Marine Life Studies

I have volunteered with this organization for two years and have only been greeted with kindness, patience, and a true work ethic for a greater cause.

It’s great to come across an organization that one can whole-heartedly express support for without qualifications.

MLS is such an organization. MLS does such good work—from research and education, to rescuing whales entangled in nets/ropes/equipment.  

For me, MLS stands out in its cooperation and integration with the marine-life-related ecosystem in the Moss Landing area and along the coast of California:  MLS works with the fishing industry and learns from it, and tries to improve commercial fishing practices so that harmful impacts on whales are minimized. It has built a cooperative relationship with fishing boat captains and others who provide access to real-time data on whales that need rescuing.

It is gratifying to know that there exists an organization that is actively trying to find balanced solutions to one of the world’s problems, rather than treating every situation like a zero-sum game.

I had a great time volunteering with Marine Life Studies for a couple months! Not only was the research opportunity great, but so was the community. They’ve built a great team and are so welcoming and driven towards the goal of the organization! It was a great experience overall, and I’m looking forward to volunteering again whenever possible.

I started volunteering for Marine Life Studies in college and haven't stopped since! The organization itself is wonderful and does amazing work. Peggy and Stephanie are incredible, kind and passionate about their work and volunteers. Every time I volunteer with them whether its at events, at the office or out on the water it's always a great time and I learn something new! Very grateful to volunteer with such wonderful people and volunteers! :)

I had an amazing experience volunteering for Marine Life Studies. I am currently a college student at Cal State Monterey Bay and have learned so much from Stephanie and Peggy and plan to volunteer with them in the future!

over the summer, I was an intern at MLS, doing tasks like inputting data into spreadsheets, making animations for them, and grading tests for the boys and girls club. Throughout my time there, I was treated really nicely, and Stephanie and Peggy seem very passionate about what they do. I really enjoyed working for them and hope that I will be able to continue this internship next summer because I really enjoyed it.

Peggy and Stephanie are passionate, entrepreneurial and nimble individuals who are dedicated to educating us all about whales, and thus the broader environment, and our respective roles in it.

What makes them unique and wonderful are their sense of humor, and awareness of the needs of the broader community. i.e. they do not lecture you, but they're aware that we live in a broader human as well as animal ecosystem. Like many effective environmentalists and conservationists, they seek to balance the needs of the community with the needs of the wildlife environment.

I cannot think of a more effective way of changing mindsets and bringing an intuitive understanding of the true nature of our existence on earth and our role in the broader ecosystems than their method of bringing volunteers with them and engaging us in their work of data collection and observation.

The key difference with other kinds of trips is that we are engaging through close and quiet observation rather than gawping at whales as another form of entertainment. You truly gain a deep appreciation of how AWESOME whales and nature's evolution are when you hear them coming up for breath and see their massive, muscular bodies move and their massive pleats vibrate as they gulp down bucketfuls of anchovies.

I had an amazing time volunteering with Marine Life Studies! This organization is highly determined, organized, and thorough in their research. Peggy, Stephanie, and the other volunteers were very welcoming and kind to me. It was an overall great experience to be apart of.

I have been a volunteer with Marine Life Studies for a year and a half now, and my experience could not have been better. Their dedication to conservation and education is unparalleled, and the experiences they offer volunteers are excellent. When I started, I was quickly treated like part of a family, and I can honestly say working with MLS is one of the best things I have been involved in.

I started volunteering with them last year and now work with them. When I started, I knew nothing about boats, knew little about whales, and had little experience with field data recording outside of classes. In the short time I have been with them, I have learned so much about whales, other marine life, boats, conservation, and research. Peggy, Steph, and the volunteers have been the most kind, passionate, and hardworking people I've had the pleasure of working with.

Marine Life Studies is one of the hardest working organizations that I've ever encountered. The staff and team of volunteers are dedicated to the mission and it shines through. From community engagement through partnership with the Boys and Girls Club to being an engaging presence at local events and festivals; from on the water documentation and research to whale disentanglement, MLS has heart and a strong commitment to the oceans and marine life. I've been a volunteer with MLS, and later WET, for over a decade and it's been an incredibly fulfilling and eye opening experience. I'm so thankful for the time that I've spent with this amazing group of people

I had such a good time being apart of this group! Peggy and Stephanie were so sweet and I had so much fun doing activities with them!

I had an amazing time volunteering with them. Peggy, Stephanie, all of the other volunteers were extremely passionate and kind. They made us feel like family and it was a really great introduction to the marine studies field. My first time out on the boat collecting data on whales was an experience that I will take with me for the rest of my life despite the bouts of seasickness. The work they do is incredible important and informative, and I hope to have more chances to volunteer with MLS again in the future. I highly recommend others take the time to visit their website and maybe set aside some time to volunteer. I promise it will be an amazing experience.

I started helping out at the beginning of the year 2023. I’ve had great experiences volunteering. I really enjoyed going out nd helping with surveys of different whales out in the Monterey bay. I also enjoyed helping at different events were we would teach kids about different types of whales.

I started working with Marine Life Studies in January of this year and it has been some of the most fulfilling volunteer work I have done! From working with elementary school kids in after school programs and engaging the greater Monterey community in whale conservation to recording data on Orcas in the Monterey Bay, it has been incredible. The staff, Peggy and Stephanie, are amazing to work with - I cannot recommend getting involved in this organization enough!

With a friendly staff I was able to participate with this amazing organization, tracking and recording marina life sightings. Animal safety is their top priority! I respect the amount of work that is done to ensure volunteers are able to help out even without ever stepping foot on a boat.

An amazing nonprofit to volunteer with! I love going out to sea, and getting to see whales, dolphins, and other sea creatures, while also contributing to scientific research, rescue, and conservation. It’s a very unique and rewarding experience, and they’re doing something both novel and necessary with the whale disentanglement ambulance!

