On April 5th, 2026, members of the ACS SF Bay chapter gathered in Monterey for a whale watch led by marine biologist and Monterey Bay Whale Watch owner, Nancy Black. What a wondrous four hours we had – treated to cetaceans not commonly seen in the numbers we witnessed. For many of us, the encounter with the Northern Right Whale Dolphins was a first and we were dazzled observing their sleek dorsal-finless bodies and witnessing their ‘playful’ behavior. Please join us as photographer-extraordinaire Jodi Frediani shares photos from that day and anthropologist Andrew Loyd Smith discusses his research examining human–cetacean interactions during whale-watching excursions with a focus on Monterey Bay. He will discuss his work that explores how encounters with pelagic dolphin species—especially northern right whale dolphins and Pacific white-sided dolphins—elicit distinctive responses of awe, but even framed in terms such as “weird.”
This free event is open to the public. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. A suggested donation of $10 per participant is encouraged and greatly appreciated. Donations help cover webinar costs and support our education and cetacean research grant programs. To donate, please visit our website https://www.acs-sfbay.org/donate. We are grateful for your support!
About Andrew Loyd Smith:
Andrew Loyd Smith is a PhD student in Anthropology at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He is a multi-species ethnographer focused on human-dolphin interactions occurring during whale watching in fieldwork conducted in Monterey Bay with plans to expand throughout the world. His study of anthropology through undergrad, graduate and now PhD studies is fueled by his fascination with northern right whale dolphins and Pacific white-sided dolphins and their impact on whale-watching humans.
About Jodi Frediani:
Jodi is a celebrated award-winning Monterey Bay based photographer specializing in imagery of marine species. One of our most popular speakers leading us on travelogues of her marine adventures through her photos, she is an active, valued member of the ACS community. You can check out Jodi's photography at www.jodifrediani.com
