Mendonoma Whale and Seal Study

This image shows the fins of several gray whales above the surface of the water

Recent Sightings

  • SUNDAY, AUGUST 18, 2024

    —

    by

    tmercer
    in

    OBSERVATIONS TODAY FROM THE POINT ARENA LIGHTHOUSE PENINSULA AND FROM SAUNDERS REEF:

    Excellent visibility at both sites

    calm ocean conditions, light breeze

    At PAL:

     * 1 unspecified whale, 4-5 miles out, several tall blows, not traveling

     * 73 harbor seals

     * 2 sea lions swimming north

    At Saunders Reef:

     * no whales seen

     * 1 red-tailed hawk

     * 1 great blue heron

     

  • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2024

    —

    by

    tmercer
    in

    All day FOG over the ocean at both Point Arena Lighthouse Peninsula as well as at Saunders Reef made observations today impossible.

    AT PAL:

    * 43 harbor seals

     

  • TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2024

    —

    by

    tmercer
    in

    Observations today from the Point Arena Lighthouse peninsula and from Saunders Reef

    Significant FOG at PAL – no whales seen

     * 84 harbor seals

     At Saunders Reef – much greater visibility

    * 8 finback whales traveling  north

     

     

  • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2024

    —

    by

    tmercer
    in
    Join us Thurs 8/8 as Resilient Earth Radio hosts & producers talk with Michael Stocker, an acoustician and naturalist by trade and a musician by avocation. Stocker has written and spoken about marine bio-acoustics and the impacts ocean noise pollution has on marine life since 1992, presenting in national and regional hearings, national and international television, radio and news publications, and museums, schools, and universities. His understanding of both physics and biology has proven invaluable in court testimony and legal briefs, defending the environment against the dangers of human generated noise in the sea.


    Michael’s gift for conveying complex scientific and technical issues in clear, understandable terms is key in his role as a public spokesperson on issues of ocean conservation, physics, communication technology, and biology.

     
    This show is being recorded LIVE on KGUA public radio for distribution this Fall as a podcast on all podcast platforms. Hosts Leigh Anne Lindsey, Scott & Tree Mercer Mendonoma Whale & Seal Study, Produced at KGUA Studios by Sea Storm Studios and Planet Centric Media.

  • Sunday, July 28, 2024

    —

    by

    tmercer
    in

    Observations from the Point Arena Lighthouse peninsula and from Saunders Reef

    At PAL:

    * 4 finback whales

    * 11 harbor seals (high tide)

    * 2 sea lions swimming north

     * 3 oyster catchers

     * 1 great blue heron

    At Saunders Reef:

    * 8 finback whales