Earthwatch Expedition: Marine Mammals of Monterey California Team 3 Aug 30-Sept 8 2006

The mission of this expedition is to get to know the sea otters and bottlenose dolphins of central California's coast. As a middle school science teacher, I will join scientists in the field to participate in a population study of marine mammals. This expedition experience is funded by the Earthwatch Institute through grants from Wells Fargo Bank and the National Geographic Education Foundation. I will keep in contact with my students in Phx, AZ to share the experience.

About Me

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Location: Phoenix, Arizona

I love taking my family on trips that are educational, adventurous, but most of all fun! Last year the four of us went to Karchner Caverns and had a great time. In years past Michelle and I have gone on scuba trips including a great trip to Keylargo Florida where we went diving each day in the warm waters. This year is so exciting as we anticipate our adventure to Baja Mexico to pet the Grey Whales that migrate there for just a short time to give birth to their young.

Tuesday, September 05, 2006




September 8, 2006

At 9:00am we boarded the Astirix. The task for the day is to study bottlenose dolphins in Monterey Bay. A survey log will be used to record sightings of dolphins and all other marine mammals we encounter. When taking photos of the dolphins, the scientists attempt to get a perpendicular shot of the dorsal fin in order to see the indentifying notch marks that are the most useful when doing photo ID. Today was the best day yet for dolphin sightings. Over 400 photos were taken during the day. Tonight, back at the house we will preview each photo and rate them for quality, try to match them to previously identified dolphins, and make sketches of fins that may belong to new dolphins.

posted by Donna Konkright | 4:45 PM

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