Aurora’s Killer Whale Pod and Humpbacks in Monterey Bay

Although a localized fire in Moss Landing canceled our scheduled departures aboard Ocean Spirit today, the harbor cleared by mid-morning, allowing naturalist Luke to scout the bay from his private vessel. Conditions were favorable, characterized by calm water and a light surface chop, which made spotting conditions ideal out on the water.

Luke located well-known transient killer whale Aurora and three members of her pod traveling through Monterey Bay. This matriline has shown strong site fidelity to the area this season, routinely utilizing local canyon edges to hunt marine mammals. Alongside the four killer whales, three humpback whales were also noted in the vicinity, quietly working the mid-bay waters.

With harbor access fully restored, we are set to resume our normal schedule tomorrow. Having transient matrilines like Aurora’s make extended use of Monterey Bay offers an excellent opportunity to document individual associations and movements over time.