When: February 21, 2024, 05:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Location: SLO Public Market 3845 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Description: The nutrient water of the Central Coast provides an excellent buffet for both resident and migratory dolphins, whales, and porpoises. This group of marine mammals, or cetaceans, have held both an integral role in coastal ecosystems and economies for centuries. Please join me in exploring how our relationship with cetaceans has evolved over time in San Luis Obispo County, from shore whaling to whale watching.”

About the Speaker: Sophia Barwegen is the coordinator of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s Coastal Discovery Center which is a nature-based visitor center located on William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach. In this role, she trains volunteer docents to interpret local marine science information, leads education programs in partnership with State Parks which provide students with hands-on learning experiences, and plans public programming to connect visitors with the outdoors. Sophia grew up in the Bay Area and fell in love with the Central Coast after attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to earn her degree in environmental management and protection with a minor in biology.”