.
Gloriana Musical Theatre presents Finding Nemo
Finding Nemo, Jr.
presented by
Gloriana Musical Theatre
March 21-23 and March 28-30, 2025
Noyo Center is pleased to join Art Explorers and Animal Communicator as a sponsor for these events.
Noyo Center Science Talk: Five New Discoveries About Orcas: Zoom Program
Five New Discoveries About Orcas
Originally Aired Tuesday, March 18, 2025 on Zoom
Guest Presenter: Andrew Trites
Director, Marine Mammal Research Unit
University of British Columbia, Vancouver
Dr. Trites oversees the Marine Mammal Research Unit and a research program that involves captive and field studies of seals, sea lions, whales and dolphins.
His research is primarily focused on pinnipeds (Steller sea lions, northern fur seals, and harbor seals) and involves captive studies, field studies and simulation models that range from single species to whole ecosystems. His research spans the fields of ecology, nutrition, physiology, and animal behavior—and is designed to further the conservation of marine mammals. It is also designed to further the conservation and understanding of marine mammals and resolve conflicts between people and marine mammals. The research program includes researchers, students, technicians, and support staff. The training of students, and the collaboration between researchers specializing in other disciplines (such as nutrition, ecology, physiology and oceanography) is central to the success of his research program.
Photo: UBC
Guided Whale Walk
Guided Whale Walk
March 16
12 PM – 1 PM
Free (Suggested donation $10)
(map)
Join Noyo Center docents for this one-hour walk along the Coastal Trail and learn about the gray whale migration and local marine life.
South Coastal Trail. Start at the parking lot of the South Coastal Trail on the Noyo Headlands and end at the Crow’s Nest Interpretive Center.
Mendocino Whale War Whale Activists Panel and Discussion
Mendocino Whale War
Whale Activists Panel and Discussion
March 15
Presented by Noyo Center
and the Kelley House
Kelley House
45007 Albion Street, Mendocino, CA 95460
4-5:30 PM
$7 Members; $10 Non-Members
Event Information and Tickets: https://www.kelleyhousemuseum.org/event/whale-war-panel/
A panel and temporary exhibition at the Kelley House featuring some of the people who were instrumental in the Mendocino Whale War of 1976. During the Q&A portion of the panel, Noyo staff will be available to help answer questions about the state of whaling today, how whale populations have rebounded off the US West Coast after marine mammal protection act came into law in 1972 and how whale recovery has helped our fisheries to recover. Also, a great opportunity to snag your vintage design Save the Whales t-shirt!
Guided Whale Walk
Guided Whale Walk
March 15
12 PM – 1 PM
Free (Suggested donation $10)
(map)
Join Noyo Center docents for this one-hour walk along the Coastal Trail and learn about the gray whale migration and local marine life.
South Coastal Trail. Start at the parking lot of the South Coastal Trail on the Noyo Headlands and end at the Crow’s Nest Interpretive Center.
North Coast Brewing Brewmaster's Sustainable Seafood Dinner
North Coast Brewing Brewmaster's Sustainable Seafood Dinner
The Pub at North Coast Brewing Co.
Thursday, March 13
6:30 - 9 PM
$125/ticket includes 5 beers paired with 5 sustainable seafood courses
A special brewmaster’s dinner to support Noyo Center for Marine Science. Each beer will be presented by the brewmaster and paired with a sustainable seafood course. Drink and eat merrily knowing your brew is local, your seafood is sustainable, and proceeds help keep whales safe and the ocean healthy.
Whale Watching on the Telstar with Noyo Center Naturalists
Whale Watching on the Telstar
with Noyo Center Naturalists
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Telstar Charters
32390 N. Harbor Drive in Fort Bragg
MAP
1:00-3:00 PM
$54.48/person
Join the Telstar crew and a guest Noyo Center naturalist for an education focused excursion. Embarking from Noyo Harbor, we will spend two hours at sea conducting community science together. From bird watching, to whale and seal spotting to plankton tows each trip will be tailored to current and local wildlife with expert naturalist interpretation along the way. A portion of proceeds from these trips will be donated to Noyo Center.
All ages welcome.
What's included:
-2 hour trip out the sea board the Telstar
-cabin and restroom on vessel
-welcome to bring anything you'd like to eat or drink
-dress weather appropriate; layers for warmth
Whale Watching on the Telstar with Noyo Center Naturalists
Whale Watching on the Telstar
with Noyo Center Naturalists
Friday, March 5, 2025
Telstar Charters
32390 N. Harbor Drive in Fort Bragg
MAP
1:00-3:00 PM
$54.48/person
Join the Telstar crew and a guest Noyo Center naturalist for an education focused excursion. Embarking from Noyo Harbor, we will spend two hours at sea conducting community science together. From bird watching, to whale and seal spotting to plankton tows each trip will be tailored to current and local wildlife with expert naturalist interpretation along the way. A portion of proceeds from these trips will be donated to Noyo Center.
All ages welcome.
