Monday 11th February 2013                       Day 1 – departure day

We continued mobilising the vessel including fitting televisions to monitor the deep camera sled, loading frames, ropes and floats for deep water stereoscopic camera systems, food, fuel.

Dr Michelle Blewitt and research assistant Scott Sheehan arrive to being the expedition.  Dr Blewitt and Scott are here to assist with behavioural observations and identification of the killer whales that we encounter. 

The expedition departed from Esperance at 1900 (7pm), sea conditions aren’t fantastic and the first hour is spent pushing into a strong south westerly breeze.

The destination is the Bremer Canyon some 90NM to the west, a bumpy night ahead!

Sea conditions: 25 knot SSE winds, 2 metre south west swell, 2m south east seas.

2.5 metre SW swell, 20 knot SW winds.

 

Tuesday 12th February 2013                       Day 2 – The expedition begins

 

5.00am, we slow the vessel to 7 knots, roughly 30NM NNE from our destination

All hands commence observation of the seas surface. 

We steadily track between the 400-800 metre depth contour lines on a WSW trajectory.  Many whitecaps and wind waves make spotting marine life difficult. 

We receive word that the benthic stereo video survey is to be cancelled - a major blow to the expeditions research program.

Aerial spotter plane observations commenced at 7.30am, east west transects approximately 1nm apart x 10nm .

At 8.45am whales are sightingd from the vessel, 2 x 20+ pods of killer whales approximately 0.5NM NE from the primary coordinate.  Field data collection commences including photo identification of individual animals.

It is difficult to estimate the precise number of whales as they begin to spread out over a large area.  All on board are very excited about the sightings and collect amazing visual data throughout the day.

The conditions begin to deteriorate by mid-afternoon so the vessel heads for shore some 26NM distant. 

Once onshore we offload the stereoscopic camera frames, floats and ropes. 

We commence cataloging the identification photographs.

Killer whales have distinctive markings on their dorsal fin, saddle patch and eye patches, which allow scientists to identify individuals. These are target areas for the photographers.

We are hoping to be able to cross match animals throughout our trip and hopefully with other sighting data collected along the WA coast in previous years.
   
Wednesday 13th February 2013                 Day 3 – Deteriorating weather

 

3.5 metre swell, 20-25 knot SW winds, very average conditions for spotting marine life; we don’t hold much hope of seeing anything in weather like this!

Aerial spotter plane commences observations at 9.00am

Remarkably, we encounter multiple herds of killer whales and in excess of 40 long-finned pilot whales, 1-2 NM West of the primary coordinate.

Both the killer whales and pilot whales are displaying behaviour characteristic of agressive feeding.

 It is interesting to note the pilot whales do not seem concerned by the intense behaviour being exhibited by the killer whales, in fact they appear attracted by the commotion they are causing.

Long slicks of an oily substance are observed on the surface which we have seen in the vicinity of feeding killer whales in previous years.

Depth soundings recorded at 80 metres possibly indicate schooling fish which the killer whales may be targeting and the oil we are observing may be emanating from these predated fish.

We observe the killer whales in this location for approximately 2 hours, capturing video of behaviour, recording GPS locations and taking identification photographs.

At midday we begin transiting in a SE direction at a speed of approximately 7 knots.

We deploy "Lure cam" approximately 1nm from the last observed killer whale activity.

Numerous herds of killer whales are sighted in multiple locations surrounding the primary coordinate (around 4-8 animals in each pod).

Vessel departs for shore at 5.30pm.

 

Thursday 14th February 2013                       Day 4 – Sorting through data

 

Due to continued rough conditions, we elect to remain onshore and continue cataloguing the identification photo's captured over the past 3 days.

We conduct a mid morning aerial survey of the killer whale location during which a number are located and photographed approximately 2NM NE of the primary coordinate.

Afternoon we commence comparing 2013 ID photos with imagery of killer whales from previous years.
The biologists identify at least three animals from previous year’s sightings (2 from 2010 and 1 from 2012) that were also sighted off Bremer Canyon.

A major split in the top of a dorsal fin made one animal especially easy to re-identify from HD video footage taken in 2012.

 

Friday 15th February 2013                            Day 5 – Back on the water

 

Conditions have calmed considerably to 15 knot SE winds and a 1.5 metre swell, so we departed for the site at 7.00am

Many large herds of killer whales are observed between 3-5 NM SSW of the primary coordinate (in excess of 5 pods containing up to 10 in each).
We also observe what appears to be a small pod of sperm whales (4-6 angled blows approximately 1nm south of vessel).

6-8 killer whales begin tracking beside and underneath the vessel.

Aerial spotter plane deployed mid morning.

Multiple groups of killer whales 1-2 NM distant surrounding vessel.

Deploy "Lure cam".  Dr Blewitt also deploys a hydrophone to capture killer whale audio from under the surface.

