Humpback Whales and Widespread Common Dolphins Across Monterey Bay

A massive aggregation of approximately 2,500 long-beaked common dolphins dominated Monterey Bay today, sharing open water with fifteen humpback whales from morning until dusk.

Long-beaked common dolphins (*Delphinus delphis bairdii*) frequently coalesce into these extensive mega-pods over the bay's shelf and canyon contours, where schooling coastal fish concentrate. Traveling in high densities affords them both increased foraging efficiency and mutual vigilance. Several humpback whales were dispersed among the perimeter of the dolphin pods, surfacing steadily through the same prey layers.

Conditions shifted noticeably across our four departures aboard Sanctuary. Early runs met brisk winds and choppy sea conditions that moderated to a lighter chop by mid-day and afternoon, eventually settling into glassy surface waters by our sunset trip. The marine mammals remained consistent in the area throughout the entire cycle.

Seeing such biomass sustained throughout the day into the fading light offers a clean, quiet reminder of the productivity this bay maintains late into the season.