Preliminary Report - Eastern Grid Survey //20 - 3-12 January 1968 
Itinerary: 3 January 
1200 
Depart San Diego 
4 January 
1231 
Enter Grid at Pt. "Ash” 
11 January 
1U08 
Depart Grid at Pt. " 0 ak n 
12 ' January 
1030 
Arrive San Diego 
Personnel: Richard D. Chandler (Biologist in Charge) 
Robert L. Brownell 
Brian A. Harrington 
Jeffrey P*. Tordoff 
Survey Vessel: U.S.S. Marysville EPCER 857 
Methods 
-4 
One-man diurnal observations were held from the bow, the 01 -level 
bridge, or the open bridge as conditions dictated. The vessel, in gen¬ 
eral, is a satisfactory observation platform, being much the same as the 
Shearwater in regard to stability and ease of using field glasses. Ho 
regular nocturnal watches were held; cursory observations during night 
BT casts revealed only a single bird sighting. Outboard engine failure 
thwarted attempts to use the Boston Whaler for collecting. Bird speci¬ 
mens were collected from bow shooting. Survey personnel took Bathy¬ 
thermograph soundings at 0800, 1200, 1600, 2000, and midnight. 
Cruise Track 
numerous mechanical difficulties plagued the vessel throughout the 
cruise. Captain Anderson is to be congratulated for his determination 
to complete the operation. Deviations from the nominal track were made 
as in the past to allow for better coverage of the area. The average 
speed of ca. 12 knots was found quite satisfactory for field observa¬ 
tion. Equally valid observations could be made with speeds up to 15-16 
knots, I believe. 
Conditions 
Weather was remarkably favorable throughout the cruise. Moderate 
winds in the northern section gave way to calmer seas and broken skies 
in the south. Light rain and drizzle on the last day did not seriously 
affect observations. 
♦ 
Grid General 
Highlights 
1 . High numbers of alcids in the northern two-thirds of the Grid. 
2 . Increased numbers of Black-legged Kittiwakes. 
3 * Increase of Leach's Storm Petrels in the southern third of the 
Grid. 
