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San Clemente resident Mike Bursk has been the full-time captain of the Dana Point Ocean Institute's R/V Sea Explorer for six years. He is fascinated by a wide variety of ocean wildlife, a favorite among them being the gray whale. Each

weekend, he takes eager groups out on the Ocean Institute's Marine Mammal Exploration Cruises in search of the grays and other ocean wildlife. The Ocean Institute offers the cruises from January through April each year.

Bursk has made an extensive study of gray whales, including a government-sponsored project off the coast of Mexico years ago. Riding in Zodiac powerboats, he was able to get "up-close and personal" with the whales. "Gray whales are the only non-domesticated animal I'm aware of-with the possible exception of manatees-that will approach strangers to be scratched and petted," Bursk remarked.

The study gave him the opportunity to extensively photograph the whales, images he shares regularly at his "unparalleled" slide shows at the Ocean Institute. Bursk has devoted much time and energy into teaching the public about gray whales, through cruises, slide shows and public speaking.

"When you take people up close to the whales, they develop a greater understanding and a bond with them," he observed. "In this way, we can better ensure that the whales are protected."

One of the greatest threats to grays off in American waters, he believes, is the U.S. military. The military engages in extensive testing of underwater sonar equipment, which can be lethal to the grays.

In an effort to help safeguard the whales, Bursk helped write Whale Watching Guidelines for Boaters, a free pamphlet created and distributed by Ocean Institute. He commented, "It's a double-edged sword. The same boats from which we watch and admire grays, if operated discourteously, can be a real obstacle to these whales. In order to be good hosts to these amazing visitors, it's important to have an understanding of their swimming habits and behavior."

The pamphlet offers such advice to boaters as: 1) approach from behind, in a 5 to 7 o'clock position, 2) idle your engine when close, and 3) don't rev your engines until the whales have swum away.

Bursk leads the Ocean Institute's Marine Mammal Exploration Cruises on Saturdays and Sundays. They last for 2 1/2 hours and cost $22 for adults, $19 for children (for Institute members, $19 adults, $15 children). Three naturalists will participate in the cruises and answer questions for visitors. Although a whale sighting cannot be guaranteed, Bursk boasts a 90% success rate. Annette Shoemaker, R/V Sea Explorer Program Coordinator, explained, "He has a knack for finding the whales. He has the best eyes of all of us."

The general public can also learn about other ocean animals by touring the Ocean Institute's facility on weekends from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Cost is $5.50 for adults and $3.50 for children (members are free) and includes a wide variety of interactive programs for all ages. Visitors can witness shark and ray feedings, operate underwater robots, learn how Moon Jellies are raised, or listen to special presentations on various topics. No two weekends are ever the same! For more information on cruises or other weekend activities, visit www.ocean-institute.org or call 949.496.2274.