marine mammal sightings

	Whale and Dolphin Sightings
Within the waters of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary at least 28 species of whales and dolphins have been identified. Eighteen of these species are seen frequently enough to be considered residents or regular visitors. Throughout the year it is possible to see common dolphin, Risso’s dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, pacific white-sided dolphin, Dall’s porpoise and an occasional pod of orcas. Large baleen whales are usually found during specific seasons with gray whales common from late December through March, and sightings of blue and humpback whales around July - September. However, you never know exactly what wildlife you will see when you go out to sea on your travels to the Channel islands. The table below is a summary from recent Island Packers Trips. To review statistics of marine mammal sightings maintained by NOAA, go the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Marine Mammal Data Base.
Updated on: May 5th 2008
Description of Sightings	Image of Species	Species Description
Sightings of common dolphin remain abundant. We are finding large pods of about 1000 animals or more during crossings to the islands.		Common Dolphin, Delphinus delphis This is the most abundant cetacean (whale or dolphin) off the west coast. Positive identification is made by the triangular dorsal fin, distinct narrow snout, and unique color pattern. The color pattern is dark gray-to-black on top, the belly and sides forward of the dorsal fin are very light in color.
A few Pacific white-sided dolphin were seen mid March 2008. These beautiful dolphins are not as abundant as the common dolphin in our local area.		Pacific White-sided Dolphin, Lagenorhynchus obliquidens. This species is only seen once and awhile. The shape of the dorsal fin is falcate (curved) and the color of the fin is usually black in front and white on the back edge. The topside of the body is dark and there is a light colored marking running down the side from about the chin to the tail.
Risso's Dolphins are being seen off the Channel Islands as of the end of Jan. 08. The Risso's dolphin usually come to feed on squid that move into the area in fall & winter.		Risso's Dolphin, Grampus griseus This dolphin sometimes is shy and will not come close to boats. Risso's have a very tall dorsal fin and a unique color pattern of gray skin covered with white scars. The face is somewhat rounded with a tiny rostrum or snout. The young animals have fewer scars, while older animals may be so heavily scarred they appear white.
We are having occassional sightings of bottlenose dolphins near the harbors. There are also occassional sightings of the offshore population in the deeper water near the islands		Bottlenose Dolphin, Tursiops truncatus This dolphin is larger than the common dolphin and is more uniform gray in color. Bottlenose are often seen inshore, but some visit offshore habitat near the Channel Islands.
Sightings of small pods of Dall's porpoise were last observed in the month of May 2007. Generally this species is only seen once and awhile this far south.		Dall's Porpoise, Phocoenoides dalli The striking black and white color pattern helps to identify this species. Dalls' are very fast swimmers and active bow riders. This is a porpoise and differs from the dolphin in several ways. Porpoise have spade shaped teeth, dolphins have cone shaped teeth, and porpoise do not have a beak, while most dolphin do have a prominent beak or snout.
A few mother gray whales and their new young are still heading north as this years migration comes to en end. We have seen orca and humpbacks as well as gray whales at the end of March.		Gray Whale, Eschrichtus robustus Gray whales make two migrations through the Santa Barbara Channel each year. They head south towards Baja in winter, and then pass through again in spring as they travel north to their feeding grounds in the arctic. This whale has series of ridges can be seen on their back where most whales have a fin. Their skin color is dark gray with lots of light patches.
Humpback sightings are still outstanding as of April 28th. The humpback whales are known to visit the local offshore waters to feed in spring and summer.		Humpback Whale, Megaptera novaengliae Unlike the gray whales, which simply pass through the local waters, humpbacks travel to the Santa Barbara Channel to feed during periods of nutrient upwelling in the spring and/or summer. The dorsal fin of the humpback has a bump or lump in front of the triangular tip. The tail of a humpback is deeply notched in the center.
We experienced our first 2008 sighting early in May. The whale approached the boat providing great looks. The blue whales are usually found here in the spring and summer.		Blue Whale, Balaenoptera musculus This species like the humpback, comes to the Channel Islands region to feed during the spring and summer months. An overall grayish-blue color, long robust body that can reach 100 feet in length, and a tiny dorsal fin are key physical characteristics to look for when identifying a blue whale. Spouts of whales are also unique to each species. The spout of a blue whale looks like a tall mushroom shaped cloud.
One sighting of a fin whale was made mid March 07 during a crossing to Santa Cruz Island. The whale stayed at depth for very long periods of time and appeared to be traveling.		Fin Whale, Balaenoptera physalus The fin whale is the second largest whale after the blue whale. They are known to reach length of at least 85 feet. The fin whale is sometimes seen traveling with the blue whales when they arrive in the Santa Barbara Channel to feed in the spring and summer. Fin whales are dark gray to brown in color and the lower portion along the right side of the head is white.
Orca & gray whales are both here now. We have seen them recently (03/2008). Orca sightings are rare and a very special event that can occur at any time of the year.		Orca Whale, Ocinus orca Orca can be found in all oceans of the world and are seen occasionally around the Channel Islands. Orcas that visit the this area are considered transients, a population of orca that feeds on marine mammals. Though marine mammals that transients prey on, such as seals and sea lions are plentiful in the local area, sightings of orca remain rare.
To learn more about the ocean environment around the Channel Islands, and some of the marine life and marine mammals that we see on Island Packers cruises, download the pdf "Marine Mammals". Below are some animals we often see but do not include in our sightings count. *Click on image to the left to download.
California sea lions		California Sea Lion, Zalophus californianus Sea lions are one of the most abundant marine mammals off the west coast and can be found all year round at the Channel Islands. Sea lions are frequently found hauled out on the rocks near the landing cove at Anacapa Island where they can be observed from our boats. In addition many overlooks allow you to see them while you are hiking on the islands.
Harbor seals		Harbor Seal, Phoca vitulina Like the sea lions, harbor seals can be found year round at the Channel Islands. Seals and sea lions have different characteristics you can use to tell them apart. Sea lions are very vocal and have a loud bark, while harbor seals tend not to use their voice very much. Sea lions are brownish in color and harbor seals are mottled gray. Sea lions walk upright on their flippers, while harbor seals move along on their belly.
Elephant seals (mostly on outer island trips such as San Miguel & Santa Barbara Island		Northern Elephant Seal, Mirounga angustirostris The elephant seal is an endangered species. Sightings of elephant seals usually occur on our outer island trips. The elephant seal breeds on the Channel Islands and also hauls out to molt (shed their fur). The breeding season is in winter. Male, female and juvenile seals haul out at different periods during the summer months to molt.
Birds to see on and around the Channel Islands National Park		The Channel Islands National Park is an important refuge for many species of birds. The successful recovery of the California Brown Pelican is in part due to the very important protected nesting sites on the Channel Islands. To learn more about birds, and to download the bird list for the National Park visit the Birdwatching page on the Park's website.
Birdwatchers can check the LA Adubon website for species noted during bird watching tours.