Biology 319: Whale Watching

Whale watching:

Many places offer whale watching excursions during the winter months, especially February (see list attached). You may go on any one of these, and submit a report as described below. Call ahead for reservations, schedules, prices, and instructions on what to bring. You should wear rubber-soled shoes, and bring layers of clothes. It is likely to be chilly and windy out on the boat. If you are susceptible to motion sickness, consider taking anti-seasickness drugs.

Report (30 points):

1. Briefly describe the type(s) of whales that you observed on the trip, and the behaviors that they exhibited. If you did not observe any whales, but observed any other animals, please describe.
2. Write a 1-2 page essay, typed and double-spaced, on the migration of the California gray whale, to include where it migrates to and from, why the migration occurs, and how this animal feeds and reproduces. You may use outside information resources (library, Internet, etc.) for this. If so, cite all references in the proper scientific format.
3. If you have any other comments, please include them.

There are many places that offer whale watching trips:

• Orange Co. Marine Institute, at end of Dana Point Harbor Dr., including cruises on Feb. 17, 18, 24, and 25. Click here for details or call 949-496-2274 (2/13/01).
• Dana Point Marina (Did not attempt to confirm, 2/13/01)
• Davy's Locker, Balboa Pavilion, 400 Main Street, Balboa Island/Newport Beach. tel: 714-673-1434 Directions: Take 55 South to its end, which turns into Newport Blvd. keep going straight, towards the coast, on Newport Blvd. About 1 mile after it crosses Pacific Coast Highway, it merges with and turns into Balboa Ave. (at approx. 21st St.). Continue on Balboa Ave., approx. 1.5 miles, until you get to Main St. (a main intersection with a stop light). Turn left onto Main St., and it dead ends into Newport Pavilion and Davy's Locker.
• Ports O'Call (310-547-9977), at the end of the 110 freeway south in San Pedro. Call one of the following for reservations, times, costs, etc.: Los Angeles Harbor Cruise (310-831-0996) (Daily, adult rate $15, no reservations required, as of 2/13/01) and Spirit Cruises (310-548-8080).
• Cabrillo Marine Aquarium staff will conduct two special programs to view gray whales along our coastline. We'll meet in the John M. Olguin Auditorium at 10 am for a slide show/lecture, followed by a voyage in search of the whales, returning at 1:30 pm. Two dates: Sunday, February 11; Sunday, March 25. Cost is $15 ($14 FRIENDS). Call 310-548-7562 to register or, for further information, call Larry Fukuhara at (310) 548-7562, x5011.
• Whalewatch volunteers, trained by Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Cetacean Society, take to the sea throughout whalewatch season (December 26 to the end of March) to observe gray whales on their migration along southern California's coast. Join the fun by calling Alex at Whalewatch at 310/548-8397, Tuesdays thru Fridays, from 8:30 am - 1 pm. For 24-hour recorded information call 310/832-4444.