ENVIRONMENT / Notes about your surroundings.

Sea Course--Dive into the mysteries of the deep during a free lecture series on whales, dolphins and pinnipeds offered this winter by the Orange County Marine Institute, celebrating the International Year of the Ocean. The marine mammal lectures are at 11:30 a.m. on Sundays in January, beginning Jan. 3 with a session on identifying marine mammals off Dana Point. Other topics are: “Harvesting Gray Whales in the ‘90s? Putting the Endangered Species Act to the Test” on Jan. 10; “San Ignacio Lagoon: Gray Whale Nursery vs. New Salt Mine” on Jan. 17; “Acoustical Research: Good Science or Noise Pollution for Marine Mammals?” on Jan. 24; and “Releasing Captive Marine Mammals Back Into the Wild, a Case Study of Keiko the Killer Whale” on Jan. 31.

After the lectures, hop aboard the institute’s RV Sea Explorer for a 2 1/2-hour marine mammal exploration cruise. Seafarers can search for gray whales and other creatures accompanied by biologists from the institute, and help gather data. Among the highlights of the trip: using binoculars and field ID photos to identify marine mammals, plotting and recording them using a global positioning system, and searching through mud and plankton samples for the tiny, shrimp-like food of gray whales. The cost of the cruise, which is offered Saturdays and Sundays from January through April, is $14 for children and seniors and $20 for adults. Reservations: (949) 496-2274. The Orange County Marine Institute is at 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

Gift Guide--Be both generous and Earth-friendly this season. A few ideas from the Recycle Anaheim newsletter: a home-cooked meal or baked goods; gift certificates; tickets for a play, movie or sporting event; items made of recycled material; durable items that will last longer than cheaper ones.

* Send items for consideration to Vicky Clepper, The Times Orange County, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Fax: (714) 966-7711.