Thursday, November 6, 2014

5th ANNUAL WHALEFEST MONTEREY to be held at Old Fisherman’s Wharf

Whale Watching Capital of the World!™ Inspire - Educate - Explore – Empower & Protect Our Beautiful Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Monterey, CA, November 05, 2014 - Over the past year, thousands of whale watchers have enjoyed viewing a variety of hundreds of whales, orcas, dolphins and pelicans who continue to feast on a “krill and anchovy buffet” in the Monterey Bay, in Monterey, California. A very special festival, Whalefest Monterey, celebrates its 5th year highlighting community efforts and building more awareness about the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, helping to educate, inspire, empower and protect it. Don't miss a free fun interactive family event for all ages that celebrates the migration of the gray whales, the Monterey Bay, and Old Fisherman's Wharf, while benefiting many local and national marine organizations.


On Saturday, January 24th and Sunday, January 25th, 2015 from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, the Monterey Old Fisherman's Wharf Association (www.montereywharf.com) will hold the 5th ANNUAL WHALEFEST MONTEREY at and around Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey, CA, the “Whale Watching Capital of the World™ .

Throughout the year, the Monterey Bay offers sightings of 15 species of whales, 10 species of dolphins and 2 species of porpoise, 6 species of pinnipeds and 1 species of Fissiped (sea otter). Visitors to the Monterey Bay can enjoy viewing six Baleen Whales that include Blue Whales, Fin Whales, Sei Whales, Humpback Whales, Gray Whales, Minke Whales and North Pacific Right Whales (rare). There are also eight toothed whales that include Sperm Whales, Baird’s Beaked Whales, Curvier’s Beaked Whales, Pygmy Sperm Whales, Dwarf Sperm Whales, Stejneger’s Beaked Whales, Blainville’s Beaked Whale sand Hubb’s Beaked Whales. The Monterey Bay also features 9 dolphin species including Orcas (Killer Whale), Northern right whale Dolphins, Pacific White-sided Dolphins, Risso’s Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Short-beaked Common Dolphins, Long-beaked Common Dolphins, Striped Dolphins, Short Fin Pilot Whales and the False Killer Whale (rare).

There are two porpoise species including Harbor Porpoises and Dall’s Porpoises. There is one Fissiped, the Southern Sea Otter. There are also four Otariid Pinnipeds including Guadalupe Fur Seals, Northern Fur Seals, California Sea Lions and Northern Sea Lions (Steller Sea Lions). There are also two Phocid Pinnipeds, including Harbor Seals and Northern Elephant Seals. (Source: Monterey Bay Marine Life Studies).

Among the highlights will be a symposium with lectures and documentaries related to ocean and marine life conservation presented at the Museum of Monterey, Stanton Center (MoM) Auditorium and the Wharf Theatre, musical and theatrical performances with a maritime theme, and many educational displays by participating organizations.

Thousands of attendees are expected again this year that range from local families and school children who want to learn more about our maritime environment to visitors from near and far who want to explore the annual whale migration. The event will also feature a science credit program for students from university level to schoolchildren. Weather permitting, whale watching tours will be operating from the Wharf, and Wharf restaurants will be serving a variety of small bites.

The two days will feature a wide array of fun and informative activities including:

* A 60-foot model gray whale (attendees can climb inside)

* Live musical performances will be provided by Nick Fettis & His Orca-stra, and a number of local bands playing rock, reggae, and jazz.

* Whale watching trips on Monterey Bay will run all day from the wharf, weather permitting, including an American Cetacean Society Benefit Whale Watching Cruise at 8:00 am on Sunday, January 25th.

* Award-winning documentaries and lectures by world renowned scientists will focus on the Pacific Current System.

* Expert panelists including scientists and business leaders.

* “Sea creatures” from Save the Whales will be interacting with attendees and providing marine and event information.

* Beach and street cleanups by The Wahine Project and by Marine Life Studies (Take It to the Streets) and Save Our Shores.

* Shark and Humboldt Squid will be dissected.

* Mock Whale Disentanglement demonstrations.

