[CINC] January 20 Islander and Western Gray Whale

[Michele]

Hello, 

Yesterday on the Islander we had an amazing encounter with a group of 8 Gray Whales starting just off the west end of Anacapa. At first from a distance, their blows were often, in sync and not looking like Grays at all, but they after a few surfaces, the spouts started forming hearts and realized they were definitely Grays. In the 14 years I have been whale watching out here, I have never seen a group that large and surfacing that often. It was amazing. We stayed with them for most of the trip.  The last 20 minutes or so, they did split up and some went east and the other 4 we stayed with as they were continuing south off the backside of Anacapa. They were on the surface more than they were under the water diving. Lots and lots of tail flukes and at times they would do a partial roll. About 1000 Common Dolphins spread out joined in with the Grays. They were getting frisky too. One Gray Whale was also spotted behind us heading down the frontside of Anacapa Island while we were watching the group of 8. 

There were only about 25 people on board. Many out of town folks (Sweden, Chicago, Virginia, Florida to name a few). They all commented on how great and amazing encounter that was, despite the rough seas. No one was ill, so that was a blessing so they could all enjoy the scenery and wildlife. 

Thanks to Capt Dave, Danielle and Poncho! Bill W. and I, Michele Wassell were the two naturalist on board. 
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We were also on the look out for the Western Gray Whale that is expected to come through the Channel Islands either yesterday or today. She is the last one that is tagged per reports by Alisa Shulman-Janiger. If anyone gets any photos of Gray Whales from yesterday through this coming Sunday, please email them to her per the researchers request. From Alisa: 

Hi, Everyone-

Varvara, the tagged western gray whale, is expected to pass
through southern California over the next few days. 

Dr. Bruce Mate and others on this research project would love 
to see any photographs taken of gray whales, between today and 
Sunday. 

They hope that perhaps someone will photograph Varvara, Agent
(another tagged western gray whale), or any of the gray whales 
that have accompanied these two females down the coast. Varvara 
was with other gray whales on both Thursday off of Oregon, and 
on Friday off of northern California. 

If you are out on the water betweeen now and Sunday, try to get 
images of both sides of any gray whales, as well as the head 
area and the flukes. The very small tag is located just in front 
of the first dorsal knuckle, so especially try to get images of 
the knuckle area. They are interested in all photos: left and 
right sides, flukes, and head head shots. 

Unfortunately, Dr. Mate cannot authorize others to make close 
approaches to this whale on his permit; hopefully, she will 
surface near enough to someone's boat so that they can capture a 
good image of her. 

Please send your gray whale images (taken today through Sunday) to:
   Bruce Mate <bruce.mate at oregonstate.edu>
   Alisa Schulman-Janiger <janiger at cox.net>

Dr. Mate will make sure that all photos are shared with the two groups 
cataloging western gray whales. He asks that folks sharing photos with 
him also allow the images to go to John Calambokidas as a permanent and 
on-going focus of archiving gray whale material. Photographer's names 
will stay associated with their photos as meta-data. Dr. Mate and his 
colleagues will recognize folks whose efforts contribute to the 
resulting products.

Thanks so very, very much. Good luck!

Alisa




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