Capture video and still images of 15-20 killer whales apparently consuming an enormous white/red object from the spotter plane. Comparison with the killer whales suggest the object is between 4-5 metres in length.
Consider the possibility killer whales intercepted a surfacing sperm whale and harrassed it for its prey.

Huge breaching behaviour is observed post feeding event. We are unsure what species of whale is responsible although it is likely to be killer whales.

Depart for shore at 5.30pm.

 

Saturday 16th February 2013                        Day 6 – More killer whales

 

Depart for the site at 8.00am. 

We sight multiple killer whales commencing approximately 6 NM SSW from the primary coordinate.

Vessel continues WSW through multiple killer whale pods and individuals over approximately 4NM.

Estimate in excess of 100 killer whales sighted during transect.

Aerial spotter plane deployed.

Ocean becomes flat for 3 hours between 11.00am - 2.00pm, which is a welcome relief!

Bull and family group re-sighted towards end of SW transect.

Social behaviour is being exhibited by sub-adults as identified by Dr Michelle Blewitt.

The decision was made to cease observation of the pod after approximately 45 minutes.
Vessel heads NE at 7 knots in the direction of the primary co-ordinate.

Deploy "Lure cam", no killer whales sighted.
Weather conditions increase slightly to 1.0m swell, 15 knots SE winds.
Encounter multiple killer whale herds approximately 2 NM ESE of coordinate.
They appear to be socialising and are extremely inquisitive of the vessel.

The herd is exhibiting similar social behaviour as to what was seen with the pod earlier to the SW.

Transit back towards the primary coordinate and deploy "Lure cam" while underway.

Depart for shore mid afternoon. 

Sunday 17th February 2013                           Day 7 – Transiting for Albany

 

Vessel transiting to Albany to load the deep water camera system.

The scientific team continue comparing 2013 killer whale ID shots and HD video footage with other WA imagery.

(Note) In early February 2012 we observed an estimated 60+ killer whales of all age classes for 1.5 hours from a distance of approximately .5NM.
The herd appeared to be feeding and socialising. They were located approximately 2nm NE of the primary coordinate.

We are notified that the vessel has arrived in Albany in preparation for loading the deep camera sled, 2500kg umbilical winch and control module.
The system was constructed by Raytek Services of Henderson in Perth.

We set off by road for Albany to meet with the vessel and assist with installing the deep camera system.
 
Monday 18th February 2013                         Day 8 –Albany Whaling Museum

Installation of the deep video camera system commences at 8.00am at Albany marina.

The sled is fitted with 4 x HD video cameras, 4 x high power lights and a high resolution Tritech sector scanning sonar.

The sled is connected to a topside control module via a 1000 metre steel reinforced fibre optic umbilical cable allowing high resolution real time observations during deployment.
Maximum deployment depth is 800 metres.

 

Tuesday 19th February 2013                         Day 9 – Meeting with old whalers

 

Meet with Mick Stubbs and Kas Vaan Der Gaag at Whale World museum, Albany.

Mick and Kas worked as both skippers and gunners on whale chasing vessels off Albany during the 1960’s and 1970’s. Their observations of marine life through the course of their careers were recorded. Some incredible sightings are recounted from their years on the sea.

Vessel departs Albany for Bremer Bay at 12.30pm after installation of the deep camera system.

Wednesday 20th February 2013                 Day 10 – Giant squid expert arrives

 

Cephalopod scientist Dr Mark Norman arrives in Bremer Bay to join the expedition.

 

Thursday 21st February                              Day 11 – Depart for offshore

 

Vessel departs shore at 8.00am to conduct shallow water trials of the deep camera sled (to 20 metres depth) off Peppermint beach Bremer Bay.

Weather forecast, 15-20 knots SE winds, 1.5 metre swell.

Configure, program and trial the SLOCUM deep ocean glider prior to vessel's departure for the site.  

Vessel transits to the primary location 1.00pm.

Encounter a large herd of killer whales 2-3 NM - NNE of the primary coordinate.
Resight bull and family herd of approximately 10 individuals including cows and calves.

Deploy SLOCUM glider 2NM NNE of the primary coordinate and approximately 1NM West of the killer whale herd.

Deploy "Lure cam". Agressive whaler sharks are attracted to the towed video system .. lucky not to lose it!

Depart for shore late afternoon as SE sea breeze picks up to 20-25 knots.

 

Saturday 23rd February 2013                     Day 12 – Deployment of glider

 

UWA Physicist Dennis Stanley interprets the SLOCUM glider data.
Sensors on the glider detect a thick band of chlorophyll at 70-90 metres and a potential hydrocarbon band between 750-800 metres within proximity of the primary coordinate.  

Vessel departs for the primary coordinate at 10.00am.

Aerial spotter plane deployed.

