Preliminary Report - Eastern Grid Survey #20 - 3-12 January 1968 Itinerary: 3 January 1200 Depart San Diego 4 January 1231 Enter Grid at Pt. "Ash" 11 January 1408 Depart Grid at Pt. "Oak" 12? January 1030 Arrive San Diego Personnel: Richard D. Chandler (Biologist in Charge) Robert L. Brownell Brian A. Harrington Jeffrey P. Tordoff Survey Vessel: U.S.S. Marysville EPCER 857 Methods One-man diurnal observations were held from the bow, the 01-level bridge, or the open bridge as conditions dictated. The vessel, in gen- eral, is a satisfactory observation platform, being much the same as the Shearwater in regard to stability and ease of using field glasses. No regular nocturnal watches were held; cursory observations during night BT casts revealed only a single bird sighting. Outboard engine failure thwarted attempts to use the Boston Whaler for collecting. Bird speci- mens were collected from bow shooting. Survey personnel took Bathy- thermograph soundings at 0800, 1200, 1600, 2000, and midnight. Cruise Track Numerous mechanical difficulties plagued the vessel throughout the cruise. Captain Anderson is to be congratulated for his determination to complete the operation. Deviations from the nominal track were made as in the past to allow for better coverage of the area. The average speed of ca. 12 knots was found quite satisfactory for field observa- tion. Equally valid observations could be made with speeds up to 15-16 knots, I believe. Conditions Weather was remarkably favorable throughout the cruise. Moderate winds in the northern section gave way to calmer seas and broken skies in the south. Light rain and drizzle on the last day did not seriously affect observations. Grid General Highlights 1. High numbers of alcids in the northern two-thirds of the Grid. 2. Increased numbers of Black-legged Kittiwakes. 3. Increase of Leach's Storm Petrels in the southern third of the Grid.