Volunteering with MLS has made my life so much more interesting. The team is amazing and are so warm and welcoming. You get to go on boat rides, learn important whale facts and sighting info, conduct boat surveys etc. The other volunteers and the team are a great way to network and get to know other scientists in the community and the team is always willing to help you connect with someone if they think you’d benefit from them. I’ve never volunteered anywhere else where I’ve enjoyed it this much. I’m so thankful I found them.

I volunteer with MLS (Whale Entanglement Team) as frequently as I can. I love the team, they’re warm, welcoming, and really make you feel like family. We’re assigned tasks while there and get to learn so much about a variety of marine life, not just whales! It’s an amazing effort to be a part of and I’m so happy knowing I can contribute to such a great cause run by even greater people.

I volunteered with Marine Life Studies through a service learning course I was taking at CSUMB. I had the most wonderful experience with Marine Life Studies. They are thoughtful, caring, and just overall wonderful human beings. The work that they do is incredibly helpful and important.

The work Marine Life Studies do is amazing - Peggy & Stephanie & the team were very welcoming and it was a great experience to be able to work with them as a volunteer

I am not yet a volunteer but I donate to MLS each year. Their company values are in line with mine, which makes donating a no brainer. They are a great company with fantastic people doing amazing things!

Before volunteering with Marine Life Studies, I had no experience with any kind of scientific research or on boats in general. Peggy and Stephanie have been nothing but supportive and patient with me while teaching me so much. I feel so grateful to have been a part of such amazing work and knowing we're working together to make a difference. While I will be moving out of state soon, I feel so lucky to have been able to be a part of Marine Life Studies.

Marine Life Studies is a fantastic nonprofit organisation that has a team of welcoming and passionate people. Working with them was a privilege as they are valuable to the protection of marine life. As a marine biology student this was an incredible opportunity and has taught me a lot, I cannot thank them enough!

Going out on the boat to track down and photograph the whales of Monterey Bay has been a real privilege. The work Marine Alice Studies does, saving whales from entanglement and educating the general public is important and admirable. The world needs more people who care as much as they do

Being a volunteer for Marine Life Studies is truly an honor. There is not a better feeling than volunteering your time and energy for something you feel very strongly about. MLS is a great organization, and has a Whale Entanglement Team (WET) whose goal is to free whales that get entangled in fishing line or rope... things WE (as humans) put in there. The crew of Peggy, Stephanie and Shannon are just good people trying to make this planet a better place.

I have volunteered with many organizations over the years and Marine Life Studies is by far the number one nonprofit to volunteer with. Volunteering with Marine Life Studies has allowed me to learn crewing along with taking scientific data. Peggy and Stephanie are very knowledgeable and passionate about the work they are doing, and it is contagious. They have shown the necessity for marine mammal research, conservation, and educational outreach. Meeting and working alongside the various other volunteers brings about a wide array of perspectives and excitement. Without this opportunity, I would not have been able to see firsthand all the incredible wildlife that needs our protection.

Marine Life Studies is the only organization have has come across in my years in the marine science field that welcomes people from all experience and backgrounds and allows them to take part in their amazing whale research, rescue, and education! I have been extremely impressed with the mission or this non-profit and they truely strive to accomplish all facets of this mission. They also run the Whale Entanglement Team (WET) which rescues entangled whales off the California coast. I would highly recommend volunteering with or supporting Marine Life Studies, my life has changed for the better since I have been involved with them, as have many others'!

I had never volunteered with a nonprofit prior to Marine Life Studies, but I can say that I really enjoyed my time with them and that they far exceeded my expectations. Everybody that I met during my time with Marine Life Studies were upbeat, friendly, educational, and a joy to be around. As a Marine Science major I never really got out on the water to do anything related to my major, but with Marine Life Studies I was able to gain an understanding of what goes on in monitoring marine mammals. I never really saw dolphins or whales up close in person, but getting out on the water with Marine Life Studies changed that. The world out there is beautiful, and Marine Life Studies does a great job helping educate and providing great experiences whether or not you volunteer with them. Out of all the nonprofits, I can say Marine Life Studies is the one I recommend!

Working with the Marie Life Studies has in all honesty been a truly great opportunity for me as a Biology major. The ladies that I had the pleasure to meet were very genuine and the dedication that they have for what they do is truly inspiring. The experience that they provided me with has honestly made me consider a career in the Marine Science field. If I had to recommend a non-profit this would definitely be it!

MLS is my favorite organization to volunteer with! They are organized and thoughtful. Peggy truly cares about the world and giving everyone a great experience when volunteering. She is a wealth of knowledge and loves sharing with others. You will see various whales, fish, birds, etc. It's always a fun time and the other volunteers are also very cool and nice!!

I love volunteering with MLS! Such a wonderful experience, every time. There is always something to do and always someway that anyone can help and contribute. You'll learn a lot and have a positive impact. On top of all that, Peggy, the rest of her team, and all of the other volunteers I've met are really interesting and wonderful people. Highly recommend.

Marine Life Studies is an amazing nonprofit that helps the ocean and its critters. I have had the opportunity to attend some of their public events while visiting my girlfriend as she educated the public about the work she does. It's amazing how many volunteers they have to help out at their events and going out on the boat to do research. Although I am not a boat go-er, I live through the stories that Stephanie shares with me. Her eyes light up when she talks about how she saw killer whales, saw something she's never seen before, or if she shot a phenomenal video or photo of the animals. I'm glad that she is in her element and that she enjoys the work that she does.

My granddaughter works for Marine Life Studies and it is a pleasure to know that she has a job in a field that she went to school for. She adventures onto the ocean to conduct research. Sometimes when she comes home, I ask her..."Well, is the ocean still wet?" She laughs, says yes and then shares stories about what happened during the day or what animals she saw.

Marine Life Studies does great work and I can tell that Peggy and Stephanie put a lot of long hours of work for the organization.

