Monterey Bay Whale Watch Map of Marine Mammal
Sightings in the Monterey Bay Region
April 1 - April 30, 1999
compiled by Richard Ternullo
Note: Gray Whales were numerous throughout the area during this reporting period, and are not plotted on the chart. Numerous California Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, and Southern Sea Otters are seen on all trips, and also are not plotted.
Gray whales are still the most frequently sighted baleen whale. This year there is extensive feeding behavior on massive krill swarms. Individual whales have been identified by unique markings that suggest they are remaining in the area for several days while feeding. At least four modes of exploiting krill as a prey item have been observed. They have also been seen feeding in the same area as Humpback Whales, but not together.
Among the toothed whales, Pacific White-sided Dolphin seem to be replacing Long Beaked Common Dolphin as water temperatures drop with the recent spring gales. Sightings of Sperm Whales are an added bonus.
The sightings plotted above were compiled by Richard Ternullo for the period 4/1/99 to 4/30/99.
Sightings reported by British Broadcasting Company, D. Davi, C. Dennie, EcoScan, G. Fisher, D. Lemon, N. Lemon, Monterey Bay Whale Watch, National Geographic Television, H. Neece, L. Oliver, Shearwater Journeys, J. Wetly, C. Wittaker, T. Zoliniack