Category Archives: ER Warden Report

Race Rocks Tidal Turbine Generator

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GROUP 4 PROJECT- 2009Connor Scheu and Wouter Zwart April 2, 2009

Race Rocks Tidal Turbine Generator

Background:

Connor communicated with Russ Stothers of Clean Current for his project;

“Here is a simple synopsis of the project I will be doing this week. It is called a group four project (which pertains to the experimental science department here at the college), and the theme for everyones project is resource allocation/sustainability. Every student has to decide upon a project in which they will research something in this area. This usually involves the identification of a question, and then variables, presented in a lab format and accompanied by a presentation, but not overly formal.
For my project I really wanted to do something close to home, so I naturally thought of the tidal generator. I thought it would be so great if I could use this project to become more familiar with the project, and learn more about the field in general. It was for this reason that I wanted to contact you.

So basically what I would require for my project is some simple data, on the energy output of the generator, hopefully in relation to the tidal currents. From this I hope to create a simple relationship, proportional or not, which will help me identify the output and efficiency as current varies. This would satisfy the lab component of my project. The next component I would pursue would be the application of this knowledge. Simply from the results of the data and correlation I hope to receive, I would apply some simple reasoning to determine how effective or feasible such technology would be in other circumstances. That is, different magnitudes, in size and tidal extremes. An example of this would be; if the generator receives pique efficiency at the lowest speeds, then the technology would be more widely applicable to more general locations in the world, as opposed to selective areas of high tidal motion. Or if the energy benefits of higher speeds outweigh the selectivity of the projects.
This may be a rather ambitious goal, however this is a less formal project than others at the college (the extended essay is a full research paper) and as such it is OK to have lofty goals and then only achieve some of them in the allotted time. However I am sure that with your help I will be fully capable of receiving satisfactory results.
So I guess what I am asking of you would be the data I have previously outlined, in addition to the answering of some basic questions on the running of the turbine (included below this message).
This help would be most appreciated, I think it would be highly beneficial for the students of the college to have a little more information on the nature of this project. As it is so unique in design, important to global issues, and close to home. This is what my project will allow, as I will be presenting my findings to the student body towards the end of the week. I am very grateful for your generosity and aid
thank you again
Connor Scheu

Here are some of the questions which I have identified as what I think I need to know. But please feel free to include any relevant knowledge that you think would help. I am still quite unfamiliar with the project, and as such my questions may be a little vague. Also feel free to not answer any questions if they breach any kind of protocol or patent information.
1. Is this in fact just a simple turbine generator (similar to those in other hydro operations) placed in the presence of a fast moving current, or does it have certain defining characteristics.
No, it is significantly different from other hydro turbines. The requirement to extract power from a bi-directional flow means that the design of the turbine blade is very different. All standard hydro applications have blades that are designed to accept flow in one direction. Another major difference is that our machine is direct drive so that the speed of the generator is very slow compared to traditional applications which use a gearbox and a high speed generator.
2. What is the magnitude of energy created, when compared with other forms of green energy, is it relatively efficient etc.
The magnitude of the energy with respect to efficiency is very similar to wind in that the same basic laws of physics apply. The big difference/benefit is that the energy produced by tides is completely predictable whereas wind energy is statistically predictable over long periods of time but impossible to predict from one minute to the next.
I wouldn’t try to compare tidal energy to solar, biomass or other renewables. Each form of renewable energy is site specific.
3. Is this technology quite expensive to install, does it require very specific natural circumstances to operate effectively.
At the present time, yes. One of the biggest challenges facing the industry is to develop a system to cost effectively deploy, maintain and retrieve these devices. As you can understand from your experience at Race Rocks, the weather combined with the high tidal currents makes any deployment activity very difficult. The technology is best suited to sites that have peak tidal velocities between 2.5 m/s and 5.0 m/s. At current speeds less than 2 m/s there is very little energy in the flow and at speed greater than 5 m/s cavitation becomes a significant issue.
4. Is it true that this is one of only four projects like this in the world, and if so, what are the natures of the others. That is how do they differ, or are similar. Also, what immediate repercussions could this technology have on the world if proven to be effective.
Clean Current’s principal competitors are based in Europe. There are many competitors but the ones Clean Current considers threats are:
Marine Current Turbines is the most advanced with the deployment of a 1.2MW unit at Strangford Lough in 2008. Clean Current believes the challenges of this system compared to the Clean Current technology are as follows:
This unit has a high capital cost due to the complexity and large number of moving parts (gearbox, variable pitch blades, mechanism to raise and lower rotor).
The structure is surface piercing and therefore a navigational hazard to recreational and commercial traffic.
The exposed rotating blades pose a threat to fish, marine life and divers.
The above water structure must be designed to survive extreme weather such as hurricanes and tsunamis.
The turbine is sensitive to flow directional changes as it does not have an upstream augmenter to redirect the flow.
The system is complex and not applicable in deep water applications which comprise the majority of the world’s resources.