Marine Life Studies is an amazing nonprofit organization that is full of passionate volunteers and team members that are dedicated to their mission. They go out on the water as often as they can to help any tangled whales, and in addition, they always do their part in trying to help collect any trash debris that may be floating in the water. Their research never stops and they are always excited to record sightings of rare species of wildlife within the Monterey Bay. They are a huge asset to the Monterey Bay in providing research and marine conservation services of our amazing marine life. I volunteered for a few months when I had more time on my hands, and it was a fantastic experience. I learned so much more about the marine life in the Monterey Bay and felt privileged to be amongst marine life conservationist and researchers who were engrossed in their work and genuinely so happy to get up every day and do something that they love.

Marine Life Studies is a great organization with passionate leaders and volunteers geared to ensuring marine mammals like whales, dolphins, turtles and others are safe from human influences throughout Monterey Bay. These efforts include routine Marine Life surveys, removal of debris such as lost crab pots/line, trash such as plastics, and even whale disentanglements that take coordination with multiple state and federal agencies.

I've had the opportunity to participate in both open ocean surveys on the bay and help repair the main boat and small rigid boat used for whale entanglement efforts on shore. I greatly appreciate the vast number of hours that Peggy and Stephanie put in behind the scenes to make this project a success.

I've been interested in Marine Biology since a teenager and that continue to this day as a senior citizen. It is simply fun to interact with a group of dedicated folks with a common goal to help marine life on our door step.

Regards
Jeff

I worked with MLS this past semester for Service Learning and I really enjoyed learning more about the data collected within the Bay. I inputted data from research boat surveys onto Google Spreadsheets and I also created some public outreach materials for kids. Overall it was a productive and fun experience for remote learning.

I have been with Marine Life Studies for a couple of years now. Peggy and Stephanie are so dedicated to the mission of protecting our oceans, whales and dolphins. Peggy's passion for the marine life is so contagious. The organization is inclusive, caring and fun. Even though I turn green at times when the waves are rough, Peggy made sure that I was taken care of and I cannot wait to go out again. The crew is professional, courteous and personable. They make a day out to sea enjoyable and, at the same time, educational. I learn so much from them every time we go out. Their dedication, compassion and hard work is why I am giving Marine Life Studies a five star review.

I worked with MLS for my service learning. Unfortunately it was virtual this semester, so we were unable work in person. I was able to help input data from boat surveys into an excel sheet. I also created coloring sheets and a video for kids. Peggy and Stephanie were super nice and helpful. I hope to be able to assist them in the future, either in person or virtually.

I volunteered for MLS this semester. Since everything was virtual, my job was to attend online webinars and take notes so the information could be used to update material for MLS. I learned soooo much! I appreciate that they still had volunteer opportunities even during the lockdown.

I have been volunteering for MLS for a little over a week and I absolutely love it. The work is very fun and engaging and even more importantly the cause is amazing and the people care so much its wonderful to see.

As an executive in the information technology field, it is rare that I am afforded the opportunity to do something in the world that matters globally, without strings attached, and in an environment free of the political issues that so often follow.
Peggy Stap's sheer unapologetic joy in her everyday work researching, documenting, and actually *saving* whales is a gift to everyone who has the opportunity to work for her organization.
My investment in becoming a certified FAA UAS pilot has been capitalized on with both MLS and the Whale Entanglement Team, however, it's not just about the fun stuff. Grinding the hull of the research vessel, working on a clogged head, or bobbing around in the trough while pulling a side-scan sonar system have all been a highlight on their own.

This is an amazing organization, doing amazing work, and I'm thrilled to be associated with them.

I partnered with Marine Life Studies for a service learning course at CSUMB. I instantly felt welcomed into the team and felt as though my contributions were valued. Additionally, volunteering out on the boat was incredible as I saw sea life that I have never seen before. I also had the opportunity to network with other volunteers out on the boat with us. I was given great training and always felt comfortable asking questions if something was unclear. My time with MLS was short, but despite this, I felt like part of the family.

I knew that getting the opportunity to volunteer with Marine Life Studies was amazing but this experience far surpassed my expectations. On my first trip out on the boat I was taken by surprise at just how much marine life I got to see and I was thrilled at how involved in tasks I was able to be on the boat. I received such a warm welcome from Peggy and Stephanie, they definitely made me feel a part of the team and from my first encounter with both the whales and Peggy and Stephanie, I was so eager to help out again as soon as possible! It is clear to see the volunteers are so passionate and dedicate a huge amount of their time to saving whales from entanglements. Seeing Marine Life Studies at work and the impact that they make is inspiring and has made me feel hopeful for the whales.

I heard a talk by Peggy during Whalefest 2019, chatted with some of her volunteers, including a tour of their boat and decided this organization was one I wanted to join.

Since then, I've participated in numerous whale and dolphin surveys on Monterey Bay and have been pleasantly surprised by the number and diversity of whales, dolphins, sea lions, otters, mola mola and other marine organisms the populate Monterey Bay. Simply stunning as you better understand the food web and the unique geography that creates an upwelling food buffet.

The recent whale entanglement success is an incredible testament to Marine Life Studies goal of working with partners to help save these sea behemoths.

I volunteered with many organizations on the Monterey Bay This is the one I continue to spend time with! Peggy stop runs the organization, as she does her life, with the mantra "love and gratitude" ; It shows through when those that she has with her agency! Also very crucial part of her what her organization does is the whale entanglement team trying to save entangled whales very important need!

The first time I heard about Marine Life Studies was in my Service Learning class at CSU Monterey Bay. I knew right away that I wanted to volunteer with them and I am so glad that I did! Working with Peggy and Stephanie is so fun and they have so much knowledge to share about the marine life in Monterey. I have had the chance to learn about wildlife photography, photo I.D., collecting behavioral data, and boating. I even had the chance to experience my first wild Killer whales with them! I can honestly say everyone at MLS is passionate about the ocean and truly cares about the well-being of marine life. I look forward to many more days out on the bay with them!

