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Gray Whale Census
Today’s Count
ACS/LA Gray Whale Census and Behavior Project Update, Pt. Vicente Interpretive Center, 21 Feb 2025: Six (6) GRAY WHALEs seen today; 4 northbound and 2 southbound. Sighting #1 and #3 were single, fluking northbound GRAY WHALES. Sighting #2 was a single southbound GRAY WHALE that was swimming with BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS. #2 had a very white head and could be seen swimming underwater. Sighting #4 was a single whale that only surfaced twice, heading south. Sighting #5, a pair of whales heading north, was picked up past transect one mile offshore. One FIN whale was spotted 1 to 2 miles offshore. We watched COMMON DOLPHINS and coastal BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS. Late in the day the fog rolled in, reducing visibility. (Summary by Census Volunteer M’Liz Callender). *Photos today: Gray Whale #2 swimming with dolphins (by observer M’Liz Callender).
Gray Whales today:
Southbound: 2
Northbound: 4
Total: 6
Gray Whales to date (since 1 Dec)
Southbound: 99
Northbound 18
Total: 117
Southbound calves: 0
Northbound calves: 0
#ACSLADailyCount
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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.
Gray Whale Census and Behavior Project
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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