JUNE 30, 2009 AFTERNOON Steller sea lion and minke whales at Hein Bank, J pod in Haro Strait

Departure time: 1359

Vessel: Five Star Charter's Supercat

Sighting #1 Steller sea lion (Eumatopia jubatus)
Time: 1503
Location: south Hein Bank marker bouy, Washington
Behaviour: hauled out on bouy
Links

Vancouver Aquarium Steller sea lion fact page
Marine Mammal Consortium fact page

Steller sea lion at south Hein Bank marker Bouy

Sighting #2: Minke whales (Balaenopter acutorostrata)
Time: 1453, 1503
Location: Hein Bank, Washington
Behaviour: foraging

Links
American Cetacean Society minke whale fact sheet

Above 3 photos: minke whale at Hein Bank

Sighting #3: Southern 'Resident' fish eating killer whales (Orcinus orca)
Start Time: 1539 - 1614
Start location: False Bay, San Juan Island, Washington
Behaviour: Spread out and milling
End location: Hannah Heights, San Juan Island
Individuals identified: J16s, J22s, J19s, J17s

Links
Center for Whale Research killer whale fact page, photo ID and matrilines
Orca Adoption Program at Friday Harbour Whale Museum
Orcasound online hydrophone network
Orca Sightings Network
American Cetacean Society fact sheet

A fine example of a `Canadian Aircraft Carrier`

J36, Alki, a 10 year old female

Breach!

To learn some ways how you can help save the whales and the oceans they live in see the Whale Nerds Unite blogpost for June 27, 2009!