Encounter # 48 • September 10 • L's

Platform: Orca
Departed Snug Harbor: 12:45 p.m.
Begin Encounter: 1:20 p.m.
Start Lat: 48° 34.94 N
Start Long: 123° 01.90 W
End Encounter: 4:25 p.m.
End Lat: 48° 32.27 N
End Long: 123° 10.36 W
Returned to Snug Harbor: 6:35 p.m.

Observers: Erin Heydenreich, Astrid van Ginnekin and Stefan Jacobs

After receiving a report of approximately 20 whales in San Juan Channel, Center staff encountered L's heading north close to shore off Shaw Island. The whales turned and went west through Spieden Channel and then headed south down the west side of San Juan Island. The encounter ended off Bellevue Point with the whales spread out in loose groups. The groups seen were: L26's, L43's, L4's and L21's. K's were reported in the area, but none were seen or documented by the Center. J's were reported off the west side.