Open Hydro is a well financed company based in Ireland.  They have deployed a 6m prototype of their technology at the EMEC testing centre. They are also planning to deploy a second unit in the Bay of Fundy in the summer of 2009. Clean Current believes the challenges of this system compared to the Clean Current technology are as follows:
The fixed pitch blades are similar to flat plates and therefore have a poor efficiency. Clean Current’s blades are also fixed pitch but use a highly efficient hydrodynamic shape.
The overall efficiency of this unit is much lower than Clean Current’s turbine due to the lack of a power augmenting outer duct.
The lack of a central support makes the turbine more susceptible to vibration caused by the turbulent tidal flow The turbine cannot compensate effectively for flow directional changes as it does not have an upstream augmenter to redirect the flow.
The design information currently available does not indicate the use of a maintenance module potentially resulting in significant downtime.

5. Is this technology a great improvement on the other forms of tidal generation, which typically involve the use of dikes and grand structures.
The traditional barrage types of technology have large environmental impacts. The type of tidal generation that we are promoting does not have the same effect on the ecosystem; however, it is important to note that barrage types of technology can extract greater amounts of energy as all of the flow is forced through the turbine.
6. What are some of the typical pitfalls in this kind of project, some main difficulties either with engineering, or other aspects.
Some of the main challenges from the engineering side are as follows:
Deployment in fast moving waters (as discussed above)
Operation of bearings in a submerged environment
Operation of an electrical machine in a submerged environment.
Transmission of the power to shore
Achieving maintenance free operation for 5+ years.
Prevent bio-fouling
Some of the non-technical issues include:
Regulatory approvals from organizations such as DFO on the perceived impact on marine life
Negotiations with existing users of area (fisherman, tug operators, commercial vessels) to accommodate the installation of a tidal farm

