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EncDate:12/08/24 

EncSeq:1

Enc#:78

ObservBegin:12:20 PM

ObservEnd:02:03 PM

Vessel:KCB III

Other Vessel:Rachel John, Arlene Vargas, Charli Grimes

Staff:Michael Weiss

Pods:Bigg's killer whales

LocationDescr:Waldron Island

Start Latitude:48 43.287

Start Longitude:123 01.97

End Latitude:48 41.49

End Longitude:123 03.78

EncSummary:

The team received reports of the T75Bs off the north side of Waldron. Looking at their photos from previous, they decided that there was definitely a need for improved ID photos of this group. They got off the dock at 1142 and headed northeast.

The team arrived on scene at Bare Island at 1220. The whales were circling the island, clearly foraging. The team hung back and waited for them to get into open water before attempting any ID passes. Soon, the whales broke from the Bare Island shoreline and headed towards the north side of President Channel. The team was able to catch up with them at get a couple right side passes before they started hugging the Waldron shoreline as they went down the channel.

The team stayed offshore as the whales made their way down the east side of Waldron. The whales turned the corner at Point Disney and headed into Cowlitz Bay. About half way across the bay the whales broke off shore again, and the team was able to get their right side pass on the group. The team ended the encounter at 1403 and headed back to Snug.

Photos taken under Federal Permits

NMFS PERMIT: 27038/DFO SARA 388