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Gray Whale Census
Today’s Count
ACS/LA Gray Whale Census and Behavior Project Update, Pt. Vicente Interpretive Center, 21 Dec 2024 - message from our observers: we spotted a pair of southbound adult GRAY WHALES this afternoon. They passed close to shore; at first they were slow-moving, then sped up. They did not fluke. We tracked 2 solo FIN WHALES. We also spotted some COMMON DOLPHINS, and several groups of coastal BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS.
Photos today: a gray whale blows near Pt. Vicente cliff (by Census co-anchor Carla Gagne); Pt. Vicente Lighthouse with waves, and Census Sunset (by Census co-anchor Chad Sprouse).
Gray Whales Today:
Southbound: 2
Northbound: 0
Total: 2
Gray Whales to date (since 1 Dec)
Southbound: 22
Northbound: 2
Total: 24
#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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