Journals 2004/2005

Linda Hoffman
Palms Middle School, West Los Angeles, California

"Structure of Populations, Levels of Abundance, and Status of Humpback whales (SPLASH)" NOAA Ship McArthur July 28 - August 28, 2004

Journal Index: July 28 - 29 - 30 - 31 August 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11           12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19           21 - 22 - 23 - 24 - 25 - 26 - 27 - 28

August 8, 2004

7am. I spent all morning up on the bridge with no sightings. Beaufort 5 (white caps) The hydrophone is in the water and sperm whales are being heard but we do not see them.

11:30am. Lunchtime and I am back up on deck. The wind has picked up and it is very difficult to stay outside. Sightings will now be conducted from the inside the bridge.

5pm. Dinner.

6pm. I decide to go back down to the dry lab and listen to the whales on the hydrophone.

Everyone is in the lab and they're very excited. Shannon heard a thump, thump on the hydrophone and even Dr. Barlow doesn't know what it was. It is too dark and nasty outside now to try to see it, so the sound will have to be evaluated when the ship ends its cruise in October.