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Seeking whale watchers

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A hundred graduates of this year’s Cabrillo Whalewatch program are preparing to introduce thousands of venturesome sightseers to the mysteries of gray whales as they migrate past the Southern California coast en route to Mexican breeding lagoons.
The 36-year-old program, which is co-sponsored by the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and the Los Angeles chapter of the American Cetacean Society, trains dozens of volunteers each year to lead whale watching tours aboard vessels launching from several local landings.
‘Volunteers are taught by aquarium staff and invited whale experts,’ said aquarium director Michael Schaadt. ‘After completing the semester-long course, a test is given to certify them as naturalists ready to go out on designated boats and give talks about marine life and points of interest.’
Of particular interest, of course, are 40-ton grays, whose 10,000-mile odyssey begins in October off Alaska and Siberia. The local whale watching season — and best time to photograph their breaches and misty plumes — begins Dec. 26 and continues through March.
Prospective naturalists interested in leading next year’s blue-water expeditions can contact the Cabrillo Whalewatch program at (310) 548-8398.

— Louis Sahagun

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