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Gray Whale Breeching
 

Bruce Mate

One of our three core values is giving back to the Northwest communities we work in. ANZUS contributes money or volunteers time to several great non-profits.

Oregon State University, Marine Mammal Program

One of our favorites is Dr. Bruce Mate of the Oregon State University Marine Mammal Program. Dr. Mate is world-renown for his work with endangered whales. He was the first to tag whales and track their movements by satellite.

"We know where the whales breed and where they migrate to feed but until we know where they go throughout their life cycle, we can’t protect them."

Dr. Mate’s research was key to an international Agreement to move shipping lanes to protect right whales on the east coast of the United States. By moving the shipping lane only4 miles whales collisions and mortality decreased 80%.

Now, Dr. Mate is focused on blue whales. Recently, the British Broadcasting Corporation offered to fund Dr. Mate’s ships for two years while he tags blue whales in an effort to identify their breeding grounds and migration paths. While the BBC covers the cost of the ships, Dr. Mate is seeking funding for other costs associated with the research. ANZUS has pledged $5000 to "adopt" a blue whale for Seattle’s Roosevelt High School Marine Biology class. As a part of the adoption, Dr. Mate will send students the "tracking" of their whale. Students will learn marine biology and research techniques direct from the front lines of a very exciting project. At the end of two years, Dr. Mate’s work will be featured on a BBC special.

We have also started direct technical support to the upgrading of the GIS system used to track the whales. Our expertise in this area is a perfect fit and many of our consultants have volunteered their time to help with this interesting and valuable project.