EncDate:13/09/24 

EncSeq:2

Enc#*:94

ObservBegin:10:34 AM

ObservEnd:12:05 PM

Vessel:KCB III

Staff:Dave Ellifrit, Michael Weiss

Other Observers:Rachel John, Arlene Vargas, Alondra Caro Ruiz, Taylor Redmond

Pods:K, L

LocationDescr:Fraser River

Start Latitude:49 05.56

Start Longitude:123 20.20

End Latitude:49 11.23

End Longitude:123 18.50

 

EncSummary:

Once we left J pod (Encounter 93-1), we headed north towards the Coal Docks in hopes of finding more Southern Residents. We had made it most of the way up towards Point Roberts when we saw a report of whales north of the Coal Docks, so that gave us a little more hope of finding something up there. The weather wasn’t really bad, but it was breezy enough for there to be a 1-2 foot chop. We had made it almost to the main mouth of the Fraser River, when we saw whales and the encounter began at 1034.

The whales were spread out and foraging in the midst of hundreds of sport fishing boats. We tried to go to the northwest edge of the scene and worked the whales on the periphery of the sport fishing fleet. Most of the whales were pointed northeast until they got around the edge of the delta and then turned north towards Howe Sound. We started out seeing mostly K pod whales but members of the L4s, and L47s began showing up mixed in with them. Small groups began forming as the whales emerged out of the boats. Some of the groups seemed social although individual whales were still probably foraging. K45 and L125 were enjoying themselves while they played with one another. K43 was also socializing with the two little ones. K45 breached several times while goofing around. The L72s showed up towards the end of the encounter. L90 was photographed without a calf. We ended the encounter at 1205 off the airport on Sea Island with the whales heading north towards Howe Sound. K and L pods were still spread out in small groups and individuals.