M3 Journal Week 3

Year 2001

E-Team

Journal

The Veins of Life Watershed Society

M3 DAILY SUMMARY:

Saturday, July 7th - The M3 crew and vessel attended the Gorge Gala in Kinsmen Park. Our display table was set up to offer information to gala visitors regarding DFO initiatives, especially those of the Oceans and Community Stewardship group. We also manned the kids table that featured a bubble bonanza, bead crafts and face painting fun.

Tuesday, July 10th - The M3 management had a meeting with the Soundwatch Boater Education Program in Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, WA. Productive discussions of brochure printing plans and database collaboration were the main focus. Few whales were sighted throughout the day by any vessels until late afternoon outside Baynes Channel.

Wednesday, July 11th - The morning was spent in the office. Crew engaged in some self-review of the Whale Watch Operators Association Northwest guidelines for marine mammal viewing, as well as a review of crew procedures and expectations. Late morning, the vessel departed Oak Bay and was on scene monitoring minke whale viewing for the afternoon. As the whales were a distance from land, few private vessels were in engaged in viewing.

Thursday, July 12th - The morning was again spent in the office. By lunchtime, the M3 vessel was on scene with killer whales (J, K, and L pods) and several vessels off the Oak Bay waterfront. The whales appeared to be feeding for a few hours with little obvious direction of movement until later afternoon. We were able to contact and offer guidelines to almost all recreational vessels engaged in viewing.

Friday, July 13th - We met up with killer whales (L pod) off False Bay, San Juan Island, WA. J and K pods were spotted at the north end of SJ Island. Weather was a little rough, making it difficult to catch up to the other group. Moored at Friday Harbor overnight to attend a lecture by Dr. Peter Ross on marine mammal contamination issues.

Saturday, July 14th - Unsuccessfully helped Soundwatch find and rescue a stranded, sick harbour seal pup in Friday Harbor. Headed back to Canadian waters to monitor the vessels with L pod off Clover Point. The whales were resting for a good portion of the time, then turned and began travelling back toward Race Rocks. Likely due to the inclement weather, there were few pleasure boats on scene, except for the wind-chasing kite surfers off Dallas Road.