April 3rd 2025 Thursday

9 North Bound 2 Calves 0 South Bound 10.5 hrs

Calm seas, sunny skies with cool 54 degree water and 57 degree air. First sighting of the day was a solo, stealthy Gray Whale tracked by footprints and fast split second low profile surfacing.

The LA County Ocean Lifeguard Specialists practiced ocean rescue skills with the Malibu Baywatch boat and Coastguard helicopter for 2.5 hours today. First observed south of Point Dume, off of Paradise Cove area. The drills were executed with supreme efficiency and extremely important but the noise level can be startling. The sight is both impressive and frightening with the large wind driven waves rocking boat as cable lines with hoist hooks are dropped from the hovering helicopter directly above or next to the boat as baskets are shuttled up and down. I can only imagine how the team felt working in such treacherous conditions let alone the marine wildlife who endured the 2.5 hour disruption today. The bravery and tenacity of the team to become proficient is not to be overlooked. It is a privilege to witness such displays of heroism and strength just to practice. The exercises drifted north towards Point Dume, in and out of proximity to the coast.

The FIRST COW/CALF of the season passed by during the drills. The pair did not stop and traveled through at a steady fast pace with the calf alternating sides on each surfacing. I was barely able to capture the images below as they went further out to avoid the drills closer to shore.

The third sighting appeared as though it was a second cow/calf pair, but on closer inspection it turned out to be one solo THIN EMACIATED whale. A bulge from the ribs normally not visible was seen the length of the dorsal spine appearing like another smaller whale tucked up close. The area on left side of the rostrum (head) showing areas of skin abrasions or skin shedding. This whale looks to be in poor body condition. Nearby a healthy Sea Lion frolicked in the surf.

Late afternoon an Elephant Seal Pup stranded onshore. Marine Mammal Rescue (MMR) from California Wildlife Center (CWC) was called and they came out to asses. Ocean Lifeguard Specialist on duty also arrived on scene to assist MMR. Photos taken below with zoom lens from 50 ft distance. This pup was left for observation and hopes it will get adequate rest overnight and go back out to sea to fish and feed. The MMR team will follow up tomorrow morning to reassess.

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