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Gray Whale Census
Today’s Count
ACS/LA Gray Whale Census and Behavior Project Update, Pt. Vicente Interpretive Center, 16 April 2025: 4 northbound GRAY WHALES! An early morning sub-adult came so close to shore that we could hear its blows! This somewhat skinny sub-adult milled. Our next sighting was likely two whales: we saw side by side prints multiple times, but only saw the blow, back, and flukes of one adult. Our last pair of whales were both skinny adults: one was dark, and one was much lighter. They also passed so close that we could hear their blows. We also watched foraging COMMON DOLPHINS and several small groups of coastal BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS. (Summary by Census Director Alisa Schulman-Janiger).
Photos today: late afternoon clouds (by anchor Joyce Daniels); gray whale in sighting #2 surfaces; gray whale in sighting #1 flukes (by anchor Laurie Thomson).
Gray Whales Today:
Southbound: 0
Northbound: 4
Northbound calves: 0
Total: 4
Gray Whales to date (since 1 Dec)
Southbound: 125
Northbound: 429
Total: 554
Southbound calves: 0
Northbound calves: 3
#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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