The mission of the American Cetacean Society is to protect whales, dolphins, porpoises, and their habitats through public education, research grants, and conservation actions.
Each winter southern Californians have the privilege of seeing migrating gray whales right off shore! ACS-LA is committed to educating people about these great creatures. Along with the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, ACS-LA trains docents to accompany whale watching trips to educate the public about the whales, dolphins, and other sea creatures that live off our coast.
Weekly
55+, Adults
Individuals
Indoor, Outdoor
Formal
Weekdays, Weekends
Education and Outreach
If you enjoy engaging with the public to help educate Angelenos about whales, dolphins, porpoises or our amazing front yard - the Pacific Ocean - this is the opportunity for you. These land-based events are held throughout the year all around LA. It's a great way to spend a few hours and share your enthusiasm about whales to children and adults who stop by. Attend a monthly meeting to learn more about how you can volunteer.
Occasional, Monthly
55+, Adults
Individuals
Indoor, Outdoor
Formal
Weekdays, Evenings, Weekends
Gray Whale Census & Behavior Project
As a trained volunteer, you'll spot and track Pacific gray whales on their annual migration, recording counts and behaviors. Also, identify and record other marine mammals seen. (December - May)
Weekly
55+, Adults
Individuals
Outdoor
Formal
Weekdays, Weekends
How you help
The American Cetacean Society Los Angeles Chapter is a non-profit. We rely on volunteers to help fulfill our mission. Volunteers help us as citizen scientists, naturalists, and educators.
About us
The American Cetacean Society has been dedicated to protecting whales since 1967. The Los Angeles Chapter has lectures September through May, excluding December. The LA Chapter has several ongoing projects which include the Gray Whale Cenus and Behavior Project and the Cabrillo Whalewatch Naturalist training program. The Gray Whale Census and Behavior program began in 1979 and operates between December 1st and May 15th each year documenting the Pacific Gray Whale migration as they pass the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The ACS-LA Chapter also works closely with the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and trains docents to accompany whale watch trips to educate the public about the whales, dolphins, and other sea creatures that live off our coast.
