Date: 28-January-2018

Sequence: 1

Encounter Number: 04

Enc Start Time: 14:57

Enc End Time: 16:10

Vessel: Mike 1

Observers: Mark Malleson

Pods or ecotype: J Pod

Location: Oak Bay

Begin Lat/Long: 48 25.2/123 15.6

End Lat/Long: 48 26.9/123 15.7

 

Encounter Summary:

I left Victoria harbor on Mike 1 at 1440 to locate J pod after a brief encounter with them on my 1100 trip with Prince of Whales. I last had seen them north-eastbound off of Trial Island at 1400.
I found them heading north through Oak Bay near the Chain Islands traveling slowly against the building ebb current. I left the J22's leading at Ten Mile Point at 1539 and watched them continue north on a line for Henry Island. The rest of the group were close a mile behind and spread out in their respective matrilines. I waited at Ten Mile Point light for them. J27 and the rest of the J11's were the first to arrive and stalled out in the back eddy along the south shoreline of Ten Mile Point until the trailers caught up. During this time J27 lay on his back and did several lazy tail lobs while the group gathered up. They then proceeded north through Baynes Channel against the strong ebb current. I left them at 1610 and made my way back to Victoria Harbor.