The OSU Marine Mammal Program is usually featured in a major documentary almost every year. And the program's outreach efforts continue to grow and reach more people. Mate trains the volunteers for Oregon's Coastal Whale Watch program who, in turn, help educate the public about migrating, gray whales during, spring, and Christmas vacations. Last year, in the two-week period, they spoke to more than 39,000 people from every state in the nation and nearly 40 countries. Mate also leads annual educational trips to Baja California, the calving grounds for Cray whales.
People find whales fascinating and as a scientist.
There is a sense of exploration about our research because what we're finding out on a daily basis is so completely new. Next to God and the whales, we're the first to know what's going, on with the whales. The blue whale is the largest creature on Earth, growing to a length of a hundred feet and weighing more than 100 tons. Yet despite their massive size, researchers have no idea where they go each year to breed or calve. Blue whales, experts say, are truly endangered.