I think these are sufficient to give me a basic comprehension of what this project is about. I will also make an effort to research what I can on my own, I just thought I would make use of you as a resource if possible.
thanks again
Connor Scheu
Questions:
1. I am still unsure as to the nature of the “upstream augmenter.” I know that it allows for the turbine to compensate for flow direction changes, I am just not sure how it does this, or what it is really.
The curved shape of the augmentor redirects the flow so that the water is directly aligned with the turbine rotor. Without an augmentor, the flow would intersect the rotor at an acute angle which would result in reduced power output. You can also think of the augmentor as functioning similar to a sail on a sailboat. When the sail is trimmed properly, the wind follows the shape of the sail. We have designed the augmentor so that for flow deviations, the water follows the surface of the augmentor.
2. The transmission of power to shore, is done by means of an underwater cable? Is this the only means by which this can be done, and is this a very difficult procedure?
The only way to bring significant power ashore is through the use of a subsea cable. The challenges of this technology are ensuring the cable is adequately protected on the seabed. Due to the high current environment, the cable is very susceptible to damage through abrasion on the rocky seabed. Another challenge is electrical connectors. The majority of the connectors available in industry are not designed for both high power and long life. A specific design for tidal generators is required.
3. You mentioned the biological impact, I understand how this turbine is significantly better than the barrage designs, and even than the open bladed design of the other company. I presume that it is fairly safe (simply by looking at the design) because large animals will avoid the turbine, and smaller fish may pass through without harm. Is this somewhere in the right ballpark. Are there any other concerns for the local wildlife?
You thoughts are inline with ours. I think your best source for an opinion here is probably Chris.
4. It seems to me as if you guys are the best outfit going, would you consider yourselves the world leaders in this technology, or at least one of the most promising companies.
Thanks for the comments! Yes, we believe that we are one of the leading technologies. Having said this; however, there is still significant work to be performed to make this product commercial.
5. You mentioned that the majority of the world’s resources are located in deep water, what kind of limitations does your technology have on depth? Are there a multitude of possible locations for this technology around the world, what would be some of the ideal circumstances?
When we refer to deep water, we are referring to 40-65m of water. Our technology is well suited to these depths. As you go deeper, the greatest challenge will be installation. The paragraph below is an excerpt from our assessment of the market.
Global demand for electric power is expected to increase from 14.8 trillion kilowatt hours in 2003 to 30.1 trillion kilowatt hours by 2030, according to the Energy Information Administration. To meet this demand, the International Energy Agency estimates that investments in new generating capacity will exceed $4 trillion in the period from 2003 to 2030, of which $1.6 trillion will be for renewable energy generation equipment.
A variety of factors are contributing to the development of renewable energy systems that capture energy from replenishable natural resources, such as ocean currents and waves, flowing water, wind and sunlight and convert it into electricity. These factors include the rising cost of fossil fuels, dependence on energy from foreign sources, environmental concerns, government incentives and infrastructure constraints.
Tidal energy is positioned favourably to capitalize on the growing demand for renewable energy. It is expected that tidal energy generation costs for large sites will be competitive with other renewable energy sources. In addition to having the potential to be a very large source of competitive renewable energy, tidal energy is a very predictable source of energy, is not affected by climate change and has a minimal environmental footprint.
Clean Current expects early adoption of tidal power generation will be driven by those countries and regions that are looking to satisfy government or regulatory renewable energy mandates and that have potential tidal energy resources situated near populations with high electricity demand and relatively high power prices. A number of communities and utilities in the United Kingdom, North America and Asia are currently pursuing tidal energy feasibility studies, and are expected to be some of the first regions to pursue tidal farms when a proven commercial technology becomes available.
Recent government sponsored initiatives have included tidal resource assessments from leading engineering consulting firms, Black & Veatch Corporation (“Black & Veatch”) (United Kingdom) and Triton Consultants Ltd. (“Triton Consultants”)(Canada), respectively. Black & Veatch estimated the world’s “Technically Extractable Resource” to be 155 TWh per annum, including 18 TWh  At an average capacity factor of 26%, this?per annum in the United Kingdom. translates to installed capacity of approximately 67,400 MW for the world and 7,800 MW for the United Kingdom.
In Canada, Triton Consultants assessed the tidal energy potential at approximately 42,000 MW. Approximately 7,000 MW of this potential resource is located in accessible regions on the east and west coasts of Canada.? Clean Current estimates that approximately 15% to 20% of the power in the accessible regions is currently extractable, resulting in 9.2 to 12.3 TWh per annum of electrical energy. At an average capacity factor of 26%, this translates to installed capacity of approximately 4,000 to 5,500 MW for Canada.
1. Source: Phase II, UK tidal Stream Energy Resource Assessment; Black & Veatch
2. Source: Canada Ocean Energy Atlas (Phase 1) Potential Tidal Current Energy Resources Analysis Background; Triton Consultants

Again, I am very grateful for all of your help, I read on the company site that one of the mandates of this project was to aid in the education of the students of Pearson College. I think this is very thoughtful, and says something about the quality of your company, and of course, its employees.
Purpose: To determine the correlation between the rates of current flow through the channel and the power produced by the generator, and then apply said correlation to real world applications.

