Event celebrates 25 years of research at lighthouse

Four scientists will discuss historical and present research

The Whale Museum is celebrating 25 years of research at the Lime Kiln Point Lighthouse Friday, 5:30-8:30 p.m., with a research seminar at the museum.

Included in the evening’s events will be presentations about past, present and future research projects by noted scientists who will discuss the following:

n Rich Osborne, former director of The Whale Museum, historical research.

n Bob Otis of Ripon College, ongoing killer whale behavioral studies.

n Val Veirs of Colorado College, past and present acoustic research.

n Jason Wood of The Whale Museum, future directions.

The event is free and open to the public, although donations are accepted. Call 378-4710, ext. 23.

Founded in 1979, The Whale Museum’s mission is to promote stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research.

In addition to providing exhibits, the museum also provides programs including the Orca Adoption Program, Soundwatch Boater Education, Marine Naturalist Training, San Juan Islands Marine Mammal Stranding Network, and the Whale Hotline.

The Whale Museum can be found online at www.whalemuseum.org.

Minke whale lecture tonight

The Whale Museum’s 2008 lecture series continues tonight with an informal reception at 6:30, followed by a talk by Jonathan Stern, PhD., at 7 p.m.

Stern will be available to sign copies of his book, “Minke Whales,” available at The Whale Museum.

Stern will discuss “Minke Whales: The Writing is on the Wall.” His talk will focus on the ecology, life history and current status of minke whales, with particular emphasis on the local Salish Sea population.

Stern has been an integral part of the Northeast Pacific Minke Whale Project since 1980, joining first as a volunteer and quickly growing into the role of co-investigator. He collects data on the foraging behavior of minkes, both here in the San Juans and in California.

Stern is also an instructor in the Biology Department at San Francisco State University.

The lecture is free and open to the public.

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