What's included:
-2 hour trip out the sea board the Telstar
-cabin and restroom on vessel
-welcome to bring anything you'd like to eat or drink
-dress weather appropriate; layers for warmth
Noyo Center Science Social: Eastern Pacific Gray Whales
Eastern Pacific Gray Whales
with Tanya Smart
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Noyo Center Marine Field Station
32430 N. Harbor Dr., Fort Bragg
5-6PM Happy Hour
Wine, beer, drinks, snacks
6-730PM Presentation
In this program we will explore how to interpret the natural history of the Eastern Pacific Gray Whale including adaptations for the aquatic habitat, current estimates of the population and how to help visitors see them from land.
Come early between 5-6 for drinks, snacks and a chance to swap your favorite gray whale tales before the talk begins.
Following the presentation there will be an opportunity to ask questions.
There is no admission for this event, although your donations support our programming and the costs associated with bringing you these presentations.
Thank you for your support! DONATE here.
Noyo Center Science Talk: Coastal Geology: Zoom Program
The Geologic History of the Northern California Coastline
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Guest Presenter: Nicole Myers
Sonoma State university
The Northern California coastline was located far east of its current location and has very slowly migrated westward as the North American continent slowly grows. While the dinosaurs walked the Earth a deep ocean trench and volcanic eruptions marked the edge of California, until the formation of the San Andreas tectonic boundary created geologic complexity along the western edge of the continent. As the coastline rose out of the sea and sea levels fluctuated, ocean circulation evolved as climate continued to relentlessly change. The rocks tell the story of the rise and fall of islands, ancient volcanism, forming faults, and evolving ecosystems. Join geologist Nicole Myers to explore the geologic history of the Northern California coastline and learn how the rocks, tectonic plates, faults, ocean waters, and life have evolved for hundreds of millions of years.
Nicole Myers, M.S. in Geological Sciences, developed a passion for understanding the Earth from a childhood fascination with rocks and volcanoes, and now teaches others to appreciate planet Earth. Nicole has been teaching Earth science classes, including geology, climatology, & Earth history for more than 18 years. She currently teaches at Sonoma State University, and through Appreciating Earth (www.appreciatingearth.com) Nicole brings her enthusiasm to the community by offering Earth science field explorations and presentations.
There is no fee for our science talks, although your donations support our programming, and the costs associated with bringing you these presentations.
Thank you for your support! DONATE here.
Noyo Center Talks Science with Photographer Patrick Webster
Noyo Center Talks Science
with Underwater Photographer Patrick Webster
Kelps of the World
Originally Broadcast on Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Pat Webster is a marine media monkey politely pushing pixels and mild-mannered alter ego to @undewaterpat. Born and raised a missionary kid in the French Alps and the suburbs of Stockholm, Sweden, he found his way into kelp forest evangelism via UC Santa Cruz’s scientific diving program and frequent visits to his backyard kelp kathedrals in Monterey Bay, California. Pat’s underwater photography and debilitating word asso-sea-ocean syndrome have buoyed him along his career in marine science education working with The Seymour Marine Discovery Center, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic, The Nature Conservancy, SCUBA Diving Magazine and more. Pat’s favorite thing is to help connect his fellow Earthlings with the Inner Space of Planet Ocean, all with a little kelp from our fronds.
Mendocino Coast Audubon Society Presents “Meet our African Penguins”
Mendocino Coast Audubon Society presents
“Meet our African Penguins”
Guest Presenter:
Aimee Greenebaum, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Recorded on Monday, January 13th, 2025 at 7:00pm
Location:
Noyo Center Marine Field Station
Get a behind the scenes look at the African penguin colony at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. We will learn about some of the drama that happens between pairs -- romance, break ups, and even learn a little about their chick rearing. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the individual birds in a way that isn't possible by visiting them at the aquarium.
Aimee Greenebaum is the Curator of Aviculture at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. She received a Bachelor of Science in wildlife biology from Kansas State University. She has been working with birds for over 24 years and has been with the Monterey Bay Aquarium for almost 21 years. She manages the Aquarium’s avian exhibits, which currently include the shorebirds, Common murres, Tufted puffins, African penguins, and Laysan Albatross. Aimee is the Co-Chair for the Avian Scientific Advisory Group (ASAG) and steering committee member for Charadriiformes Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) for AZA accredited Zoos and Aquariums.
Noyo Center Science Talk: What Washed Ashore in 2024
What Washed Ashore in 2024
Sarah Grimes, Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator for Noyo Center for Marine Science, gives us a report of WHAT and WHO has washed Ashore in 2024.
There is no fee for our science talks, although your donations support our programming, and the costs associated with bringing you these presentations.
Thank you for your support! DONATE here.
Noyo Harbor Lit Boat Parade and Holiday Open House
Lit Boat Parade
and Holiday Open House
Sunday, December 8
Noyo Center Marine Field Station
Everyone had a great time at this year’s parade and the crowd at the Field Station was amazing. Thanks to all our amazing volunteers and staff that made the event such a success. Check out the little video highlight made from our harbor cam footage.
Noyo Ocean Science Center Design Presentation
Ocean Science Center
Design Presentation
We have completed a new design phase for the Ocean Science Center on the Noyo Headlands and would like to get input from the community on the basic designs and landscape restoration plans.