Procedure: Experimentation performed by Clean Current and its employees

Data:

Diameter of Turbine m 3.5
Frontal Area m2 9.62
Density of Seawater Kg/m3 1024
Current Speed Blade Tip Speed RPM Power in water Efficiency Power Extracted
(m/s) (m/s)   (kW) (%) (kW)
         
1.0 3.9 21.4 4.9 28.2% 1.4
1.1 4.3 23.5 6.6 28.9% 1.9
1.2 4.7 25.7 8.5 29.5% 2.5
1.3 5.1 27.8 10.8 30.1% 3.3
1.4 5.5 30.0 13.5 30.7% 4.1
1.5 5.9 32.1 16.6 31.2% 5.2
1.6 6.3 34.2 20.2 31.7% 6.4
1.7 6.7 36.4 24.2 32.2% 7.8
1.8 7.1 38.5 28.7 32.6% 9.4
1.9 7.5 40.7 33.8 33.0% 11.1
2.0 7.8 42.8 39.4 33.3% 13.1
2.1 8.2 44.9 45.6 33.6% 15.3
2.2 8.6 47.1 52.5 33.9% 17.8
2.3 9.0 49.2 59.9 34.2% 20.5
2.4 9.4 51.4 68.1 34.4% 23.4
2.5 9.8 53.5 77.0 34.5% 26.6
2.6 10.2 55.6 86.6 34.7% 30.0
2.7 10.6 57.8 97.0 34.8% 33.7
2.8 11.0 59.9 108.1 34.8% 37.7
2.9 11.4 62.1 120.1 34.9% 41.9
3.0 11.8 64.2 133.0 34.9% 46.4
3.1 12.2 66.3 146.8 34.8% 51.1
3.2 12.5 68.5 161.4 34.6% 55.8
3.3 12.9 70.6 177.0 34.3% 60.8
3.4 13.3 72.8 193.6 33.8% 65.4
3.5 13.7 74.9 211.2 32.6% 68.9

 

These graphs are representative of the data presented in the table. They indicate the relationship between rate of current flow in meters per second to a variety of other variables (Blade Speed, RPM, Theoretical Energy, Efficiency, and Produced Energy).
 bladevscurrspeed
  This graph shows how there is a perfectly linear relationship between the current speed, and the rotational speed of the blade tips. This is self evident as it is in fact the current that drives this motion. It is notable however that there is virtually no impact from friction or other environmental forces. There is a uniform constant (value 3.9) which relates blade tip speed to current speed for this model of generator.rpmvscurrspeed

This graph shoes much the same relationship as the first graph, albeit with a different constant. This is simply because the blade speed has a direct relationship with the revolutions per minute. This value is dependent on the diameter of the turbine, and thus the length of the blades.

poweerinwatvscurrspeed

This graph shows the relationship between the theoretical value of the power in the water, and the current speed.

This value is derived from the formula: P = Cp x 0.5 x ρ x A x V3

Where:

Cp is the turbine coefficient of performance

P = the power generated (in watts)

ρ = the density of the water (seawater is 1024 kg/m3)

A = the sweep area of the turbine (in m2)

V3 = the velocity of the flow cubed (i.e. V x V x V)efficvscurrentspeed

This graph shows the relationship between the overall efficiency of the turbine, and the rate of current flow. This is derived from dividing the actual power produced by the theoretical power produced. It can be seen that as current flow reaches its upper limits, the device begins to rapidly lose efficiency. This has implications on the applicability of this product. The peak efficiency is 2.76 m/s, found as follows:

The estimated equation for the slope of the graph is -0.0215x2 + 0.1187x + 0.1829 using a graphing program.

The derivation of this line is: -0.043x + 0.1187

When this equals zero, the slope is zero, which is the point of greatest efficiency (maximum point)

This is 2.76 m/s, the power received at this point is 35.5 kW

powscurrspeedThis graph displays the actual values for energy produced, when compared to current flow. It can be viewed as a combination of the efficiency and ideal power graphs. This knowledge is integral to understanding the ideal speed. It can be clearly seen that the relation is quite exponential, with higher speeds yielding much greater results. However it is also known that the efficiency curve takes a greater role at roughly the end of the data, an extension of this graph would show an eventual plateau. Using this knowledge we can conclude that the ideal current speed for this turbine is somewhere in the region of 3.5 m/s.