Another volunteer characterized working with MLS as the most selfish volunteering she's ever done. I have to agree wholeheartedly! Having the opportunity to work with Peggy and Stephanie is truly a privilege as they share their experience and knowledge effortlessly so that volunteering means constant learning and inclusion in the MLS mission.
I have rarely done volunteer work that has changed my perspective and increased my appreciation for our impact on the environment more that working with MLS has. I can't wait to get back out and volunteer again (and again, and again) with MLS in 2019 and beyond.

I was introduced to Marine Life Studies through a colleague at work, and found them to be one of the most impressive and humble non-profit organisations that I've ever had the chance to interact with. Their work is both important and meaningful, and they are driven by safety and excellence.

I highly recommend them!

I have spent my work career helping people as a mediator, social worker and upon retiring I wanted to find something else that touches my spirit. I have had the good fortune to volunteer with Marine Life Studies. Peggy and Stephanie...their passion for the planet's wellness is inspirational. Volunteering with them gives me hope for my grandchildren's future.

My experience with Marine Life Studies was beyond my expectations - it was filled with enthusiast volunteers, a friendly and education atmosphere, and best of all...the opportunity to save WHALES. I felt very safe while aboard and left with the desire to return for another volunteer shift. I highly recommend the MLS non-profit as a great way to give your time. You walk inspired and give our sea creatures a fighting chance, a real win-win!

Marine Life Studies is an amazing organization. Running on a shoestring, MLS is able to provide ongoing dedicated services to marine life, especially whales. The operation of the group is top notch, and they are nothing but truly inspirational with regards to their knowledge, expertise and passion. Peggy and Stephanie are true "citizen scientists" and are able to clearly communicate their commitment and passion to their volunteers, thus inspiring many others to get involved with this essential operation. They are an example of the best of the best when it comes to non-profits.

I had an amazing trip with the Marine Life Studies group. First of all, the crew was fantastic. They helped onboard a team of us who knew almost nothing, but quickly gave us a fun educational orientation. The boat was also great. I love how there were so many ways to pitch in and help this worthy cause. I'm an amateur photographer, and I love that I was able to lend those skills to help save the whales. On top of that, we had incredible close encounters with dolphins, whales, and even orcas! We also went out of our way to help pick up florating trash, doing our best to leave the place better than how we found it. I highly recommend everybody take a trip out with the Marine Life Studies group, of course so you can save entangled whales and help document and clean up our oceans, but also so you can see our amazing sea life!

Marine Life Studies is full of inspirational and passionate people, dedicated to saving the future of the oceans! I volunteered as an intern here, and I learnt more in 1 month with Marine Life Studies than I have in a year at an aquarium! Nothing can replace learning hands-on in the field. This non-profit organisation dedicate their time to training individuals to the best of their ability. I learnt so much in a short space of time and can’t thank the team enough for it. The effort that Marine Life Studies put in daily with the Whale Entanglement Team (WET) and the boat surveys, is second to none. Great people and great enthusiasm for the ocean. Love and gratitude.

I have only been with Marine Life Studies for a few months this year, but it has been an incredible experience thus far. The rotating crew is always willing to teach me anything I need to learn whether its out on the boat, tabling an event, entering data, etc. The fearless leader, Peggy Stap, welcomed me with open arms (literally) and is always eager to let me experience as many roles as I can to get as much out of my experience with research and data as I possibly can. Being out on the boat participating in data collection and research has by far been the most rewarding part of my experiences thus far, and I am looking forward to continuing to help Marine Life Studies in all their education and research in the future. This is an amazing organization full of great people!

Volunteering with Peggy and team is one of the most selfish things I've ever done. She brings her joy of marine life to every volunteer - empowering, educating, and welcoming every person to the teams she assembles for each research and disentanglement outing. She's an inclusive leader who sees the talents of everyone she meets.

Peggy's loving and approachable nature make volunteering fun, but what makes her really special is how adept she is at building teams and empowering them to not only act, but to empower others. Peggy is a leader in the truest sense of the word.

As someone who works in tech, I'm in awe of Peggy's fearlessness in implementing and using technology to its fullest in order to achieve the objectives of her organization. She's open to new ideas, and demonstrates a comfort with leading through ambiguity that is a model anyone can learn from.

The work Marine Life Studies and the Whale Entanglement Team under Peggy's leadership is doing today will save animals in the present, and will inform our interactions with marine life for generations to come. 

I have volunteered for this organization for a few years now. I enjoy going out on the research vessel for their research boat surveys in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. I've been fortunate to witness and help out when there was an entangled whale response. It's great to know and be part of a group of people that are trying to protect the animals that inhabit the Bay where I live.

I started volunteering with Marine Life Studies in September of 2017. It has been such an amazing and humbling experience since I've started! I love that everybody on this team is dedicated to preserving our ocean and the marine wildlife within it. Through MLS, I have met many inspiring individuals who share the same passion for the ocean. I feel proud to be a part of this team! This organization is truly amazing

I started volunteering with Marine Life Studies in September 2017 as a marine biology student and this organization not only provided me with amazing hands on experience, but also the opportunity to meet so many inspiring individuals with the same passion for ocean stewardship. Everyone at MLS shares a love for ocean conservation and strives to share their knowledge with the public, as well as do critical research on local ecosystem health. I loved my time with Peggy and the rest of the crew and would recommend getting involved with this organization (and their mission) to anyone.

