Date: 21-Apr-19

Sequence: 1

Encounter Number: 27

Enc Start Time: 13:00

Enc End Time: 14:05

Vessel: Orcinus

Observers: Dave Ellifrit

Pods or ecotype: J pod and L87

Location: Patos Island

Begin Lat/Long: 48 46.42/122 58.42

End Lat/Long: 48 47.43/123 00.80

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Encounter Summary:

After receiving messages from Jane Cogan relaying reports of probable residents near Matia Island, Dave grabbed his gear, headed to Snug Harbor, and left in the boat around 1205. “Orcinus” arrived on scene near the west end of Patos Island at 1300 with the bulk of J pod in the lead group and the J16s about a half mile to the southwest of them. As the lead group rounded Alden Point in front of the Patos Island light station, they began to fan out and head northwest into the Strait of Georgia. A small group of juveniles including J46, J47, and J51 were socializing and rolling around together. The J16s also split up and spread out. Near the end of the encounter at 1405, many of the whales pointed west toward Tumbo Island and were reported to be milling in the same general area while “Orcinus” was on its way home.