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Whales in San Francisco Bay

Roughly 30 gray whales have been spotted in the Bay this season, many more than is typical. Sadly, there have also been at least 14 deaths this year, which is more than in all of 2024. 

We are investigating to help determine the cause of these deaths. By gaining insights into what is causing these tragedies, we can better understand how to help prevent them.

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gray whale fluke
Mariah Dorado

Mariah Dorado

Conservation Engagement Associate

As the Conservation Education Associate, Mariah supports the daily operations of the Center’s public programs by providing excellent customer service, greeting, welcoming and directing visitors upon arrival, leading public programs such as tours and working closely with the Community Engagement team to enhance visitor experience. 

Mariah has a bachelor's degree in Marine Biology from University of California Santa Cruz. Prior to joining the Center, she was an Educator and Associate Director at Sage Educators, a Marine Science and Adventure Instructor at Catalina Sea Camp as well as a volunteer in the Steinhart Aquarium at the California Academy of Sciences, all of which provided rich experience working with diverse audiences and communicating difficult scientific topics to the public, a valuable skill set that Mariah brings with her to this role and puts to good use at the Center. 

Mariah is not only passionate about connecting communities to the ocean but she is also a skilled dancer and has organized community dance events for large audiences!

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