Analysis/Conclusion:

From the data we have developed a very clear and meaningful relationship between the rate of current flow, and various aspects of the turbine generator on Race Rocks. We have noted that there is a perfectly linear relationship between current speed and the speeds of the blade tips, as well as the RPM of the turbine itself. We have shown that there is an exponential increase in theoretical power contained in the water and current flow, as well as the exponential decrease in efficiency as these values increase. Finally we have shown the actual relationship between current speed and energy output, which can be viewed as a compilation of the efficiency and theoretical power graphs.

This data is incredibly useful in the analysis of this device, and its applicability. The point where the most energy is obtained most efficiently has great impacts on how the technology is used. From our data it is clear that this point is towards the upper range of the current flow, about 3.5 m/s. For after this point the efficiency of the system decreases dramatically. Before this point, the exponential increase in energy produced makes the efficiency loss acceptable.

Further Connections:

I have learned that the average energy output for this turbine for one day is 300kWh, which equates to an average energy production of approximately 12.5 kW. This information may be applied to any power consumption grid, in order to determine the feasibility of using these turbines on a larger scale.

One house at Pearson College uses approximately 600 kWh of energy per day. Using this data, it is possible to conclude that two of these generators could provide enough power for one house. That is power for forty-two individuals, provided entirely by the sea; perfectly green, completely sustainable, and 100% predictable energy.

It should also be considered that this device is still a prototype, and is constantly being refined to the point where it may be commercialized and applied on a larger scale.

 

Sebastes nigrocinctus: Tiger rockfish– The Race Rocks taxonomy

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Characteristics:

Sebastes nigrocinctus, the tiger rockfish is striped like a tiger, feature shades of pink, grey or rose, with five black or red bars radiating backwards from the eyes. Bony ridges on the head may also distinguish them from other species. In younger individuals, tips of the ventral and anal fins are darkened. Tiger rockfish reach lengths of 35 cm by 17 years of age; their maximum size is reportedly 61 cm.

 

Distribution and Habitat:
Since the establishment of the Rock Fish Protection area around Race Rcoks after 2002, these fish are now protected.

They occur from shallow water to 305 m. They are generally found in waters less than 30 m in Puget Sound. Off Oregon, the species is usually found at depths of 64-305 m. In the northeastern Strait of Georgia, tiger rockfish are generally captured in 21-140 m of water.
Juveniles of the species are pelagic, while adults are semi-demersal to demersal. Tiger rockfish are commonly found in caves along undersea cliffs or on the sea floor, generally in high relief areas with strong currents. It was noted that tiger rockfish are often associated with “wall” habitat. Young have been noted resting among gooseneck barnacles near Triangle Island, British Columbia. Off southeast Alaska, habitat requirements for tiger rockfish are similar to those of Yellow Eye and China rockfishes. Juvenile tiger rockfish were observed around rocky reefs, as shallow as 9 m.

Trophic interactions:

Tiger rockfish are solitary, sometimes territorial, and are known to prey upon caridean shrimp, crabs (particularly rock crabs), amphipods and small fishes like herring and juvenile rockfish in the Gulf of Alaska . This species is a generalized feeder that depends on currents bringing food items near its home territory.

Classification based on:
Hart J.L., Pacific Fishes Of Canada, Bulletin 180, Ottawa 1973, page 433
Racerocks reference:

Further References:

1) Hart J.L., Pacific Fishes Of Canada, Bulletin 180, Ottawa 1973
2) http://www.homestead.com/FishStalker/Rockfish.html

Domain Eukarya
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Order Scorpaeniformes
Family Scorpaenidae
Genus Sebastes
Species nigrocinctus
COMMON NAME:Tiger Rockfish

 

taxonomyiconReturn to the Race Rocks Taxonomy
and Image File
pearsonlogo2_f2The Race Rocks taxonomy is a collaborative venture originally started with the Biology and Environmental Systems students of Lester Pearson College UWC. It now also has contributions added by Faculty, Staff, Volunteers and Observers on the remote control webcams. March 15 2009-

Snow storm sets in.

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Today  a heavy snow storm set in on the island . Not very likely that anyone would be out side snapping pictures , but Pam from England recorded some great images using the remote camera 5. One shows the elephant seal “Ninene “trying to cope with this unseasonal onset.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66339356@N00/sets/72157614832586736/

Here are a few examples of her images from cam5:

Larus occidentalis : Western Gull – The Race Rocks taxonomy

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This image of a Western gull was taken by Pam Birley on the remote camera 5 on November 22 2006

Western Gull on the left with the rare second year Glaucous Gull on the right. Photo March 8, 2009 by Ryan Murphy.

