Good Afternoon Peduncle Patrollers,

Today we reunited with Captain Deb and our comrades of the Asteria in our quest for humpback whales on the Southwest Corner.  Maddy and I were fortunate enough to have Laura Howes, lead naturalist and cetologist, in our company!  We soon spotted the proud white plumes of a traveling humpback duo, Venom and Perseid!  Today’s sighting of Venom was unique from yesterday’s observations, as this monumental mysticete wore a satellite tag on the left dorsal flank!  The Center for Coastal Studies has recently continued tagging humpback whales, with the intent of deciphering any health effects imposed by such devices.

Satellite tag visible on Venom's left dorsal flank. Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Center for Coastal Studies deployed the tag within the last 24 hours. Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Marine biologists have an invested interest in tagging migratory species, as such animals travel to regions that vary in environmental protection.  Sharks are of particular interest for tagging, as the majority of shark species are smaller in scale than whales and can be temporarily removed from the ocean for the application of internal tags.  Dr. Greg Skomal, a local shark scientist of Massachusetts, has collaborated with Ocearch and National Geographic to investigate residency, site fidelity, and habitat use of white sharks and other elasmobranchs worldwide.  He was instrumental in the tagging of juvenile sand tiger sharks at Duxbury Bay from 2009-2012.  There is 49% data deficiency on the population status of sharks, a plight of conservation efforts to which many whale scientists can relate!

Shards pectoral flipper slapping. Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

We only grazed upon the science of tagging prior to our departure from Venom and Perseid, but soon happened upon the humpback whale Shards who exhibited the charismatic art of pectoral flipper slapping!  We shared this phenomenal sight with the Aurora, but eventually had to depart for dry land.  Today was a pure pleasure on the calm Atlantic ocean, and I anticipate my next expedition with our excellent interns!

Peace and Love,

Rich