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2019 Encounters

Encounter #56 - August 25, 2019
20160331DAG_SJ1-179_J53 spyhop.jpg
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Date: 25-Aug-19

Sequence: 1 

Encounter Number: 56

Enc Start Time: 09:30

Enc End Time: 11:30

Vessel: Orcinus

Observers: Dave Ellifrit

Pods or ecotype: J Pod

Location: Haro Strait

Begin Lat/Long: 48 31.28/123 09.26

End Lat/Long: 48 34.58/123 12.06

Encounter Summary:

Reports of J pod on the west side of SJI began coming in early in the morning so Dave headed down to Snug Harbor and left in the boat at 0915. J pod was encountered at 0930 just a little north of Lime Kiln. The whales were spread out in small groups and singles as they headed slowly north with a lot of milling along the way. There was one small socializing group of young males that included J39, J45, J47, and J49 and, a little later in the encounter, all four of these whales surfed the wake of a freighter. Several whales were seen foraging deep into Mitchell Bay and off the mouth of Open Bay. J53 was seen playing with a piece of kelp all by herself-tossing it in the air and vocalizing above the surface. J pod headed slowly around Kellett Bluff and the encounter ended at 1130. The J16s and L87 did not seem to be present during this encounter.

Photos taken under Federal Permits

NMFS PERMIT: 21238/ DFO SARA 388

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