Date: 16-Aug-19

Sequence: 1

Encounter Number: 53

Enc Start Time: 09:00

Enc End Time: 12:20

Vessel: Orcinus

Observers: Dave Ellifrit, Mia Reynolds, Connor Whalen

Pods or ecotype: J pod

Location: Haro Strait

Begin Lat/Long: 48 28.48/123 05.46

End Lat/Long: 48 28.35/123 05.24

​

Encounter Summary:

J pod was on the west side of San Juan Island early in the morning so Dave, Mia, and Conor headed down to Snug Harbor and left in the boat at 0830. We found the whales heading north at Kanaka Bay at 0900. J pod was spread out in small groups and individuals from Pile Point to a little south of False Bay with most of them being within a half mile of the San Juan Island shoreline. The whales traveled north although several whales were actively foraging along the way. Around 1000, J pod turned around and began heading south again and several whales headed offshore to forage. By about 1100, the individuals and small groups that were foraging offshore began moving back to the SJI shoreline. The bulk of J pod was back traveling north up SJI just south of False Bay in loosely spread out groups by 1125. The encounter ended at 1220 south of Hannah Heights with the whales still heading north. J pod passed CWR at 1540 still heading north although they later turned around again.