Ocean Mammal Lecture Series to Begin

The Ocean Institute in Dana Point is launching its whale-watching season and fourth-annual marine mammal lecture series this weekend. Formerly known as the Orange County Marine Institute, the organization is nationally known for its maritime educational programs.

Free lectures will precede Sunday cruises on the R/V Sea Explorer to observe dolphins, sea lions and migrating whales. Cruises are available every weekend beginning Saturday and continuing through March.

The 2 1/2-hour excursions with marine biologists cost $20 for adults and $14 for children, who must be at least 4.

Issues involving marine mammals will be discussed at several of the Sunday lectures. The schedule and topics for the 45-minute sessions, which begin at 11:30 a.m.:

* Sunday and Feb. 13: “Harvesting Gray Whales in the ‘90s? The Makah Indian Controversy.”

* Jan. 16 and Feb. 20: “Thar She Blows! Identifying Marine Mammals Off Dana Point.”

* Jan. 23: “Acoustical Research (ATOC): Good Science or Noise Pollution for Marine Mammals?” This lecture will also be held Feb. 26 during the Dana Point Festival of Whales.

* Jan. 30 and Feb. 27: “San Ignacio Lagoon: Gray Whale Nursery vs. New Salt Mine.”

* Feb. 6: “Extreme Deep Diving Marine Mammals: How Sperm Whales and Elephant Seals Survive Pressure in the Deep Ocean.”

For more information or reservations, call (949) 496-2274 or visit the group’s Web site at https://www.ocean-institute.org.