Exploring the Depths: A Rare Encounter with Beaked Whales

During our recent ⁤aerial survey, we were fortunate enough ​to spot not one, but two ⁣species of ​beaked whales within a 5 nautical mile radius!

Beaked whales are known‍ for their impressive deep-diving abilities, reaching ​depths of⁢ 3,300 feet or more ⁤in search of food (2,3). To put that into ​perspective,⁣ that’s deeper ‌than two Empire State Buildings stacked on ‍top of each other! The‍ Cuvier’s beaked whale holds ‌the current ⁢record ​for the⁣ longest dive duration at‍ three hours and 42 minutes (4), while the human record is less than 25 minutes (5)!⁢ Due to‌ their extended dive times and short​ surface intervals, beaked ⁣whales are a‌ rare sight even for experienced researchers. At⁤ the start of each flight, we ⁢like to make a ⁤wish⁤ for ⁢the day’s ​sightings (mine is usually an otter or twenty​ – ‍along with leatherbacks,⁤ of course), but‍ seeing multiple rare species‌ like⁤ beaked whales in⁤ one ​day is beyond our wildest dreams. Without photographic‍ evidence, our colleagues may not have believed us. In fact,⁤ they⁢ thought we were joking when we first ⁤told them.

The Deep Divers: Beaked‌ Whales and Leatherback ⁢Turtles

Beaked whales and ⁣leatherback​ turtles have ⁤a lot in ‍common. Both are capable of diving to extreme depths, with leatherbacks reaching ⁤depths of over 4,000 feet ⁢for up to‍ 85 minutes while foraging (6). They also have unique physical adaptations that allow their bodies to⁣ withstand the pressure and lack of‌ oxygen at such depths. However, sightings of Pacific leatherbacks are rare ⁢due to their diving habits and a decline in population of 80-90% over the last three decades (1). The main ⁢threat they⁣ face ⁤is accidental capture in ⁣commercial and ⁣artisanal ‌fishing gear ​throughout the​ Pacific Ocean ⁣as they migrate from breeding grounds in Indonesia and⁢ the‍ Solomon⁤ Islands to their foraging grounds⁣ in the eastern North Pacific (6).

Aerial Surveys: A Unique Opportunity to Study Marine Animals

Aerial surveys provide ‍a ‍unique opportunity to identify ⁤and study⁢ animals ⁢that may ‌be more difficult to find ​on land or by boat. They are also the only way to‍ estimate⁢ the ​abundance and⁤ density of elusive ⁣leatherback turtles. Although our observation efforts ⁢are hindered‌ by their prolonged⁤ dive times, ⁤the bottom line is that we are likely encountering fewer leatherback turtles⁤ due to their ‌declining ⁢population numbers. Our continued⁢ survey efforts provide a one-of-a-kind⁤ opportunity to learn⁤ more about leatherbacks ‍and other elusive marine species. ​These surveys were made possible by ​funding from the Bureau of Ocean Energy‍ Management, California’s Ocean‍ Protection Council, and ⁤other supporters of Upwell. We hope to find even more leatherbacks next year! In the meantime, I’ll keep practicing my photography skills and sharing the species we encounter with our community.