San Francisco – A rare and captivating event unfolded off the coast of Monterey Bay as a California boat captain recorded an extraordinary sighting of a super pod comprising over 2,000 dolphins. The captivating moment included the elusive northern right whale dolphin among the vast pod.
These northern right whale dolphins typically inhabit deeper offshore waters, making it unusual for them to be seen closer to the coast. However, Evan Brodsky, a captain and videographer with Monterey Bay Whale Watch, encountered the remarkable group approximately 11 miles (18 kilometers) from the harbor. Notably, these dolphins are among the two species that lack a dorsal fin.
Brodsky described these sleek creatures by saying, “They’re all smooth,” jesting that they seem like “flying eyebrows” when they leap through the air.
The moment of discovery occurred around midday on a Friday while Brodsky and two other crew members conducted their research endeavors. Initially spotting a dozen dolphins, they soon realized the pod had expanded well beyond 2,000 individuals, including light gray baby calves and several hundred Pacific white-sided dolphins.
In recounting the experience, Brodsky expressed their collective excitement, sharing that their smiles stretched from ear to ear. He admitted that the awe-inspiring sight even brought one of his coworkers to tears.
According to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation, northern right whale dolphins typically form pods of 100 to 200 and are known for being social and friendly. They often mingle with other dolphin species, including the Risso’s dolphins, which Brodsky previously captured on drone footage.
Marine biologist Colleen Talty from Monterey Bay Whale Watch described how individuals from across the globe venture to Monterey Bay, drawn by the chance to observe northern right whale dolphins in the region’s deep underwater canyons. Monterey itself is located roughly 120 miles (193 kilometers) south of San Francisco.
Talty suggested that the dolphins might gather for several reasons, such as collective defense against predators, sharing feeding grounds, or mere social interaction. She remarked on the significance of spotting baby dolphins, noting, “We don’t always see baby dolphins, so that’s pretty nice.”