After a lifetime of ocean oriented activities I was inspired by an article I read about Marine life Studies and their Whale Entanglement Team and was fortunate to to be able to meet Peggy and other volunteers at Whalefest 2016. I have been a volunteer since that time and It continues to be a great and rewarding experience. Whether identifying different marine mammals for a national data base, helping to locate and rescue whales entangled in fishing gear, plucking floating Mylar balloons from the bay or scraping barnacles off the bottom of the boat in dry dock, the dedication and commitment to excellence I have witnessed from Peggy and the other volunteers is awesome. There is more marine life concentrated in the Monterey Bay than in any other location that I can think of. Marine Life Studies is doing important work and I am proud to volunteer with them.
Tim

My interest in marine studies led me to volunteer with Marine Life Studies in September of 2016. My contributions have included many activities; boat maintenance, data recording, photography, marine mammal disentanglement training, helmsman duties, dinghy operation, drone pilot certification, and helping with a couple of PR events. I have learned a lot. Peggy, her staff and volunteers are very knowledgeable, experts really in marine mammals and birds. The entire organization is great, low key and very helpful to all participants. I have never had a bad day on the water with Marine Life Studies.
I have found the organization to be responsible both to the environment and to the animals we are researching. Most of my time has been spent as crew on survey trips into Monterey bay. We locate and document marine mammal activity, mostly dolphins and whales.
Marine Life Studies appears to be effectively and efficiently run. The staff work hard not only on the research but on the other duties required for the organization to function. They have been straight forward in fund raising and the use of their resources. They are really committed to being as effective as possible.
It has been a pleasure to be involved with Marine Life Studies. Hopefully my small contribution is helping their conversation efforts.

Keith

I have been volunteering with Marine Life Studies since September 2017. I have been out on several boat surveys and recently volunteered at Whalefest in Monterey. I am always impressed with how dedicated everyone is to the organization, most of whom don't take home any paycheck. Everyone there is driven by a passion for their work on the water, and protecting our local marine wildlife. It's an amazing group of people doing crucial work on the bay. I'm proud to be a part of the effort!

I have been working with Marine Life Studies for the last few years, doing the "Take it to the Streets" program. I am so impressed with the passion and determination of the group and their work- especially with the Whale Entanglement Team! Peggy and her team are helpful and professional and I look forward to working with them in the future!

People working hard to preserve what they love. Science and discipline drive the incredible work done by Marine Life Studies. I’m honored to be able to assist. Keep up the amazing work.

My class of 3rd graders love the presentation provided by Marine Life Studies! My students really enjoyed the hands-on activities and were engaged with all of the new material provided. I highly recommend any classes/programs who are looking to learn more about whales and marine life. It's informative AND lots of fun!

Marine Life Studies came to present to our 3rd graders about whales. The students learned a lot about different types of whales and were able to see a whale vertebrae and a baleen. They learned hands-on the different ways in which whales eat! Students were engaged and very interested. We appreciated this fantastic opportunity.

Peggy and staff/volunteers do a great job year-round. We have attended their yearly "Flip for Whales" fundraiser and have always been amazed how dedicated and invested all are in their mission to grow this very worthwhile program. The day on the bay is always enjoyable, and experiencing the wildlife up close and personal is an awesome reminder of the need to help these animals that are generally out of site unless you are on the water! Thanks.

MLS is a wonderful organization that helps not only humans understand the importance of the ocean around us, but also provide heroic efforts to untangle whales from nets & buoys left in the undersea.

I was fortunate to meet Stephanie at the Marine Life Studies booth during the January 2017 Whale Fest. She outlined the work of the Whale Entanglement Team, showing pictures of entangled whales and the various techniques used to free them. At that point I was hooked and felt the need to both learn and help these animals in need. After listening to the Director Peggy Stap give an inspirational speech that same day, I called her and have been volunteering ever since. Even though I had no direct experience, Peggy and her team have taken the time to teach me detailed research and dis-entanglement techniques and has made my time with the crew a rewarding experience.

Peggy, Stephanie, and everyone else who I have met through volunteering with Marine Life Studies have been so nice and welcoming to me and my sweetheart since we've met them. They have been such a pleasure to learn from and volunteer for. I hope that I get to help Peggy with her awesome efforts for a long time to come! Thanks for everything! - Rip :)

Marine Life Studies is one of the best non-profit organisations I have come across. I began volunteering in 2016 and was so impressed with the knowledge and passion each member brought to the team. Seasonally they educate young minds at the boys and girls club about how to protect our oceans and how to recognize different whales in the population.
The WET team is such a valuable resource in Monterey Bay and Northern California. There has been an increase In recent years of entangled cetaceans and marine mammals in distress. Crab and fish nets leave devastating wounds, and the MLS team risk their lives assessing these distressed animals.
Hands down one of the best non-profit science organizations!

Josh McInnes
Marine Mammal Specialist

Although this organization is marine based and something that is in my field of Marine Science, they offer opportunities to anyone who is interested in it. You can't find many organizations that are willing to train and teach others about the ins and outs of developing research, boating, outreach, and ocean stewardship skills without certain qualifications or certifications. Not only are they a nonprofit, they are a volunteer organization that spends most of their time either on the water or doing outreach events to inspire the public to protect the ocean and its inhabitants. I've had a pleasure of working with them for the past few years and plan on to continue my time with them as long as I can.

The best and most inspiring organization I have ever encountered! I took classes through them as a kid. Peggy showed me how I could turn my love of the ocean and it's creatures into a career in conservation. These classes were informative and inspiring. I leaned what it means to be a scientist and a conservationist. It solidified my desire to go into science and marine science. Peggy served as my role model and spark champion always helping me grow and become the person I am today.

In high school I came back and began to volunteer with marine life studies. Through my different roles I witnessed first hand the impact the organization has on the kids who go through it. The smiles on their face seeing whales for the first time, the genuine happiness picking up trash and leaning about the ocean and how to protect it these kids have. The same happiness and spark marine life studies brought out in me when I was one of their students.

Doing their education programs and volunteering through marine life studies is the reason I am the person I am today. It's the reason I'm a marine science major. It's the reason I have devoted my career and life to the ocean and conservation. It's the reason why I'm an ocean educator.

This organization is exactly what we need to inspire the next generation of scientists, conservationists and future leaders in our community. I know we are all in good hands because of the caring staff and volunteers at marine life studies inspiring our next generation of leaders.

