OUR MISSION
A Mission of Science and Discoveryin an Ever Changing Environment
The San Francisco Bay and near-coastal waters are one of the planet’s most significant ecosystems teeming with a rich, abundant biodiversity of marine life including many threatened and endangered species.
These fabled waters provide a pathway for migratory whales and other sensitive species while serving as a major economic gateway for shipping and commercial / recreational fishing activity.
In recent years, climate change has begun to affect the usual migration of smelt, anchovy and other food sources creating increased instances of whales moving closer shoreward and entering San Francisco Bay. This change in migratory behaviors has increased the possibility of vessel encounters creating increased risk to both wildlife and the local maritime community.
While many in the marine science and conservation communities offer continuous research to study emerging trends, there is currently no vessel solely dedicated to providing active monitoring and patrol during peak migration times.
BayQuest is a vessel-based platform that puts researchers and marine science professionals out on the water with mission-specific goals and collaborative projects.
Our plan strives to meet these conservation challenges and fill the resource gap both in the field and on the water. . .
BayQuest Goals
Our goal is to provide consistent on-the-water vigil, observation, scientific data collection and documenting of residential/migrating marine mammals and seabird life while in the bay and near coastal waters.
Further, our goal is to elevate public awareness of the region’s rich biodiversity and foster greater community participation in helping to protect it.
Helping to create a peaceful co-existence where people and local marine life can thrive for generations is our ultimate aim.
BayQuest Values
Our guiding principle is to conduct all work and crew development through the
lens of environmental justice by opening access opportunities for participation
and the meaningful involvement of underserved communities historically harmed by systemic bias in the sciences.