If you missed the in-person presentation in Fort Bragg please join us virtually, along with EHDD Architecture and SCAPE Landscape Architecture, to learn more about this exciting project and the vision for the future of marine science on the Mendocino Coast.
If you have comments about the designs presented in this program please share them with us by EMAIL. Thanks for your interest and support!
Noyo Center Talks Science with Sunflower Star Labs
Noyo Center Talks Science
with Sunflower Star Labs
Our guest presenters for this program are Lauren Schiebelhut, Ashley Kidd, and Andrew Kim from Sunflower Star Laboratory (SSL), a Monterey-based non-profit committed to researching and developing reliable and scalable aquaculture methods for sunflower star (Pycnopodia helianthoides) conservation and reintroduction.
Learn more about the program and the scientists:
-
Starting in 2013, the sunflower sea star (Pycnopodia helianthoides) experienced 88–100% mortality from all but the northernmost portion of its range during a sea star wasting (SSW) outbreak with elevated water temperatures. We used whole genome sequencing (WGS) analyses to describe contemporary population genetic structure contextualized with historical samples to better understand the genetic landscape of Pycnopodia. These results provide insights to help inform future conservation actions for this ecologically important species in the face of ongoing global change.
Lauren Schiebelhut earned her Ph.D. at the University of California, Merced, conducted postdoctoral research at the University of California, Merced and the University of California, Davis. She has extensive field experience working in temperate and tropical marine systems, with macrophytes as well as marine invertebrates. Lauren is currently working with the Sunflower Star Laboratory to advance conservation genomics work for the sunflower sea star while also working as a Biology Instructor at Clovis Community College. Her work is supported by the National Science Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, and Revive & Restore.
-
The Sunflower Star Laboratory was formed in response to the observed kelp forest ecosystem shifts off our coast. The mission of the Sunflower Star Laboratory is to protect the diversity of coastal ecosystems by supporting research and developing scalable aquaculture methods to restore sunflower stars to their historic range in California. We are proud to engage our community through outreach, volunteer positions and paid internships, and to share the information from the greater scientific community who are working on understanding the diverse aspects of this species recovery.
Ashley Kidd's passion in aquaculture began as a professional aquarist in public aquariums, supporting sustainable exhibits and conservation initiatives, notably with SECORE coral conservation & the White Abalone Recovery Project. She holds an MS in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences from the University of Florida, researching sunflower sea stars & their restoration through public aquarium engagement. She is fortunate to continue this work at SSL, contributing to the Pycnopodia Recovery Working Group; and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Saving Animals from Extinction Sunflower Sea Star program.
-
On Valentines Day, 2024 a male and female sunflower sea star were successfully spawned at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, producing the first cohort of juvenile sunflower stars in the state. Moss Landing Marine Labs was one of five institutions in California who applied their expertise in aquaculture to explore opportunities for research and restoration of this critically endangered species.
Andrew Kim has over 12 years of experience in animal husbandry and aquaculture in Monterey Bay. He is currently the lead aquaculture research technician at Moss Landing Marine Labs where he is offering technical support on a variety of aquaculture-related projects from Purple-Hinged Rock Scallop larviculture to bull kelp restoration. He previously worked at Long Marine Labs and at the Monterey Abalone Company, where he managed scientific collections and abalone production from hatchery to harvest.
Watch a recording of the program:
You can help scientists studying the health and recovery of sunflower stars and other sea stars affected by wasting syndrome by reporting your observations. MARINe and iNaturalist are great ways to do that. Visit the links below to learn more about how you can participate.
Noyo Center Talks Science: Sharktober: Celebrating Sharks of the Northeast Pacific
Sharktober: Celebrating Sharks of the Northeast Pacific
Original Broadcast: 10/23/24
Guest Presenter: David McGuire, MEH, Director Shark Stewards, Founder Shark Stewards
A marine biologist and shark advocate, David McGuire is the founder of the Ocean Health and Shark Conservation nonprofit Shark Stewards dedicated to saving sharks and protecting critical marine habitat. As a sailing captain, dive master and filmmaker, David has explored the world ocean on numerous sailing voyages producing media with an emphasis on sharks and ocean awareness.
Learn more about David’s work HERE.
Ocean Science Center Design Presentation
Ocean Science Center Design Presentation
Friday, October 18
1-4PM; presentation will begin at 2PM
We have completed a new design phase for the Ocean Science Center on the Noyo Headlands and would like to get input from the community on the basic designs and landscape restoration plans.
Join us along with EHDD Architecture and SCAPE Landscape Architecture to learn more about this exciting project and the vision for the future of marine science on the Mendocino Coast.
We look forward to seeing you!
Noyo Blue: A Fundraiser Celebrating 10 Years of Marine Science
Noyo Blue: A Fundraiser Celebrating 10 Years of Marine Science
Sunday, October 6 | 1:30-5 p.m.
Noyo Center Marine Field Station and Noyo Harbor Inn
Visit our Field Station in the Noyo Harbor for a journey through our marine science research and education programs, followed by an elegant reception with small bites and drinks at the Noyo Harbor Inn. We’ll close the evening with a live auction benefiting the Noyo Center’s ocean conservation programs.
Tickets and more information HERE.