I cannot say enough about Peggy, the crew and all the wonderful volunteers/donors of Marine Life Studies. What started out as a way to participate in marine mammal research has blossomed into a multi-facet non-profit organization that provides an incredible service to Monterey Bay area. Along with the research, she has turned her energies toward the public to further help us understand the ravages of environmental pollution. MLS has educational programs showing school children the diversity of ocean life in the bay. They do it in fun ways with many hands-on experiences that help the children retain the learning and become future stewards of our environment. Peggy also participates in community events around Monterey speaking about conservation issues of our land and sea. They are also part of the Whale Entanglement Team helping to save whales in distress. Peggy and the crew of MLS work incredible hours and their service is important to all who value environmental conservation not just in Monterey Bay but everywhere.

I have interned with Marine Life Studies for three consecutive summers, since 2013, and I cannot express my gratitude to this fantastic non profit for welcoming me with open arms and teaching me a vast array of skills with respect to ocean and marine mammal conservation. The founder of he organisation works resolutely and enthusiastically to educate the public on such issues. She is 100% dedicated to furthering the skills of her volunteers and is relentless in her efforts to help us broaden our knowledge and expertise. Since beginning as a volunteer with Marine Life Studies I have learned invaluable life lessons as well as appropriate and relevant skills for my field, including data collection, vessel maintenance and driving, education awareness programming, and whale disentangling. This organisation is a powerhouse of unique and dedicated people and capabilities and I couldn't be happier to work with them!

As a recent graduate from Marine Sciences, I started volunteering with MLS while I was interning at another environmental conservation NGO. I got involved with the WET team and was immediately impressed by the quality of work and passion from their team. I participated in one disentanglement mission and despite not being able to find the whale, we spent a long day in rough water due to everyone's commitment to the cause. Although I no longer live in CA, I still donate because this is an organization that is so well run and full of passionate people doing amazing work.

Marine Life Studies is home to some of the kindest and most incredible people I've ever met. They all work tirelessly to protect the ocean and the creatures who life in it. I first learned about Marine Life Studies during a summer program when I was little and I couldn't get enough! Cleaning up litter with them on the weekends (for years) became one of the highlights of my week, and I'll never forget going on the research boat, and the years we brought kids out on the ocean for the first time with the education program. This group has been a major part of my life and I can't thank Peggy Stap and the volunteers enough for everything they have taught me and the love of the ocean they enforced in me with all of the incredible work they do.

Peggy Stap and her crew are selfless, extremely dedicated, and relentless in accomplishing the goals they have put on themselves for Marine Life Studies. This is apparent with every interaction.

We attended the Monterey Bay Marine Life Studies Fund raiser Flip for Whales this past weekend. It was an outstanding event! From the breakfast to the well educated volunteers and yes we saw whales! The event had many activities, raffle prizes along with a silent auction, and their drawing for a boat. We were even surprised with a thank you gift at the end. You can tell this event was put together with a lot of thought and love. All of the volunteers were very professional and the event ran so smoothly. I can't wait for next year to attend the next one!

For 6 years Marine Life Studies has offered hands on lessons and a whale watching experience for members attending the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County. Members have enjoyed learning about the marine life that reside in their backyard and being given the opportunity to see it first hand on a whale watching experience in the bay. Marine Life Studies has also given our members the opportunity to protect marine life in the bay through their 'Take it to the Streets' program. Both the Whale Watching and the 'Take it to the Streets' program are valuable experiences that our members look forward to each year.

I had just moved back to Monterey after finishing a bachelors degree in Oceanography. I had been feeling a little lost in my direction and looking for work to keep me busy and motivated. I was fortunate enough to meet Peggy and she immediately welcomed me to join the Marine Life Studies team. This non-profit is so much more than cetacean research. It provides aspiring, young marine scientists a chance to gain experience in the field and communicate the importance of science to the public and the next generation of ocean stewards. This organization works endlessly to provide opportunities for motivated individuals to get involved and put their strengths to work. Through our work with the Whale Entanglement Team we have create a network within the maritime community and improved public awareness of the entanglement issues. Marine Life Studies provides educational opportunities to elementary and middle school students that would not have been able to learn about or see the ocean otherwise. Marine Life Studies has changed my life and I have been able to move forward with my career as a marine scientist and educator because of my time spent with this inspiring organization.

I truly enjoy and appreciate the time I spend with Peggy and the crew at MLS.
I assist with the Whale Entanglement Team as well and trust my well being to MLS professionalism.

I have loved every minute ive been able to work with Peggy and her crew! They have not only great knowledge and commitment to their research and educational outreach, they also have an inclusive enthusiasm that inspires others, including myself to get involved. Their passion and purpose is contagious. They are also so effective in getting the future generations interested and involved in conservation and preserving and protecting our oceans and marine life. Truly remarkable!

I have known Peggy Stap, the founder of Marine Life Studies since she first learned to Scuba Dive and got the spark / intense drive to do something proactive in support of the marine environment she loves.

As an outgrowth of her love of the Ocean, Peggy founded Marine Life Studies 10 short years ago. Peggy’s initial idea was to be able to help further the study of Orca, Humpback, and other whales and dolphins in the Monterey Bay area. It did not take long for her idea to blossom into a multi-faceted grass roots research and education organization with programs that are both specific to protecting whales as well as programs that serve to educate the people in the Monterey Bay area and programs that take direct action in helping to improve the water front and marine environment.

Peggy was one of the founding members of the Monterey Bay area Whale Entanglement Team (WET) that has received widespread recognition in quickly acting to help disentangle whales from marine debris. While much of the work of the WET team requires extensive training and is very dangerous, part of the message is education of the public for what to do if one sees marine mammals in distress.

Marine Life Studies sponsors research scientists to help further their education, provide research training, and to provide research opportunities.

In addition to the traditional on the water type of work one would expect from Marine Life Studies, they also spend a lot of time and effort in community educational outreach and community involvement programs. These provide great opportunities for Marine Life Studies to plant and nurture the seeds of Ocean conservation. They do this by working with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County and by sponsoring get out and clean up the local environment activities that have a direct, immediate impact on the environment.

