YEAR 2004 MARINE LIFE RESEARCH TRIPS
aboard the Yankee Freedom, Yankee Whale Watching, Gloucester, MA

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Year 2004 3-DAY CANYONS TRIP ­ departing 10pm JULY 5, 2004

The Center for Oceanic Research and Education and Yankee Whale Watching invite you to join us on this trip of a lifetime! This three day research expedition takes us to deep-water canyons found at the far reaches of the continental shelf edge, about 100 miles east of Cape Cod. Many offshore whales, dolphins, sea birds and a wide variety of other marine animals inhabit these canyon waters. In past years, this trip has brought sightings of sperm whales, two species of extremely rare beaked whales, pilot whales, fin whales, humpbacks, minke whales, grampus (Risso's dolphins), bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, striped dolphins, and Atlantic white-sided dolphins. A plethora of sharks have also been observed, including basking sharks, blue sharks, a tiger shark, and hammerhead sharks in 1994 and 1997!

Other possibilities abound, including rare loggerhead turtle, leatherback turtle, manta ray sightings or even the very rare whale shark. Anything is possible! On the 2003 trip, we were witness to breaching beaked whales! No kidding!

All of the cold-water seabirds of the Gulf of Maine (including Leach's storm-petrel and Manx shearwater) are usually seen on this trip. In the deep water of the canyons we have also seen sub-tropical/Gulf Stream species like Audubon's shearwater, White-tailed tropicbird, Bridled tern and the very rare white-faced storm petrel (also seen in 2003).

This three day excursion departs Monday, July 5th at l0 p.m. from the Yankee Fleet in Gloucester, Massachusetts, aboard the M/V Yankee Freedom. This 100 foot Lydia yacht has seen countless offshore trips and has proven to be a very seaworthy and comfortable vessel. She boasts 40 bunks below deck, ample rail space around the main deck, comfortable seating, as well as a wide upper deck for distant viewing. On board will be educational materials, with a brief talk given by CORE scientists on the cetacean species we may encounter. Additionally, a bird expert from Brian Patteson's team  will be on board to assist with sightings and offer expertise in the recognition and habits of the many different bird species we may observe.

The fare for this three day expedition is $500.00. All meals are included in the fare, with snacks and non-alcoholic beverages provided. Beer and wine may be purchased in the galley for those who might be interested, and food may be brought on board for those with special dietary requirements. We will remain offshore from July 6th to July 8th and will return to port the evening of the 8th, around 6p.m.

To register, or for further information, please call 1-800-WHALING (1-800-942-5464). If you would like to speak to a CORE research staff member directly, please call the CORE office, (978) 768-4560, to leave a message, and someone will return your call as soon as possible. Yankee Whale Watching and CORE can also answer your questions by e-mail. Our e-mail address is core@coreresearch.org

You may also register by mail by sending a check or money order to:

Please be sure to include your name, address and telephone number.
Thank you for your interest, and we hope to see you on this fantastic trip!