Last weekend, MBARI researchers participated in the 16th Annual Whalefest Monterey celebration. The two-day event at Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf included dozens of exhibits and booths from local marine science and conservation organizations and offered live music, art activities, history walks, and a seminar series sharing marine science research. 

On Saturday, Senior Research Specialist John Ryan immersed Whalefest Monterey attendees in the ocean’s symphony of sound with an interactive exhibit of underwater audio recorded by MBARI’s Ocean Soundscape Team. 

During the event, MBARI researchers and collaborators also participated in the 2026 Whalefest Symposium at the Monterey History and Art Stanton Center. Research Technician Giovanna Sainz highlighted how community science is advancing the development of artificial intelligence tools for ocean exploration with the FathomVerse mobile game. Ryan presented on the ways MBARI research is helping resource managers and policymakers create stronger protections for whales in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. 

Following Ryan’s talk, musician Lucy Zhang—a senior at Saratoga High School—presented her collaborative work with Ryan that analyzes whale song from the perspective of human musical structure. Her presentation included a violin duet with her brother Daniel Zhang and a violin sonata accompanied by musician Nicholas Fettis, highlighting the intersection of science and the arts.