This is for Stan ...

The test launch demonstrates the calf’s ability to leap over oil spills, and it will definitely be beneficial up the road about 10 miles where the Refugio oil spill lurks. Unfortunately, it is not a joke. The spill is, apparently, several times larger than was originally estimated (now 105,000 gallons of oil). We managed this image of mom, with her beautiful white markings

We are hoping with aid from NOAA Fisheries that the whales are able to avoid the spill and not have to rely on junior’s serious hops.

Just ahead of this pair we counted another Gray whale Cow/calf pair. We hope everybody is able to pass cleanly.

We saw no Bottlenose dolphins today. They are at serious risk. Not only do they have to travel through the oil, that is where there dinner is. Not good.

We did see thousands of Common dolphins today. They and the four Humpback whales we saw were further out, and maybe not going to be as affected.

For an update on the spill, click INDEPENDENT.

Gray whales northbound (all) 4 | Calves 2 — 2015 Count 1412 | 243

Hours 8:00