July 2008

Surveying the Sanctuary

The morning fog had already burned off by the time we arrived at the dock in Sausalito.  Six am rays of sunshine glistened off the glassy water while the crew lumbered sleepily around the deck. 

Today was the day I had been waiting for.  A chance to leave my office work behind and tag-along with the researchers as they did their routine survey of Sanctuary wildlife aboard the trusty research vessel Fulmar.   

Continued >>

 

Which Salmon to Eat?

As reported in April’s Upwelling, California usually opens the West Coast wild salmon season in May. Up and down the California coast, you'd see eager fishermen setting up camp preparing for the first day of the fishing season.

Not this year.

Continued >>

 

 

Eighteen Dead Harbor Porpoises

In the past two months, eighteen harbor porpoises have been found dead on beaches between Bodega Bay and Daly City.  According to the Marine Mammal Center, they have been found on the shores of Tennessee Valley, Abbotts Lagoon, Salmon Creek, Rodeo Beach and Thornton Beach.  This is an elevated rate for this area based on Beach Watch data.

Continued >>

 

Endangered Spotlight: Short-tailed Albatross
(Phoebastria albatrus)

One of the rarest visitors to the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary is the short-tailed albatross.  Nesting on islands south of Japan, they make an incredible 2,500 mile journey to our Sanctuary to feed on the bounty of marine life generated by upwelling.

Continued >>

 

 

Photo Credits: Albatross, harbor porpoise and Fulmar ship: NOAA.