HSU Joins in Klamath Whale Debrief Feb. 13

Feb 08, 2012

Humboldt State University Zoology Professor Dawn Goley will join with colleagues from the Yurok Tribe and a host of other agencies on Monday, Feb. 13 in a detailed backgrounder on last summer’s Klamath River gray whale saga.

2012-0213-Whales.jpg Photo courtesy of Ashala Tylor
The 45-foot gray whale and its calf wandered into the Klamath River in late June. The calf left the river in late July and the cow died shortly thereafter.

The debriefing will be presented at the Yurok Tribe’s headquarters in Klamath, CA from 6-7:30 p.m. and will address the biological, cultural and veterinary aspects of the multi-agency response.

“For those interested in the details of what happened during the gray whales’ stay, this will be a very informative meeting,” Goley said. “Those who attend will also have an opportunity to meet and talk with the diverse and dedicated team who worked with the cetaceans.”

The Humboldt State University Marine Mammal Education and Research Program, the Yurok Tribe, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service, the federal Marine Mammal Stranding Network and the Marine Mammal Center partnered in a coordinated response to monitor the health of the whales, encourage them to return to the sea and to maintain their safety and that of observers.

The gray whale cow is believed to have died from complications associated with its extended stay in fresh water. The calf left the river in late July, its fate unknown.

Yurok Tribe Headquarters are located at 190 Klamath Boulevard, just off U.S. Highway 101 in Klamath. Details are available from Professor Goley at 707/826-4168 and at pdg1@humboldt.edu.