* Gyotaku (Japanese fish printing) demonstrations staffed by volunteers from the Japanese American Citizens League.

* Historic walking tours by maritime historian, Tim Thomas.

* U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will have several displays that may include Coastie the Safety Tug Boat, its rescue boat and a Coast Guard 29' Transportable Response Boat and Auxter, the Otter.

* Local marine photography fundraiser exhibit and drawing at Museum of Monterey Stanton Center – Stanton Center (MoM), 5 Custom House Plaza.

Other activities to be announced!

Participating Marine Conservation Organizations:

Local national and international marine conservation organizations will line the Causeway at Old Fisherman’s Wharf or give presentations at the Museum of Monterey.

Past participants included:

* American Cetacean Society
* BLUE Ocean Film Festival and Conservation Summit
* California Coastal Commission
* California State Parks
* Camp SEA Lab
* City of Monterey Environmental Program
* Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University
* Marine Life Studies
* Marine Mammal Center
* Monterey Academy of Oceanographic Science
* Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
* National Marine Sanctuary
* Monterey Green Action
* Monterey History and Art Association
* Monterey Public Library
* Monterey Peninsula Regional Water Authority
* Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club
* Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency
* Moss Landing Marine Laboratories
* Pacific Grove Museum
* Pacific Shark Research Center
* PUACF
* Save Our Shores
* Save the Whales
* Sea Save Foundation
* Surfrider Foundation – Monterey Chapter
* The Marine Mammal Center
* The Otter Project
* U.S Coast Guard Auxiliary

For more information, to volunteer or to become a sponsor, call Bob Massaro at (831) 649-6544 or email Bob at bmassaro@bostrommanagement.com and check out the website at www.montereywharf.org

Contact:
Wendy Brickman
Brickman Marketing
395 Del Monte Center #250
Monterey, CA 93940
831-633-4444
http://www.montereywharf.org

“Crab Mania” at Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf to Celebrate Dungeness Crabbing in the Monterey Bay

Do you love Dungeness Crab? Many award-winning restaurants at Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf are participating in the special “Crab Mania" at Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf celebrating fresh Dungeness Crab from the Monterey Bay.

Monterey, CA, November 05, 2014 - Do you love Dungeness Crab? Many award-winning restaurants at Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf are participating in the special “Crab Mania" at Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf celebrating fresh Dungeness Crab from the Monterey Bay. The recreational Dungeness Crab season kicks off November 1st and the commercial Dungeness Crab season starts on November 15th and goes through June.

In addition to Dungeness Crab, locals and visitors can enjoy a wide array of delicious entrees at Old Fisherman’s Wharf including other fresh seafood, Alaskan crab, steaks, pasta and much more. Many Monterey Wharf restaurants will be serving some great locally caught Dungeness crab entrees when the commercial season kicks off and they also offer Alaskan crab during the rest of the year.

Here are just a few of the delicious crab entrees visitors to Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf can enjoy:

At Nino’s Wharfside
Dungeness Crab steamed with drawn butter, steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes or rice.

At Paluca Trattoria
Dungeness Crab Cioppino style with capers, black olives, crushed pomodoro (tomato), Pinot Grigio, and Italian flat leaf parsley.

At Old Fisherman’s Grotto
Crab Cakes with Dungeness Crabmeat, lightly breaded and grilled, served with Sun Dried Tomato Aioli and Mango Sauce.

At Domenico’s on the Wharf:
Dungeness Crab Scampi style with garlic, white wine, olive oil and angel hair pasta.
Recreational Dungeness Crab fishing and other fishing trips can also be booked at Randy’s Fishing Trips or Chris' Fishing Trips daily on Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf.

About Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf
A visit to the beautiful Monterey Peninsula just isn’t complete without a rendezvous with Old Fisherman’s Wharf in downtown Monterey that was built in 1845 for regular passenger and freight service. Known as the “Whale Watching Capital of the World” and a top destination of visitors from around the world, Monterey’s Old Fisherman's Wharf provides a wide array of award-winning dining, shopping, live theater, special events, whale watching, bay cruises, a glass bottom boat, marine life, fishing and sailing, and strolling leisurely in a gorgeous setting overlooking the Monterey Bay. Savor delicious cuisine at a myriad of fabulous restaurants featuring stunning views and award-winning Italian food, sustainable seafood, steaks including the region’s famous clam chowder and calamari.

