Dear All,
I have managed to confirm the dates for the cetacean pelagic for those
interested :-
Following the success of the various birding pelagics I have decided to run
a trip dedicated to cetaceans in the Otway Basin out of Port Fairy in late
March. The Otway Basin in March and April is one of the best places in the
world to see Blue Whales and it is likely that we will encounter at least
one of these incredible animals during the weekend. However, rather than go
hunt for Blue Whales (which we should see anyway), the objective of this
trip is to search the continental shelf area for species that are less
commonly seen and hopefully expand our knowledge of this productive area.
Unlike the pelagics the trip(s) will be on both Saturday 23rd and Sunday
24th March. The evening will be spent in Port Fairy and not at sea. The trip
out to the continental shelf should take about 2.5 hours each way allowing
about 5 hours of time over the shelf. Sunset is at about 18:30 and we will
return before this; particularly on the Sunday so there is plenty of time to
get back to Melbourne. The voyage out and back from deep water is through
areas where the Blue Whales and other baleen whales mainly inhabit -
associated with an Antarctic upwelling which fuels the formation of krill
swarms.
This is the first time a trip such as this has been planned and if
successful I will aim to make it a regular feature of the pelagic diary
operating on weekends between those that the birding pelagics are run.
Please let me know as soon as possible if you can attend and send me your
name and telephone number. The vessel is a 38' single hull boat with enough
room for up to 13 passengers. Remaining spaces will be filled on a first
come first served basis giving priority to those who can attend the full
weekend. I will require re-confirmation of attendance at the latest by the
17th March or the position will go to the next person on the waiting list.
Be warned that trips are strongly weather dependent and a decision whether
or not to go will be made no later than Thursday 21st March. If the trip is
cancelled, then it may be rearranged for a subsequent weekend.
Before the end of the month I will contact people and let them know the
arrangements more specifically including accommodation and what to bring. I
have not confirmed the price of the trip yet. With the agreement of those
that attend, this may vary a little depending on whether one or two people
drop out at the last minute. However, the cost for boat charter should be
about $135.00 for the two days payable on day of departure.
Regards,
Simon Mustoe.
_____________________________________________
Simon Mustoe - Principal
AES Applied Ecology Solutions Pty Ltd.
59 Joan Avenue
Ferntree Gully
Melbourne
Victoria 3156
AUSTRALIA
Telephone 03 9762 2616
International Telephone +61 (0) 3 9762 2616
Mobile 0405 220830
Email
Website www.onthe.net.au/ecologysolutions
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