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.
Stephanie Norman
Beluga whales are smaller-sized whales that are very social and inhabit Arctic and sub-Arctic waters. They are rarely reported outside of this range. However, in October 2021, a lone beluga appeared in the waters of the Pacific Northwest (PNW) and remained in the area for approximately a month. This presentation will describe the biology and ecology of whales; the case of the lone PNW whale; and current threats and challenges that face wild populations of beluga.
Stephanie Norman is a wildlife veterinarian and epidemiologist in the aquatic animal health field, spanning invertebrates to top-level predators. Her clinical and field research interests include understanding and interpreting various aspects of ocean health, including pathogen transmission, as well as those of concern to human health. Her research and clinical efforts help inform efforts to mitigate human impact on aquatic species and raise awareness of ocean health and the connection to that of humans.

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.