A big day for dolphins. This morning both of the boats used in the project departed Moss Landing in search of Bottlenose Dolphins. The Astrix headed north while The Maverix turned south under cloudy, windless skies. The calm seas provided excellent opportunies for spotting marine mammals, and team members identified Harbour Porpoises, California Sea Lions, Southern Sea Otters and Harbour Seals before encountering several pods of Bottlenose Dolphins feeding, playing and milling in the shallow waters just beyond the surfline. The cloud cover dissipated and the California sun sparkled off the breaking waves.

Once the dolphins were located, the serious work began...recording animal numbers and behaviour, snapping images for photo identification and keeping a keen eye out for surfacing animals. Eight new animals were identified off Marina State Beach, including two calves less than a week old. Some thrilled the team with exuberant leaps over breaking waves, while others accompanied The Maverix by riding the boat's bow wave.

On our return to Pacific Grove, the process of data entry and photo identification continued. One dolphin, originally identified in 1994, was recognised, but the remainder appeared to be animals new to Monterey Bay since previous surveys were undertaken.

The evening provided opportunities for team members to enjoy more of Peter and Daniela's incredible cooking and to share stories of previous Earthwatch adventures.

Daniel