To ensure the safe operation of vessel traffic in the San Francisco Bay, ferry captains and crew members navigate the Bay’s waters with close attention to marine wildlife
In a conversation with Tony Heeter, Operations Supervisor at Blue & Gold Fleet, he shared the importance of SF Bay Ferry’s ongoing partnership with researchers and experts based at The Marine Mammal Center in Marin County. Tony spoke about his collaboration with scientist Kathi George, the Center’s Director of Cetacean Conservation Biology, who works to advance ocean health and protect whales in the Bay. 
With at least 30 whales identified in the Bay in 2025 alone, working with The Marine Mammal Center has opened crucial channels of communication among marine scientists and ferry operators. “We work very closely with The Marine Mammal Center,” Tony shared. “We want to keep the environment safe and make a plan to mitigate risks here in the Bay for vessel traffic.”
As more frequent whale sightings in the Bay spark conversations about environmental stewardship among vessel operators, SF Bay Ferry’s fleet captains and crew members remain at the forefront of safe and responsible vessel operations to ensure the well-being of the ocean and Bay where we work, play, and live.
To learn more about The Marine Mammal Center, visit www.marinemammalcenter.org.