EAC 32, Tioga County, December 1967
Page 49
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Transcription
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