Whales, Wonder, and the Santa Barbara Channel: How Whale Heritage Areas Inspire Conservation and Care

January 13, 2026

Holly Lohuis, Marine biologist, naturalist and Co-Director of the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area

Join marine biologist, naturalist, and Co-Director of the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area, Holly Lohuis, as she shares stories of the diversity of whales that feed and travel through the Santa Barbara Channel and the waters of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Through the lens of the Whale Heritage Area designation, discover how responsible tourism, community engagement, and education play a vital role in protecting whales and fostering a deeper connection to our ocean.