Kathi George

What inspires me most is collaborating with mariners, scientists, and resource managers who share a deep commitment to protecting whales. Reducing vessel strike risk is complex, but through trust, communication, and shared purpose, we can find solutions that make a difference.

As the Director of Cetacean Conservation Biology at The Marine Mammal Center, Kathi George leads cetacean research, cetacean conservation initiatives, and oversees large whale policy impact. Since joining the Center in 2019, she has expanded advocacy efforts to address two of the greatest threats to large whales worldwide: entanglement and vessel strikes.

Kathi collaborates closely with a wide range of partners and stakeholders to improve protections for whales. She holds the Conservation seat on the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council and served as a member of the 2021 Joint Ship Strike Working Group for the Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries. She is also a member of the International Whaling Commission’s Vessel Strike Expert Work Group and the California Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group. In the San Francisco Harbor Safety Committee, she chairs a work group focused on reducing the risk of vessel strike while maintaining navigational safety.

As a Level 3 Co-Investigator with NOAA's Marine Mammal Health & Stranding Response Program, Kathi is authorized to respond to entangled whales. She has participated in six whale disentanglements, numerous additional entangled whale responses, and over 50 sea lion disentanglements.

Prior to her role at the Center, Kathi co-founded California Whale Rescue, a nonprofit dedicated to entangled whale response and prevention. The organization supported NOAA Fisheries’ efforts to standardize training, equipment, communication protocols, and safety practices in California.

Kathi spends as much time as she can underwater and on boats in addition to enjoying California's coasts and mountains with her husband and son.

Areas of Expertise

• Vessel Strike Response and Prevention
• Marine Mammal Response Operations
• Whale Entanglement Response and Prevention
• Cetacean Field Research & Conservation Impact
• California Dungeness Crab Fishery

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