2003 Marine Mammal Survey
This time, the storm was headed to the northwest Gulf, the same area in which we were hoping to work. We spent a few days working within a safe distance of a protected port, see ship's position on chart below, while evaluating the options. On the 4th day, the decision was made to turn around and head east, where better weather was forecasted.
Conditions improved rapidly. On the passage east we broke a visual sighting record 37 sightings of 12 different species! Our good weather omen continued throughout the remainder of the cruise. We had many days of no wind and perfectly calm seas as shown in the photos below. The scientists were busy keeping track of the many mammals while the ships command sighed in relief, until the next storm.
Below are mammal photos taken on Leg II. Click on image for larger view.(All photos property of NOAA)
Spotted dolphins (
Stenella frontalis
).
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