EncDate:23/09/22 

EncSeq:1

Enc#*:63

ObservBegin:05:48 PM

ObservEnd:06:47 PM

Vessel:Mike 1

Staff:Mark Malleson

Other Observers:Gary Sutton, Tasli Shaw

Pods:J

LocationDescr:Magdalena Point

Start Latitude:48 23.51

Start Longitude:124 13.33

End Latitude:48 23.43

End Longitude:124 16.73

 

EncSummary:

After leaving the dock at Port Renfrew at 1620, Mark, Joe, Gary, and Tasli headed west scouting for Southern Residents. After a search in windy and wet conditions, the team headed back into Port Renfrew for fuel, food, and warmth. After changing into some dry clothes, Mark, Gary, and Tasli headed out again but, this time, they decided to head east in Juan de Fuca Strait, based on reports of that had come in earlier in the day of possible Southern Residents near Sheringham Lighthouse. The weather and sea conditions were much improved from the morning, and as the team made their way east, numerous humpback whales were sighted. As they stopped to photograph an aggregation of ~50 Humpback whales off Magdalena Point, Tasli spotted several fins offshore. They mobilized quickly and soon came across J Pod heading west, spread out, and foraging. 
The first whales they saw were J37 and J59, who were foraging, with J49 nearby. J56 was seen in tight group with J35 and her calf J57. J53 and J42 were foraging together, chasing a fish in tight circles. The team also observed J26 actively foraging on his own, with several gulls following him looking for scraps. The light was fading quickly so the team tried to get to photo ID as many individuals as possible and were able to confirm J37, J59, J49, J26, J36, J42, J39, J56, J19, J22, J38, J35, J46, J53, and J57. With the fog rolling in and the sunlight fading, the team decided to end the encounter at 1849 and head back towards the dock.