Marine Mammals EAC 32 - December 2
Few mammals were recorded in the Grid. The low numbers recorded are
thought to be due in part to the heavy sea and poor observing conditions.
1043 - A single Zalophus californianus was observed porpoising along with
the ship.
1254 - Between 4 and 6 Lagenorhynchus obliquidens of two subgroups were
observed in a stationary position near the surface (feeding?). When
the ship approached they crossed the port bow swimming to the east.
All the dolphins were swimming at a much slower rate than that
usually observed for this species. After surfacing they dropped to
only a few feet below the surface before returning again to the sur-
face.
1320 - One Zalophus was noted floating at the surface. When the ship approached
the sea lion swam off to the east.
1358 - Globicephala scarmoni (40+10) in 3 or 4 subgroups were noted to be in
a semi stationary position on the surface. This schooling was similar
to that called loafing group (Norris, 1958), except that dives of ca.
30-45 seconds were undertaken. They may have been feeding. Ages of
the Pilot Whales were mixed. Large adult males, many medium-sized
whales (300-400 cm), and calves or yearlings were noted.
1402 - Another Zalophus was noted porpoising.
1440 - A single Zalophus was floating near a small patch of Neocystis.
1610 - About 75+15 Globicephala in 4 or 5 subgroups, all seeming to be of
medium size, were noted moving in a broad line south. This type of
schooling is called traveling or hunting (Norris and Prescott, 1961).
No birds were noted with any of the above marine mammals today.
December 3 (Non-Grid)
0730 - About 20+ 5 Dall Porpoises were seen but did not come to ship. I.D.
was based on speed and surfacing pattern (pushing much water ahead,etc.).
0735 - About 15+ 5 Dall Porpoise pushing a path of 6 to 8 feet of white water
upon surfacing.
0750 - One Eumetopias jubata adult male (large) positioned with head out of
water (nose-up) - Phocid - like behavior.
December 3 (Grid)
1233 Sector T - One Sperm Whale ca. 40 feet.
1456 Sector T - Fifteen Dall Porpoises approached within 200 meters of ship.
Same fast water-pushing behavior upon surfacing.
December 5
0946 - One Killer Whale 14 to 18 ft. Dorsal ca. 2-1/2 ft. high. Saddle aft