Enjoy salt water taffy, homemade chocolates, caramel apples, cotton candy and many other yummy treats. View sea otters, sea lions, dolphins, whales, sea birds and other wildlife up close and personal that also share the Wharf. Watch people who have gone out and caught their own fish on the local and chartered fishing boats return with their own “catch of the day”. Celebrate the first location in Monterey County where tender abalone was cooked and served in a restaurant. Check out the many fun shops to find the perfect memento of your visit and a variety of unique gifts. Bring your friends, family, and dogs (on leash) for a wonderful visit from morning to evening. Enjoy the exquisite views and the “best place to walk and people watch” in Monterey County!

Visitors to Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf continue to “Enjoy the Wonders of the Wharf” free VIP Card promotion available on the website with 27 special offers. Situated near downtown Monterey, Old Fisherman’s Wharf is conveniently located along the Monterey Bay Recreation Trail and has plenty of nearby parking. For more information about Old Fisherman’s Wharf, go to www.montereywharf.com or call 831.238-077

About Wharf Walks
Recreational Dungeness Crab Season begins on November 1st and Commercial Crab Season begins November 15th and goes through June 30th. Crabs will inspire the theme of Wharf Walks! The Monterey Fisherman's Wharf Association continues to team up with noted Monterey Bay Fisheries Historian and author, Tim Thomas, who is offering monthly "Wharf Walks -Walking Tours at Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf" (www.montereywharf.com) on the first Saturday of every month from 10:00 AM - Noon.
Wharf Walks will be held on Saturday, November 1st and Saturday, December 6th focusing on "Crabbing on the Monterey Bay." Tours meet at the head of Old Fisherman's Wharf (near the pink "Harbor House" store, #1 Old Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey. Advance reservations are required by calling Tim Thomas at (831) 521-3304 or via email timsardine@yahoo.com.

The tour is for ages 10-adult only and the cost is $20 for adults and kids are $15 (10-15 years). Group Rates are also available. Future Wharf Walks will be held on November 1st and December 6th, continuing on the first Saturday of every month in 2015.

After taking the Wharf Walk, participants are invited to enjoy a complimentary appetizer of delicious calamari (squid) - either traditional style or pesto calamari - with a purchased entrée, at Paluca Trattoria located at the head of the Wharf.

About Wharf Walks
For thousands of years people have made their living fishing the Monterey Bay, beginning with the Rumsien Ohlone, the Native People of the Monterey area. From abalone to rockfish, everything was fished and utilized and the Monterey Bay was a multi-cultural stew, made up of whalers from the Azores, squid fishermen from China, salmon fishermen and abalone divers from Japan, and Sicilians fishing sardines in the "dark of the moon." This entertaining tour of Old Fisherman's Wharf and the waterfront will take us back in time to explore the history of the Monterey Wharf, early history of the Monterey waterfront, The Rumsien/Ohlone People--Monterey's first fishermen, the abalone industry, whaling the bay and of course, the legendary sardine industry. Discover some of the people and cultures of Monterey's colorful past and hear fascinating stories about Old Fisherman's Wharf and those who worked and walked there. Learn more about the sardine and squid industry, too.

About Tim Thomas
Tim Thomas, fourth-generation native of the Monterey area, is a popular speaker and lively tour guide. For 16 years, he was historian and curator for the Monterey Maritime & History Museum and has worked with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, California State Parks and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. He is author of "The Abalone King of Monterey: 'Pop' Ernest Doelter," "The Japanese on the Monterey Peninsula" and co-author of "Monterey's Waterfront."

For more information about Old Fisherman’s Wharf, go to www.montereywharf.com or call 831.238-0777.

Contact:
Wendy Brickman
Brickman Marketing
395 Del Monte Center #250
Monterey, CA 93940
831-633-4444
http://www.montereywharf.com