2017 06-04 SB Channel
There was a marine layer of low stratus clouds all day, and in spots it was down on the deck. Nevertheless, Captain Eric and his crew had another epic adventure in the Santa Barbara Channel today. 4 blue whales, 2 humpback whales and at least 3,000 long-beaked common dolphins were closely watched. This is a great time of year for cetaceans in our Channel.
In the morning, just 6 miles out from Santa Barbara, 2 adult humpback whales were watched in a large oceanic hot spot along the 50 fathom curve. Here the humpbacks were feeding on northern anchovies along with thousands of dolphins and a cadre of sea lions and sea birds. The dolphins spent a lot of time next to the boat and the whales made a few close passes too. Tail flukes were a common sight.
From this hot spot, Eric ran straight across the Channel on a southwesterly track and ended up a few miles off Carrington Point, Santa Rosa Island were blue whales had been found two days ago. Sure enough, soon after arriving on the scene our sharp-eyed deckhand Steve located very tall spouts nearby. Four blue whales were closely watched. They were so close to the boat that the sound of their spouts made your spine tingle. These giants put up their tails too, but not as often as the humpbacks. At least 4 additional blue whale spouts were seen in the distance, but the fog came in and it was time to head back to the harbor.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express
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