2. Methods Watches were maintained for an average of 10.22 hours per day between sunrise and sunset. All observations were made from the flying bridge, which offered the best view of the surrounding ocean. The ship was a very steady platform, rolling very little or not at all. Only when the ship was headed into a strong wind was there any trouble looking forward. Unfortunately a lab on the flying bridge blocked the view aft, so it is very likely that some birds were missed in this direction. Discussion For the purpose of analysis, the area has been divided into seven sections as follows: A) San Diego to 20°N 119°W; B) 20°N 119°W to 0°N 119°W; C) 0°S 119°W to 20°S 119°W; D) 20°S 119°W to 20°S 126°W; E) 20°S 126°W to 0°S 126°W; F) 0°N 126°W to 20°N 126°W; and G) 20°N 126°W to San Diego. These areas are purely arbitrary, but for the present allow for comparison between various parts of the cruise tract. In the future when the environmental data are available, a more meaning- ful analysis will be possible by dividing the region into the various water masses and current regions. Tables 2-10 summarize the observations made in each of these seven regions. Area A was characterized mainly by the presence of Leach's Storm Petrels and Black-footed Albatross with an occasional Manx Shearwater. Many coastal California birds were seen only on the first day. When the ship passed through the same general area in March, Leach's Storm Petrels were still common but Black-footed Albatross were almost absent. Also