Monterey Bay Marine Life Studies

MLS Research Mission The overall research mission of Marine Life Studies is to study the foraging strategies of transient and offshore killer whales as well as investigate the abundance, distribution, movement and frequency of occurrence of other whale and dolphin species in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. These activities take place under the General Authorization for Scientific Research, a permit issued by NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service. Research results and data will be disseminated in formal research reports and peer-reviewed publications. Good research is a collaborative process. Marine Life Studies (MLS) is committed to sharing data with other researchers. Whenever possible, we also stand ready to assist other researchers in conducting their research by making platforms available, providing information leads on cetacean activities, etc. MLS Education Mission Data collection is meaningless unless it is made available not only to the scientific community but also to the general public. This is particularly true in regard to information about whale and dolphin activity within a National Sanctuary. MLS researchers develop and present public presentations concerning the status of their research on the whales and dolphins in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. MLS Conservation Mission Species cannot survive unless they have a safe place in which to live. A major threat to whales and dolphins throughout the world is the contamination of their habitats and other damaging effects of human's invasion into marine habitats. The Sanctuary and MLS are committed to actively reducing contamination and dedicated to fostering a respect for the environment. Other MLS conservation activities of interest include marine mammal entanglement and stranding programs, public education concerning the health of the marine environment and actions necessary to enhance it's good health, and in assisting other dedicated environmental groups in meeting their conservation objectives.