4th Annual Whalefest Monterey to be held at Old Fisherman’s Wharf

MONTEREY, Calif. - Jan. 12, 2014 - PRLog -- Hundreds of humpback whales, orcas, dolphins and pelicans have been feasting recently on an amazing invasion of anchovies in the Monterey Bay, in Monterey, California to the delight of thousands of whale watchers. A very special festival, Whalefest Monterey, celebrates its 4^th year rallying community efforts and building more awareness about the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, helping to educate, inspire, empower and protect it. Don't miss a free fun family event for all ages that celebrates the Monterey Bay, Old Fisherman's Wharf, and whales, while benefiting many local and national marine organizations.

On Saturday, January 25 and 26, 2014 from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, the Monterey Old Fisherman's Wharf Association (www.montereywharf.com) will hold the 4^th Annual WHALEFEST MONTEREY at and around Fisherman’s Wharf, 1 Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey, CA. This popular event celebrates the migration of the gray whales. It is designed to educate and inspire the public about many of the outstanding marine organizations that are involved in the Monterey Bay area and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Among the highlights will be lectures related to ocean and marine life conservation presented at the Museum of Monterey (MoM) Theater, documentary films sponsored by BLUE Ocean Festival organizers and book signings by some of the participating authors. There will be musical and theatrical performances with a maritime theme, and many educational displays by participating organizations. Thousands of attendees are expected again this year that range from local families and school children who want to learn more about our maritime environment to visitors from near and far who want to explore the annual whale migration. The event will also feature a science credit program for students from university level to schoolchildren. The merchants on the Wharf will be serving a variety of small bites.

The two days will feature a wide array of fun and informative activities including:

o   A 60-foot model gray whale  (attendees can climb inside)

o   Live musical performances including Barbara Joy and A Children's Chorus - La Mesa Tech Center Chorus Club - Salvation Army on Saturday, January 25th and Peggy Stap of Marine Life Studies with Whiskie the Whale Spotter™ at 1:30 PM

o   Other live musical performances will be provided by Nick Fettis & His Orca-stra, Thom Cuneo Jazz Band, Monterey High School Jazz Band, Michael Martinez, West of One, Michael Brautovich, Jonah & The Whale Watchers, Sugar Sauce, Million Dollar Ticket, and Lillie Lemon, Kuumbwa, and more (see schedule below)

o   Whale watching trips on Monterey Bay will run all day from the wharf, weather permitting including an American Cetacean Society Benefit Whale Watching Cruise at 8:00 am on Sunday, January 26th

o   A remote-controlled model sailing regatta by the Monterey  Yacht Club

o   A U.S. Coast Guard 29’ transportable response boat for tours

o   Award-winning documentaries sponsored by BLUE Ocean Film Festival, Dr. Carol Reeb, and Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf Association on topics that range from squid to whales

o   Lectures by world renowned scientists including:

§  Dr. Steve Palumbi , Director of Hopkins Marine Station

§  Dr. Carol Reeb, Research Scientist at Hopkins Marine Station

§  Mr. William Douros, Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, NOAA

§  Dr. Michael Vincent McGinnis of Monterey Institute of International Studies

o   Expert panelists including scientists and business leaders

o   American Cetacean Society Benefit Whale Watch cruise on Sunday, January 26th at 8:00 am

o    “Sea creatures” from Save the Whales will be interacting with attendees and providing marine and event information

o   Beach and street cleanups by The Wahine Project on Saturday, January 25^th at 9:00 am and by Marine Life Studies (Take It to the Streets) and Save Our Shores on Sunday, January 26^th at 11 am – 1 pm

o   Shark and Humbolt Squid will be dissected

o   Mock Whale Disentanglement demonstrations

o   Gyotaku (Japanese fish printing) demonstrations staffed by volunteers from the Japanese American Citizens League

o   Historic walking tours by maritime historian, Tim Thomas

o   Monterey’s Fire boat will provide a water display

o   U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will display Coastie the Safety Tug Boat, its rescue boat and a Coast Guard 29' Transportable Response Boat and Auxter, the Otter

o   Underwater remote camera from MAOS controlled by attendees

o   Remote controlled model sailing regatta

o   Photo opportunity by Sea Save Foundation to be part of the “Give ‘em the Fin!” campaign and worldwide photo mosaic for shark conservation

o   Local marine photography fundraiser exhibit and drawing at Museum of Monterey (MoM), 5 Custom House Plaza.

o   And much, much more!