Multiple herds of killer whales including resighting of bull and family at position 34 45S 119 37E.
Killer whales agressively feeding, they appear to be working together to herd an unknown prey.

Killer whales begin to spend more time at the surface.

Oily slicks are apparent on the surface.
A number of Wilson's storm petrels and dozens of fleshy footed shearwaters (mutton birds) are feeding at the slicks.

The storm petrels are most abundant where the slicks are first appearing on the surface.
Large echo soundings 80 metres deep and oil slicks on the surface seem to indicate killer whale predation on schooling fish.

There seem to be large objects (10-15 ft in length) surrounding the schooling fish.

The oil slicks emit a distinctly organic odour.

Observe shearwaters and albatross feeding on the remains of a large unidentified white object at the surface.

It is red and white in colour and could possibly be part of a squid mantle.

Encounter a still writhing metre long squid tentacle on the surface (as identified by Dr Mark Norman).

The object looks more like a crab leg than squid tentacle ... weird!

Albatross and shearwaters are holding the "tentacle" afloat but upon our approach, they release their grip on the tentacle and it subsequently sinks out of our reach.

Sampled oil slick associated with killer whale predation, it is yet to be analysed, very distinctive unidentifiable odour. Collected the sample at 34 45S 119 37E.

Deployment of the deep water camera sled occurred approximately 3NM west of the primary coordinate, we hope to penetrate to 550 metres overnight.

A number of killer whales approached within 1NM of the vessel as we approach the intended deepcam deployment location.
Video camera #1 ingests water on descent at a depth of 70 metres.

We retrieve the sled and remove the flooded camera from the underwater housing, replacing it with a strobe light.
Redeployment of the sled takes place at approximately  8.00pm. It obtains a maximum depth of 550 metres.  
Calming conditions throughout the night.

We observe a large whaler shark (possibly Carcharianus obscurus) interacting with a shy albatross 20 metres off the bow during the period 10.00pm to 1.00am.

It is pushing the albatross with its snout and the albatross is responding by pecking frantically at it ... amazing behaviour!

The deep camera sled remains submerged at 550 metres overnight during a 1knot easterly drift pattern.

Much planktonic activity and large objects (10-15 feet in length)  apparent on the sonar.

Unable to visually identify the objects as they remain some 100 metres distant from the sled.

   

Sunday 24th February 2013                        Day 13 – No killer whales sighted

 

1.5 metre swell, 10-15 Knots SW winds which are forecast to calm throughout the day.

Retrieve the camera sled at 5.00am

Encounter a school of over 100 dolphin fish congregated underneath floating wood approximately 3NM SE of primary coordinate.

Mid morning aerial patrol - no killer whales or other cetaceans sighted.

Very large trichodesmium bloom running WSW - NNE filmed from the aerial spotter plane.

The bloom is running west to east and situated approximately 4nm north of the primary coordinate.

Collected samples of trichodesmium bloom. Yielded bluebottles, salps, cone jellies, juvenile trevally amongst others.

Ian Mulkane crystal crab fishing in the killer whale zone.

No confirmed killer whales sightings this day.

Vessel repositions to 3NM west of the primary coordinate to deploy deep camera sled.
As we deploy the deep camera sled on dusk, several cetacean blows are observed 1NM off the stern of the vessel traveling in a westerly direction.
No positive Id on species.

 

Monday 25th February 2013                       Day 14 – Aerial survey

 

Aerial spotter plane deployed
 
Tuesday 26th February 2013                       Day 15 – Water column profiling
 
Vessel depart for site 9.00am.

Aerial spotter plane deployed.

Multiple killer whales feeding in the vicinity of the primary coordinate, most are 1-2NM SW of coordinate.

Observe several wandering albatross, first sightings for the cruise!

Deploy "lure cam" once beyond  NM of where killer whales were last sighted.
Vessel transiting in an easterly direction approximately 2 NM south of primary coordinate.

Deploy deep camera sled with CTD mounted onboard.
Maximum depth of 620 metres obtained.
CTD data revealed stratification of the water column.

Eric Raes UWA school of plant biology:

“Temperature and salinity profiles to 600m depths, when we attached our CTD to deepcam, show a very stratified ocean”.

 

Wednesday 27th February 2013                 Day 16 – Sampling the water column

 

We meet with Ian Mulkane (crystal crab fisherman) and collect tissue samples from two of his crabs.

Samples are yet to be analysed.

Vessel leaves shore at 10.00am, UWA water column sampling is the main objective today.

We take water samples from 3 x predetermined locations including one on the primary coordinate.
Very dense water sample collected from the primary coordinate which is yet to be analysed.

Aerial spotter plane deployed.

Observed several herds of 6-8 killer whales 2-4NM SE of co-ordinate.

Observe 1 wandering albatross.

Deploy "lure cam" enroute to third water sampling location.

Large school of bluefin tuna noted on "lure cam" in the vicinity of the primary coordinate.