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.
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.
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.
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. 
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.
