[CINC] Orcas in the SB Channel

[Catherine French]

Aboard the Ocean Ranger today, we encountered a pod of 5 Orcas heading west as we were heading to Landing Cove at AI. We had about 44 people on board going to AI mostly for ice plant removal and others heading out to SBI for the day for other types of work.

We were about 5 miles offshore of AI's north shore heading straight for the cove when the Orcas appeared on our bow. Earlier we had a visit from about 50 common dolphin in our stern wake. 

There were 3 adults and two juveniles in the pod, they weren't very showy or friendly, but we got good views.

Great day on the island, I was on plankton two and urchin larval citizen science project, Marty Flam was onboard to assist with the ice plant pullers. Vanguard arrived with only three passengers to off load, so I lead them on a hike to Inspiration Point and while there met up with kayak guide John from CI Outfitters with high school students that had shuttled over on the Island Adventure for a hike and kayaking at AI. He asked me to talk about Frenchy, or Raymond LaDrue and explain how he lived there and how the cover got that name. Also, did some see collection for Sarah Chaney who was on island as well.

Capt. Dennis Carlson mentioned when they picked us up that they observed 5 Rissos dolphins as they were nearing SBI then on their way back to pick us up they saw them again on the south side of AI about 5 miles offshore. 

That's today's report!


Calm Seas,
 
Catherine French
Writer, mentor, naturalist
805.570.0432
To own is to have; to share with friends, is to enjoy.

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