Departed port at 7am, forecast was for a fine day with winds from the south west at 10-15 knots. Sea conditions started off with a 1-1.5m south easterly swell with slight wind disturbance on the surface. Sea conditions improved as the day progressed with the swell dropping steadily throughout the day and sea surface conditions becoming oily calm. Wind strength remained below 10 knots for the day. Water temperature ranged from 19 degrees celsius close to coast to 21 degrees celsius along the continental shelf. Bird life was present but not prolific with just hand full of species documented including Black Browed Albatross, Wandering Albatross (Juvenile) and Yellow Nose Albatross. As conditions improved, current lines became visible on the surface with many “by the wind sailors” noted. Fish appeared plentiful on the surface, the main species being Stripey Tuna, Frigett Mackerel and Sauries. One 4-5 ft Blue Shark was also recorded. Australian Fur Seals were recorded on and off throughout the day in groups of 1 -5 individuals. There were two highlights for this day the first an encounter with a large pod of Risso’s Dolphins associating with Oceanic Bottlenose Dolphins and another unconfirmed species possibly Melon Head or Pygmy Killer Whales. The next highlight was coming across a pod of around 25-30 Pygmy Killer Whales. Saturday ended with a magnificent sunset, no wind and a pod Common Dolphins on and around the bow.

[Click to enlarge] Pygmy  Killer Whale, Jason Caruso

[Click to enlarge] Pygmy Killer Whale, Phil Tubb

[Click to enlarge] Risso's Dolphin, Phil Tubb

[Click to enlarge] Yellow-nosed Albatross, Jason Caruso

[Click to enlarge] Shy Albatross, Jason Caruso

Departure again was at 7am, the forecast for the day was the same as the previous day. Sea conditions had improved overnight with almost no swell present but wind disturbance had increased with some minor white caps. The water conditions improved quickly on this day and oily calm conditions prevailed for the better part. Sea temperatures were as per the previous day. Our course for the day concentrated efforts just on and just inside the shelf as apposed to the previous day which found us extending our survey far beyond the drop off where sea life was less prolific. This course kept us around current lines that became visible just after lunch time. Many more birds and schools of fish were observed on this day suggesting that possibly productivity was greater inside the shelf area. Again there were two highlights on this day, the first being an encounter with two beaked whales. The two whales remained just below the surface around the boat with just their foot prints and pale coloration visible. At one stage the dorsal fins of both animals broke the surface but their heads remained submerged making it extremely difficult to make an accurate identification. The second highlight on this day was the sighting of a Minke/Humpback association. The two whales remained close to each other for the majority of the encounter with the two of them at times as close as less than 5 metres. Sunday again ended with a spectacular sunset and Common Dolphins.

Thanks to True Blue and our skipper Matto for a great two days on the water.