y* v 
Preliminary Report 
Eastern Area Cruise No. 38 
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Itinerary: 22 March 
24 March 
28 March 
29 March 
2030 Depart Pan Diego 
0835 Arrive Ft. Ash 
1030 Depart Grid between Points 
Hemlock & Juniper 
1100 Arrive San Diego 
Personnel: Robert L. DeLong (Biologist in Charge) 
Robert L. Brownell 
Vernon M. Kleen 
Survey Vessel: M.V. Sioux City 
Methods 
* 
Diurnal observations were conducted from the open flying bridge. 
Excellent observations can be made from here and it is quite comfortable 
for the observers. Since the ship is also piloted from this bridge, the 
true and magnetic course as well as the ship's speed are available and 
can be used to determine flight direction of the birds and movements of 
the mammals. Nocturnal watches were not made. Weather conditions did 
not allow use of the Boston Whaler. No bird specimens were taken; how¬ 
ever, one small cetacean was harpooned from the bow and collected. 
Cruise Track 
—rf —1 m mi im 
The Grid was followed reasonably well the first three days> but 
trouble with the ship and rough seas caused us to alter the course about 
midway between Points Elm and Fir. Due to continued problems the ship 
returned to San Diego. After variable changes of course (see Figure l) 
we departed the Grid at 1030 hours on 28 March between Points Hemlock 
and Juniper. 
Conditions 
Weather was unfavorable during the first four days in the Grid with 
heavy northwest winds, rough seas and swells ranging to 15 feet. The 
skies were overcast with rain squalls in the distance. The ship averaged 
only 7-1/2 knots into the wind and up to 10 knots when moving with it. 
The sun appeared through the partially cloucjy skies on the 28th and winds 
subsided. Fog set in during the night of the 28th and finally disap¬ 
peared just before the ship arrived in San Diego. 
Highlights 
Near complete disappearance of Fulmars, Black-legged Kittiwakes, 
and Glaucous-winged Gulls. 
I 
