Research Field Notes: No 13

Notes from the field No. 13:

10/1/2014. Dolphin Boat Survey

Today’s survey extended from the Jupiter Inlet (N 260 56.624' W 800 03.805') down to the Lake Worth Inlet [aka the Palm Beach Inlet] (N 260 46.300' W 800 03.500').

Water conditions: 0-2  Wind: W 0-5

Duration: 8:00 am-1:30 pm

Encounters: We had three encounters with an estimated 20-25 animals in total. The first group were feeding and giving us a run around. The second group was quick with an up and out of sight! No ID images were obtained for the second encounter. The third encounter (pictured above)....BABY!!! there was a group of 10-12 animals with newborn cutie. This group seemed to like us and allowed us to be a part of their group for a couple hours. They were traveling at a slow speed, crossing around and under us the entire time. Half way through the encounter, the adults, including mom were resting and stopped and milled around. Baby was being taken care of by a juvenile. They were very lively, the babysitter was having fun tossing the baby around a bit. But soon after mom did several large tail slaps. Everyone woke up and got back in line and started traveling south again. We didn't want to leave them, but we got 100s of photos and the rain started chasing us back to the docks.

Other: we saw two spinner sharks off in the distance and one shark (species unknown) swimming by the boat on the way back to the dock. We saw 4 turtles. Turtle season is slowing down. I am happy to report we saw zero trash this trip.

Crew notes: We had a new crew member joining us this week. Mandi. She is "on loan" from the neuroscience lab of Ken Dawson-Scully, here at FAU. Hopefully she will be joining us for many future trips.