Marine Mammal Research
From May-October, we collect observational data on marine mammals and other sightings from local whale watch boats. Our research focuses primarily on and around Jeffreys Ledge, a prominent area in the Gulf of Maine and a popular fishing and whale watching spot. We are the only organization to collect consistent data on the marine mammals inhabiting Jeffreys Ledge during the summer, and have been doing so since 1996. To view the latest whale sightings, please click here.
About our Data Collection
While aboard the whale watch trips, we record sightings of all marine mammals (whales, dolphins, seals) and other species of interest, such as sharks, fish and seabirds. We also photograph the natural markings and any other distinguishing characteristics of the whales so that we can record them as part of our identification studies. We use these photographs to track individual whales and maintain a catalog of local finback and humpback whales.
In addition, we record physical data such as weather and sea conditions, ocean temperature and the presence of other vessels in the area.
Current Research Projects
- Identifying and cataloging local finback and humpback whale populations
- Studying the distribution of whales, basking sharks and ocean sunfish on the Ledge.
About Jeffreys Ledge
Jeffreys Ledge is a 33-mile long rocky ledge which stretches from Cape Ann, Massachusetts to just southeast of Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Water depth on the ledge ranges from about 140-240 feet, while the water depth around the ledge drops off quickly to 250-600 feet. As the water depth decreases on the edge of the ledge, upwellings occur which bring nutrients toward the surface, creating a productive habitat.
Whales seen by affiliate scientist Jonathan Gwalthney on the Deborah Ann Cardhu
Palmer Crary
Viking
Hat Trick
Arrowhead
Ase
Canine
Solas
Hangglide
Bobsled
Badge
Sedge
Quote
Highlighter
Cattail
Tracer
Sutures
Hail
Vulture
Diablo
Mudskipper
Jigger
Handstand
2006 Humpbacks Colt
Cork
Crystal
Fan
Flask
Grommet
Halfmoon
Kohoutek
Hornbill
I
nchworm
Jungle
Owl
Parrot and calf
Pinball's 2005 calf (not yet named)
Quote
Satula
Shark
Sickle
Spoon and calf
Shishkabob
Tanith (Hercules) and calf
Teo
Tracer
Tulip 2005 calf (not yet named)
Upsilon
Valley
Wy
2005 Humpbacks Apostrophe
Ase
Badge
Barb
Buckshot
Bungee and calf
Cardhu
Clamp
Cone
Doric
Evolution
Flask
Freckles
Fulcrum
Halfmoon
Hat Trick
Hornbill
Howler
Kansas
Karli
Kilter
Knuckles and calf
Lightning and calf
Littlespot
Newton
Nile
Orion
Owl
Pallette's 2004 calf
Pinball and calf
Quote
Quote's 2004 calf
Reaper
Rune's 2004 calf
Satula
Scylla and calf
Sedge
Sickle & calf
Sweep
Tigris
Tornado
Trident