I am very impressed by their approach… 1) direct involvement in programs and activities that make a difference immediately, and 2) taking the time to provide educational opportunities that will make a long term difference either by helping to nudge young folks in the direction of Science and Conservation or by planting the seeds that promote a lifelong love and stewardship of the ocean.

If you get the opportunity to volunteer your time or financial help to Peggy and here Marine Life Studies team, you will not be disappointed. A great group of very enthusiastic people working hard in support of our Ocean Environment.

I am a long time and proud volunteer, supporter, and donor of Marine life Studies

Dave Schramm

Marine Life Studies works hard to education students and the public about the marine mammals found right here in the Monterey Bay area and plays a critical role in the active dis-entanglement of whales from fishing and research gear (or other deleterious marine debris) that is becoming more prolific in the area. The dangerous and exciting work they do with disentanglement creates an engaging platform for young people to not only see the effects of marine debris on these incredible inhabitants of the ocean, but want to become better stewards.

Marine Life Studies and their team have played and continue to play an integral role in the large whale entanglement response program in the Monterey Bay area. Their volunteers and vessel provide resources for the entanglement response network to help document, monitor and assist with disentanglement events. Great group of folks working hard to help not only remove gear from whales but to work towards prevention in the future.

Marine Life Studies is an important non-profit dedicated to the education of the public about the ocean and its marine life and the protection this marine life. Peggy West Stap, the founder of Marine Life Studies, is a passionate defender of our precious oceans. Because of this passion, Peggy has helped educate hundreds of people and ignites in them a passion of their own to become stewards of the oceans. Her mission is seamlessly integrated into the community. Marine Life Studies does really important work in Monterey Bay freeing entangled whales. I am honored to be able to volunteer with Peggy when I can.

Cheryl Jennings, News Anchor, ABC7/KGO TV 900 Front Street, S.F., CA 94111
I’ve worked with Marine Life Studies for several years and have interviewed Executive Director, Peggy Stap on a number of occasions. I’m so impressed with the work her team is doing and with Peggy in particular. She had the vision and courage to help set up the Whale Entanglement Team (WET) to disentangle whales, plus: researching marine mammals and leading educational programs. They’ve worked hard for ten years with limited funding but a lot of heart! Thank you to Marine Life Studies, a volunteer organization, for all you do to save marine life and to educate people about ocean conservation!
Cheryl.Jennings@abc.com

Marine Life Studies has been a critical participant in the whale entanglement response network. Through the leadership of their founders, their organization and their volunteers are dedicated to the conservation of whale species and helping out with whatever task is necessary, whether through on-water reconnaissance missions, education and outreach, or logistical support, they have been an integral part of whale conservation activities off California.

Marine Life Studies is a terrific non-profit. The founder and director works tirelessly and receives no salary. They contribute education programs to under served youth; they founded W.E.T. with another foundation which has saved entangled whales in Monterey Bay. They have also taught future marine biologists with their apprentice programs. All this is done on a shoe string budget.

The passion and dedication of the founder of MLS ...Peggy Stap is unparalleled. She believes so strongly in the mission of this important environmental organization. In order to make the most of her donors generous support, she works very long hours and takes no salary. MLS has exposed young people to this passion in the hope that the good work of this nonprofit will carry on for generations to come. Peggy, her staff, and the volunteers have had a positive impact on our endangered marine life. It is my pleasure to acknowledge their efforts!

I know first hand, the good works Marine Life Studies does. From conducting research on whales in the Monterey Bay, indentifying flukes on whales for migration studies, educating school kids and being a part of creating the west cost whale entanglement team (W.E.T.). Marine Life Studies has a prove track record and donations will go to save marine life. The founder Peggy Stap, is ethical, trustworthy and most important, dedicated to saving marine life. I personally donate money because I know where it's being spent.

On my first volunteer outing with Marine Life Studies, we responded to an entanglement call. We ended up spending the entire day and well into the evening following, photographing and documenting the behavior of a humpback whale that was entangled in crab fishing gear. With the help of the US Coast Guard we were able to attach a tracking buoy and a few days later the WET team was able to free the whale from the entanglement. There is no better feeling than to be a part of something that tangible in saving our oceans and their inhabitants!

Marine Life Studies is a great organization that has worked with the Boys & Girls Club of Monterey County playing an essential role in providing the members great opportunities. Marine Life Studies has partnered with us for years and has given the opportunity for members each year to participate in whale watching. Marine Life Studies and their members are amazing and a great value to the Boys & Girls Club of Monterey County.

Leann Leon
Impact Leader II

There is no greater expression of a dream than its passionate manifestation.
The Founder of Marine Life Studies has followed her dream to create a vital community educational tool, for elementary aged children. Ocean Literacy Series - free educational programs for children at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterrey County, both Seaside and Salinas Units. The ages of which it has been demonstrated most likely will retain their experience. There after more likely will live to participate in the needed changes demonstrated. These are children who may well have never had this opportunity to experience the ocean, dolphins and whales, if not for Marine Life Studies. Children exposed to the damaging conditions of ocean pollution, more likely to proactively create a meaningful change.
Training for and teaching skills necessary to be a marine researcher and volunteers to disentangle whales.
Yet education is but a portion of this small but mighty endeavor. Marine Life Studies are responsive to the the immediate needs and sometimes life saving of whales entangled in fisheries gear or marine debris.
The importance and influence of this grass roots organization to the individuals and their community can surely not be measured. Lives are being changed to the better and the Ocean is a little safer for whales that experience the Founder's dream come true.

MARINE LIFE STUDIES is a vital conservation partner in the Monterey Bay area. Their educational and rescue focus on whales and dolphins engages people of all ages. Hooked, people then learn the importance of reducing plastic in the ocean -- debris that is damaging not only to large charismatic marine mammals but to sea animals of all kinds and sizes. I especially appreciate the strategic efforts of MLS, even more than cleanups, to cut off trash at the source.

