Student-Led Outreach Strengthens Whale Conservation in Monterey Bay

Megan Broome, a marine biology and environmental science student at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, recently completed a summer internship with the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) in Santa Cruz, California. As a 2025 Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholar, Broome focused her efforts on enhancing environmental literacy within the local community to support the conservation of the sanctuary's natural resources. Her project specifically targeted the four most commonly observed species in the sanctuary: humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*), blue whales (*Balaenoptera musculus*), fin whales (*Balaenoptera physalus*), and gray whales (*Eschrichtius robustus*). Broome worked to bridge the gap between scientific data and public understanding by creating new outreach materials designed to encourage responsible whale-human interactions. To achieve this, the intern developed an educational flyer, an enrichment webinar, and social media content aimed at the private boating sector. These materials were designed to promote the "See a Spout? Watch Out!" program, an active educational initiative intended to improve safety for both whales and boaters. Broome also assisted in promoting the online "Spout Spotter" course to increase community engagement. The internship provided Broome with significant opportunities to strengthen her science interpretation and public communication skills. By interacting directly with the public, she was able to share her passions and foster a sense of stewardship among residents and visitors. This experience has solidified her desire to incorporate education and outreach into her future career in environmental science. The work highlights the critical role of education in protecting vulnerable marine species. By empowering the private boating community with accurate information, the project aims to reduce human disturbance and ensure the long-term health of the sanctuary's iconic wildlife. #NexSouk #AIForGood #EthicalAI #MarineConservation #WhaleSafety