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Gray Whale Census
Today’s Count
ACS/LA Gray Whale Census and Behavior Project Update, Pt. Vicente Interpretive Center, 20 Jan 2025: we spotted 2 solo GRAY WHALES this morning! We tracked our first GRAY WHALE for over 40 minutes, as this adult passed about a half mile offshore. Less than 10 minutes later, we spotted our second GRAY WHALE! This smaller whale passed very close to shore; we tracked it for 20 minutes. It had a large white patch on its rostrum (head). Photos revealed an injury at the base of its peduncle and white parallel scars on its body and scars on its flukes, likely from a serious entanglement: very lucky this whale survived! We also watched COMMON DOLPHINS and coastal BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS. (Summary by Census Director Alisa Schulman-Janiger)
*Video today: our gray whale #2 rolls around very close to shore south of our research site, by offsite independent drone operator Mauricio Tassara @emptydrone.
Gray Whales today:
Southbound: 2
Northbound: 0
Total: 2
Gray Whales to date (since 1 Dec)
Southbound: 45
Northbound 3
Total: 48
#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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