Marine Life Studies has played an integral role in providing the members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County great opportunities in ocean literacy. For years we have successfully partnered with them to offer our members whale watching experiences which they look forward to each and every year. Their "Take it to the Streets" program gave our members a chance to participate in a service project where they were able to pick up trash from the street before it made its way to the ocean. Our partnership with Marine Life Studies is one we truly value!

Joe Garcia
Science Specialist, BGCMC

Marine Life Studies is an incredible non-profit! I am continually amazed at the compassion, care, and dedication that goes into what they do. I also appreciate the value and attention they give to teaching children.

This is a great nonprofit that helps the community through awareness of how to help preserve our Monterey Bay and the wildlife. Also, establishes volunteer programs for education of our children and adults .

Marine Life Studies not only protects the whales and other marine wildlife, it focuses on cleaning up our environment through the Take It To the Streets program and offers education programs for children. Can't beat that for a "winning" combination.

Marine Life Studies is a vital asset to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The nonprofit provides valuable information to West Coast marine scientists from Baja to the San Juan Islands for marine life that migrate through the Monterey Bay and beyond. The Whale Entanglement Team provides life saving rescue to whales caught in lines 24/7. Marine Life Studies greatly provide and enhance the educational programs of the Boys and Girls Club. "Take it to the Streets" brings a huge awareness to the public that our beach trash starts on our streets and causes debilitating destruction to our marine life. Marne Life Studies brings an ocean care to young and old no matter their level of education or economic status.

I have never known, or known of, a nonprofit that accomplishes so much with so much value on such a tight budget. The volunteer team is led by Peggy Stap who takes nothing for granted. She works farmers hours, sun up to sun down, everyday! I just can't say enough!

Marine life studies is an amazing organization. The feeling you get when you help release an endangered species from being entangled is indescribable. Not only do they help the whales but they work to teach the next generation on how to protect the environment. If you love whales and kids then this is the nonprofit to support .

No other organization in Monterey Bay can rescue a whale in this way from certain death from entanglements with nets, or other hazards. They started with nothing but heart and their own resources!

I have followed Marine Life Studies since its inception. Their dedication to the goals of studying and protecting marine life as well as informing and connecting the public to the ocean is impressive indeed. In addition to their research, they have been pro-active in hands-on education of schoolchildren as well as development of events in the community. They founded the Whale Entanglement Team (WET) who rescue entangled whales along the CA coast.

Marine Life Studies is one of those little-publicized organization that deserves (much) more recognition. Among its activities are a Whale (dis)Entanglement Team (WET) which responds to reports of whale entanglement with fishing gear and does its damnedest to disentangle these extraordinary fellow-mammals.

I participated as a volunteer in their Take It To The Streets program. I was very impressed at how well it was organized. The leader provided instructions and appropriate equipment to pick up cigarette butts near a wharf in Monterey. Everything was sorted, and catalogued and counted as part of a research study.

I was made to feel part of a team, and everyone was friendly, welcoming and appreciative. I was horrified at the thousands of cigarette butts that we picked up in a relatively short period of time. All these toxic butts would have washed into the ocean.

I live some distance away, and wish that I could participate more often. As with most non-profits, I assume that they could use more volunteers, but they do amazing work with the amount of people they have.

I began volunteering with MLS after learning about the education and conservation programs it offers to the marine sanctuary and to the community. This organization takes the time to educate low-income students about the animals in the bay and what they can do to help make a difference. I find it very valuable for a group to dedicate themselves to the community, making more people aware about the issues and the personal decisions they can make to improve the sanctuary and the animals living in it.

I've been with this organization since mid 2013 and I have loved every minute that I've worked with them. I was a student at CSU Monterey Bay pursuing a Bachelors of Science degree in Marine Science. Marine Life Studies welcomed me with open arms to gain real-life fieldwork, educational and community outreach, and the skills to work together with all different kinds of people. It didn't matter that I didn't have any professional experience on my own. Marine Life Studies is composed of many people with all different skill sets that are eager and willing to teach all of its volunteers about every aspect of the organization. Although this nonprofit is small and a little dot on the map, I feel that they are a powerhouse full of intelligence, passion, and determination to make positive change that this world needs. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to gain knowledge about the ocean and what it encompasses and thank you for your work to conserve what I love.

I've been a summer intern at MLS for the past three summers, and I am so happy to be continuing my internship with them during the gap semester before I start college. This nonprofit is filled with completely devoted and passionate individuals who not only have the desire to make our world a better place, but also the intelligence and dedication to actually do it. The work that MLS does with conducting research on marine mammals, as well as educating and inspiring the next generation of ocean stewards, as well as the very necessary role they play in the Whale Entanglement Team is invaluable to the world. I've had most of my best life experiences so far with this group. Although a small organization, Marine Life Studies makes a big splash.

I've volunteered with their Take it To the Streets program and had nothing but admiration for all the crew members. They take care of our beloved Monterey Bay and take pride in what they do.

Peggy and Stephanie are the cutest and fiercest duo! I've had the chance of seeing them in action during the annual Monterey Whalefest and during numerous lectures and learning events and the work they do is extraordinary! Not to mention, they are the nicest people alive!

Seeing pictures of the MLS staff and the Whale Entanglement Team will give you goosebumps! These people put themselves on the line to save marine life as well as gather data so that we can all learn about them. What a priceless organization:)

I met these folks through the US Coast Guard working as an Auxiliarist. I have enjoyed working with them and saw my first Blue Whale! I can't wait to do more for this wonderful group. They are great people to work with.
Thank you!

I have been volunteering for Marine Life Studies since its' inception in 2007. The group has done an amazing amount of work in educating local children about the marine environment, training students in research techniques, leading trash clean-ups, collecting data on marine life in Monterey Bay, leading a state-wide network for the disentanglement of whales, and generally raising awareness of issues facing the marine environment of Monterey Bay.

I am a new volunteer but I have been following their work through facebook and they are an amazing group of dedicated volunteers educating the public, with amazing programs for school children and they save entangled whales.