All four sighting cards from Exxon's platform Hondo reported gray 

 whales in two groups of three, one of 8-10, and one of 10-15. All 

 animals were moving north at an estimated distance between 50 and 300 

 yards from the platform. Additional comments expressed surprise that 

 the animals came in so close, especially since drilling was going on. 



The sighting card from Phillip's platform Hogan reported sea 

 lions. Since these animals are in abundance in this area this 

 observation is expected and it reinforces the general belief that the 

 platforms are beneficial to sea lion populations. The two sightings 

 from platform Houchin were of whales. One was identified as a pilot 

 whale, the other was not positively identified but according to the 

 description could have been a pilot whale, too. Both animals were 

 sighted at an estimated 50-100 yards from the platform. The only 

 comment was a statement that the animals never seemed to avoid the 

 platform, but did come in closer when there was less noise. 



The sighting card from a worker on Aminoil's platform Emmy reported 

 a large school of about 100 dolphins and a group of six gray whales. 

 The observations were made from a helicopter so few details were 

 reported. These animals were seen about 2-3 miles from the platform 

 which was reported as being noisy that day. 



Study Area II: Cook Inlet 



One hundred and forty-six interviews were conducted, five with 

 helicopter pilots and the rest with platform workers. Twenty-seven 

 interviews were conducted on Amoco 's platform Bruce, 17 on Amoco 's 

 Dillon, 12 on ARCO's King Salmon, 8 on ARCO's Spark, 32 on Marathon's 

 Dolly Varden, 5 on Phillip's Tyonek, 24 on Shell Oil Company's platform 

 A and 16 Shell platform C. 



Most personnel working on the rigs work 7-day "hitches." Therefore, 

 there is a new crew e'^ery 7 days. Each platform was visitied twice 

 within a 2-week period in order to interview both crews. 



Interviews 



Almost everyone approached to be interviewed was helpful and 

 talkative. They showed great interest in marine life. Many 

 individuals had extensive training in biology and could volunteer very 

 useful data. Often, the interview was turned around and the workers 

 asked the researcher questions about the marine mammals. 



Beluga whale sightings were recorded from all 146 people. To quote 

 many of the workers, "you'd have to go around with your eyes closed to 

 not see beluga whales." Belugas were reported as close as 30 ft. to 

 the platform. Eighty three percent (122) of the reports included 



C-21 



