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Our Passion Projects – Resesarch
Gray Whale Census
Today’s Count
ACS/LA Gray Whale Census and Behavior Project Update, Pt. Vicente Interpretive Center, 7 May 2024 - message from our observers: we tracked 1 GRAY WHALE this morning, that passed close to shore; it did not fluke. Many white barnacles on its back created an underwater glow, making it easy to track. We spotted one very tall blow ~2 miles away, likely produced by a FIN WHALE. We also watched several groups of COMMON DOLPHINS and coastal BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS. (Summary by Census Director Alisa Schulman-Janiger).
Photos today: Point Vicente Lighthouse and wildflowers, foraging Anna's hummingbird, and fluking coastal bottlenose dolphins just after sunrise (by Alisa Schulman-Janiger).
Gray Whales Today:
Southbound: 0
Northbound: 1
Total: 1
Southbound calves: 0
Northbound calves: 0
Gray Whales to date (since 1 Dec)
Southbound: 224
Northbound: 578
Total: 802
Southbound calves: 22
Northbound calves#acsladailycountcount
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This project runs during daylight hours, from December 1st through late May, on the patio of the Point Vicente Interpretive Center.
This full season shore-based gray whale census has operated on the Palos Verdes Peninsula since 1984. Trained volunteers spot and track Pacific gray whales on their annual migration, recording counts and behaviors. They also identify and record other marine mammals seen. This project runs during daylight hours, from December 1st through late May.
Research Grants
Every year, the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Cetacean Society awards scientific research grants to researchers or students studying cetaceans.
Travel Awards
Every other year we give out Travel Awards to help aspiring cetacean researchers attend both the American Cetacean Society's International Conference and the Society for Marine Mammalogy Conference.
Whalewatch Program
Sponsored in collaboration with the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, ACS-LA trains volunteers (college age and up) as naturalists to accompany whale watching adventures on boats that departing from local landings December 26 through March, educating the public about the whales, dolphins, and marine life that live off our coast. Naturalists also give presentations in classrooms and to groups.
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