Preliminary Report EAC #13 
San Francisco to Panama Canal 
29 May to 12 June 1967 
Survey Itinerary: 
29 May 
1300 
Depart Treasure Island, San Francisco 
30 May 
0647 
Enter Eastern Grid at Point M Ash" 
31 May 
0708 
Depart 
Eastern Grid at Point "Oak" 
12 June 
1300 
Arrive 
Panama Canal 
13 June 
1800 
Depart 
Panama Canal 
20 June 
1200 
Arrive 
Charleston, South Carolina 
Survey Personnel: 
• 
Richard D. 
Chandler 
Support Vessel 
USNS Shearwater TAG-177 
Three separate preliminary reports have been prepared for EAC #13• 
Eastern Grid Survey #8 covering observations between Points A and 0 of 
the Eastern Grid; EAC #13 Caribbean and Atlantic portions briefly cover¬ 
ing observations from the Canal to Charleston, South Carolina; and this 
reoort, covering Pacific Ocean observations* Observations j_n ^he 
Eastern Grid area are also included in this report for the convenience 
of continuity. 
Methods: Aside from the fact that observation time was restricted due to 
the presence of only one observer, survey methods were similar to previous 
cruises. Diurnal observations ranging fron one-half to two hours in dura¬ 
tion were scattered throughout the day as time permitted. Approximately 
20 percent of the total diurnal mileage was spent logging observations. 
In addition to regular observations, cursory glances contributed to a 
general picture of the avifauna and reports from various crewmembers, 
especially Captain Gibson, were helpful in filling in gaps. 1 ieel then, 
in a cruise of this "pilot" nature where only the most general information 
is to be gained — no more than a random one-third of the daylight hours 
need be spent logging observations. This is justifiably sufficient zo 
allow the collected data to be significant. Above 50 percent logbook time 
the returns are diminishing and for a one- or two-man scientiiic crew 
engaged in other associated work, inefficiency results. 
The survey area is a rough ESE course paralleling the eastern coast 
line of the North Central Pacific Basin. The 3300-mile track covers 30 
degrees of latitude and 40 degrees of longitude (37°N, 122°W to 7 N, 82 W) 
See Figure 1. Over the 372 miles of regular diurnal observations 7 
•birds of at least 30 species were recorded. Thirteen birds of 8 species 
were collected. 