The series of pictures above were taken by Adam Harding in August 2009 show the first year winter plumage of the Western Gull.

Domain Eukarya
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Sub-Phylum Vertebrata
Class Aves
Order Charadriiformes
Family Laridae
Genus Larus
Species occidentalis
Common Name: WESTERN GULL

 

Other Members of the Class Aves at Race Rocks.
taxonomyiconReturn to the Race Rocks Taxonomy
and Image File
pearsonlogo2_f2The Race Rocks taxonomy is a collaborative venture originally started with the Biology and Environmental Systems students of Lester Pearson College UWC. It now also has contributions added by Faculty, Staff, Volunteers and Observers on the remote control webcams. March 8  2009- Ryan Murphy

Acipenser transmontanus: white sturgeon

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In this amazing picture, Ryan captured the spray of blood from the sturgeon as the northern sealion takes a bite. This is a first record we have for sturgeon in the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve. These images were taken by Ryan Murphy on the evening of March 2, 2009.

See Ryan’s Flickr site:

For confirmation of the identity of this fish, we contacted Lisa Spaven of DFO in Nanaimo and she helped us get in touch with a number of Canadian and American specialists in Sturgeon. There were some initial considerations that it may be a Green Sturgeoon but as the following conversation indicates, they have settled on the White Sturgeon:

Mar 06,2009,
From Chris Wood:
Conservation Biology Section
Science Branch, Fisheries and Oceans Canada Pacific Biological Station:
Hi Troy
White or green?

——————————–

Mar 08,2009
From Troy Nelson: Director of Science
Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society
” I have looked at the pics of the sturgeon at Race Rocks and think it
may indeed be a white. Although darker/tinted coloration is present, I think this may be partially caused by the low sun and color of the sunset (see the pinks in the water behind the fish in the last pic).Most notable is the lack of a dark stripe on the bottom side of the sturgeon, anterior of the pectoral fins.  There is one shot of the bottom of the sturgeon and this section looks devoid of any dark stripe.I have attached pics of a confrimed green sturgeon (from the Albion Test Fishery); note the dark stipe that ends in an “arrowhead” shape on underside of the upper body. I have copied Olaf Langness (WA DFW) who works with green sturgeon; he may be able to confirm if the Race Rocks sturgeon is a green (or white) in 10 seconds or less”.

——————————————

March 9, 2009
From Chris Wood

“Thanks Troy, I was expecting it to be a green sturgeon in that location, but in one
picture, there seemed to be a (too?)close spacing of lateral scutes
between the pelvic and anal fin. We’ll see what Olaf says”…

——————————————

March 9, 2009
Olaf Langness Fisheries Biologist (Washigton State Department of Fish and Wildlife)
“Thanks Troy for sending this to me.
I would say your assessment is correct.  I think the Race Rock sturgeon was a white sturgeon.  Besides your comments about the lack of a belly stripe, I also think the lateral scutes look small and plentiful, more that of white sturgeon than green sturgeon.  As to the pink coloration, I agree that some of that may be the result of time of day when the photo was taken, but also would not be unusual for a sturgeon under stress to pink up on the lighter belly area, and even to darken slightly on top.  Furthermore, there are way more white sturgeon identified in the surrounding waters of Race Rocks (off southern tip of Vancouver Island, in the Straits of Juan de Fuca) than green sturgeon, based on tagging studies and commercial or recreational landing reports. As you know, white sturgeon are being attacked this time of year, just below Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River.  Many of these fish are mature adults, taken by large Steller  (Northern)  Sea Lions.  The more prevalent California Sea Lions are smaller than the Stellers, so they tend to go after salmon and mostly leave the sturgeon alone. While we have been authorized to kill up to 85 California Sea Lions a year, the Steller Sea Lion is listed under our Endangered Species Act. So our marine mammal hazement program is  focused on reducing predation on spring chinook salmon, and limited on what can be done to control the predation on sturgeon.  This is of great concern to sturgeon managers in Washington and Oregon, especially due to the sea lions targeting of the spawning broodstock .”

