End of project update. We finished up on the water two days
ago.Lots of spotted and bottlenose dolphins. Just mailed our final set
of equipment back today. Overall, a successful project. As is often
typically, the majority of our data came in several closely packed days.
This is often becuase we're dependent on both the weather and the
animals' movements. Both have to be favorable. But 8 DTAGs and mulitple
satellite tags during the trip make this a huge success. In addition, we
collected samples for our collaborators including skin biopsies of
various species (for genetic and health analyses), we sighted 12 species
in all, Cascadia collected many dorsal fin identification photos, squid
and other prey animals were collected when found at the surface, and
Russ Andrews was able to Flir (IR image) odontocetes and ECG tag a pilot
whale. It was a diverse and broadly collaborative project. The short
term goal is now to get our data analyses moving and prepare
for a presentation at the upcoming Society for Marine Mammalogy meeting
in Tampa in 2 weeks.
Below are a few summary photos from
the project and last few days. The include: a pic of a squid sample
(note the deep red color of the animal), spotted dolphins riding in our
wake, Aliza (the blog's co-author) working up the tags on the boat, and a
final group Flir.
Thanks to all of you for following us! In a few days we'll update you on the upcoming adventures and when to tune in next!
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| Soon-to-be identified squid. |
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| Aliza finishing up a DTAG at the end of a day. |
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| Spotted dolphins (including a calf) riding our boat wake. |
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| Group photo: Russ, Jess (holding Dexter the dog), Daniel, Robin, Aran, Greg, Aliza (holding a cat). |
