Good Evening Briny Brigade, 

Today we engaged the Northwest Corner with Captain Nate and the Cetacean cavalry.  Our 9am expedition was defined by our pursuit of three humpback whales who embarked on lengthy dives.  We first identified Northstar by the scarring of upon the dorsal flank, and we were later gifted with looks upon the association of I-Vee and Reaper, my favorite lady of the species.  Our interest in Reaper was furthered as she fluked repeatedly at the surface within one moment, making it different to calculate the initiation of a true sounding dive!  

I-Vee.  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Reaper.  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Our 1pm expedition marked our return to the north of Stellwagen Bank, where we discovered Midnight and Wyoming traveling in an association amongst depths exceeding 130’.  We were soon joined by a recreational vessel named Grumpy, which proceeded to rest upon fluke prints to enable its passengers to cast fishing lines in the vicinity of the whales.  This notable behavior was echoed by a fishing vessel that was trolling gear around whale watch vessels.  For a massive whale to be snagged by a tiny hook may seem inconsequential, but a hooked cetacean could easily pull fishing gear into the deep, causing monofilament on a reel to unfurl and entangle smaller marine creatures.  

Midnight.  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Wyoming.  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

Fishing vessel trolling frightfully close to whale activity.  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

A storm of winds of 30+ knots lingers on the dark horizon.  Rich Dolan, BHC naturalist

The dark foreboding skies framed an underlying sense of danger; we witnessed firsthand the hazards manifested when an environment is shared by two species that cannot communicate with or fully adapt to one another.  We are indebted to these creatures who enchant us with their presence, and it is our duty as a seafaring community to encourage thoughtful behavior in this marine wonderland.

Peace and Love,

Rich