———————————–

March 9,2009
Chris C. Wood


Species transmontanus
Common Name: White sturgeon
Pacific White Sturgeon

Domain Eukarya
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Subphylum Vertebrata
Class Actinopterygii
Order Acipenseriformes
Suborder Acipenseroidei
Family Acipenseridae
Subfamily Acipenserinae
Genus Acipenser
Species transmontanus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

taxonomyiconReturn to the Race Rocks Taxonomy
and Image File
pearsonlogo2_f2The Race Rocks taxonomy is a collaborative venture originally started with the Biology and Environmental Systems students of Lester Pearson College UWC. It now also has contributions added by Faculty, Staff, Volunteers and Observers on the remote control webcams. March 2 2009- Ryan Murphy

Restoration Begins on the Race Rocks Lighthouse: February, 2009,

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From the Heritage Protection for Lighthouses Page:

panoramaworkREPAIR PLANS ANNOUNCED: October, 2008…DFO has informed us that they intend to refurbish the tower over the next 6 months: The DFO/CCG project engineer responsible for the Race Rocks Beacon, John Lauder, P.Eng. of Fisheries & Oceans Canada in Vancouver has tended contracts

Click to see this animated gif replay, it was taken by Ryan Murphy of the tower scaffold being removed in early October, 2009

Click to see this animated gif replay, it was taken by Ryan Murphy of the tower scaffold being removed in early October, 2009

based on the recommendations prepared by Mark Byram, their consultant with GOAL Engineering of Victoria. This will involve stripping of existing paint, re-pointing/repairs to masonry, application of new weatherproof coatings and repairs to lantern house glazing. We are pleased with the extent of the proposed repairs, and are grateful to those who worked so hard to get legislation passed that has required this action.

On February 25th of 2009 contractors started the job of restoring the Race Rocks Lighthouse. A team of workmen were ferried to the island by the Pearson college boat Second Nature and the process of stripping the flaking paint from the inside top of the tower, where the top one- third is made of sandstone began. Below, equipment gets transferred to shore for the restoration process.

gazetteWith an enviable view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Chris Tobiassen sands off layers of lead paint outside the lamp house of the aging Race Rocks lighthouse. Together with his father Toby, the pair have been stripping paint from the 149-year-old structure so they can seal and repaint it. Work is expected to wrap up in July.

This article appeared originally at:http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_south/goldstreamgazette/news/46944072.html

 

Published: June 04, 2009 1:00 PM
Amy Dove/News staff

Published: June 04, 2009 1:00 PM

Tight quarters, gnarly winds and dizzying heights come part and parcel with this remote job site.

For father and son team Toby and Chris Tobiassen with TriCity Finishing, it’s worth it for the views from the top of Race Rocks Lighthouse. The pair have spent a month stripping layers of lead paint from the 149-year-old structure only so they can repaint its iconic red cap.

One particularly blustery morning the wind ripped the goggles right off of Toby’s head. It’s not uncommon for the paint to fly off the brush before even touching the walls. Conditions inside aren’t always easy either — every gallon of paint had to be hauled up more than 100 stairs.

Nothing parallels the view though, Chris said, and despite the island’s population of one, there is no shortage of company. The wildlife is abundant, evident in the elephant seal that greeted them on their first day of work.

The lighthouse sits within a marine ecological reserve on Race Rocks, an island about one nautical mile off Metchosin. Pearson College of the Pacific is the steward of the island, but the lighthouse is maintained by the Canadian Coast Guard. Part of a two-year project, the restoration work was commissioned to combat rust, broken window panes, peeling paint and an overall leaking structure.

The lighthouse was constructed in 1860 after a series of ships went down on the notorious rocks. Built to work in tandem with the Fisgard Lighthouse in Colwood, Race Rocks is the bigger of the two.

“Race Rocks sort of sticks out into the Strait and tells ships where to make the turn. Fisgard guided the ships the last 10 miles (into Esquimalt Harbour),” said Dale Mumford, