Discover whales, dolphins and more in Orange County, CA
The American Cetacean Society is the first non-profit conservation group anywhere devoted to cetaceans - whales, dolphins and porpoises. ACS-OC provides a variety of resources that include expert speakers, naturalist training, and educational materials.
J. Michael Williamson
Professor Williamson will introduce North Atlantic Right Whales including their natural history, conservation status and current research. The effects of climate change on this species will also be discussed.
Associate Professor J. Michael Williamson has been active in education and research for over 45 years. He founded the NSF funded WhaleNet in 1993 to excite students about math, science, the environment, and technology (STEM). WhaleNet was invited to exhibit in Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and in the US Pavilion at the World Expo in Lisbon, Portugal. He is also Vice-president of the Mingan Island Cetacean Study, which conducts the longest continuous research program on blue whales in the world (since 1979). Williamson was an Associate Professor of Science at Wheelock College in Boston, Massachusetts 1988-2008, and is a Scientist in Residence at St. Mary’s Anglican Girls School in Perth, Western Australia where he teaches and advises on marine science education and research methodology (2000-Present). He was also a pioneer in Massachusetts whale research as the founder and director of the Pelagic Systems Research & Massachusetts Whale Watch which began researching whales in the Gulf of Maine in 1976.
The ACS-OC Mission:
The American Cetacean Society - Orange County, works to protect whales, dolphins, porpoises, and their habitat through education, conservation and research. We believe cetacean education and outreach is one of the best ways to promote conservation efforts of cetaceans. Established over 50 years ago by a team of conservation giants; we aim to honor their legacy by continuing to be a leader in cetacean conservation.
Monthly speaker series.
Join us each month for insights and inspiring work from leaders in the field. Free admission and all are welcome.
See the speakerBecome a Certified Naturalist.
Learn more about whales and dolphins and join us in representing ACS-OC.
Discover the ProgramExplore and learn more about cetaceans.
Browse our library of cetacean fact sheets and learn more about these incredible creatures.
See Cetacean FactsFind and watch whales off the coast of Orange County
We work with all of the operators shown below to fulfill our Public Education mission. We have positive, productive relationships with all of them, based on our common desire for people to get out on the water, see whales, learn about them and fall in love with them.
TAKE A DEEP DIVE AND
LEARN WITH ACS-OC
CETACEAN SPECIES
Join and support the mission of ACS-OC to protect cetaceans.
Join an elite organization that consists of marine biologists, conservationists, and citizens scientists that support the efforts of the world first cetacean conservation organization.
Delaney Trowbridge
Special thanks and photo credits to Delaney Trowbridge, a professional wildlife photographer and tour guide based in Newport Beach. Delaney’s passion for cetacean conservation shines through her photography, and the ACS-OC proudly features many of her photos here.