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Monterey Bay Whale Watch
Map of Marine Mammal Sightings in the Monterey Bay Region

December 26, 1997 - January 25, 1998
compiled by Richard Ternullo

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Marine Mammal Sightings Map (18K)

Note: Gray Whales were present in large numbers throughout the area during this reporting period, and are not plotted on the chart. Numerous California Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, and Southern Sea Otters are seen on all trips, and also are not plotted.

From 12/26/97 through 1/25/98 Gray Whales were the dominant cetacean present. Gray Whale numbers will slowly decline until mid February, then will increase through March as the whales head north. A record number of Gray Whale calves were seen in Monterey, those that were born early. Thirty-six calves were recorded by whale watching boats and over 40 from the Gray Whale census station at Granite Canyon. Monterey Bay Whale Watch witnessed the first ever recorded birth of a Gray Whale calf in this area.

No Dall's porpoise were sighted this month, which is unusual but probably due to sea surface temperatures that are about 4 degrees higher than average. This increased temperature may account for the many sightings of common dolphins, a species that prefers warmer waters.

Click for daily sightings list 12/26/97 - 01/25/98 (corresponding to map above).

The sightings plotted above were compiled by Richard Ternullo for the period 12/26/97 to 1/25/98. Sightings reported by N. Black, G. Fisher, N. Lemon, H. Neece, Monterey Bay Whale Watch, L. Oliver, R. Ternullo, R/V Western Flyer, J. Williamson, W Williamson.

Copyright © 1998 R. Ternullo. No reproduction of the map or use of the sightings information is permitted without prior approval.

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Monterey Bay Whale Watch, LLC
84 Fisherman's Wharf
Monterey, CA 93940
 
Phone 831-375-4658  
E-mail whaletrips@gowhales.com

Copyright © 1998 Richard Ternullo
Last updated February 27, 1998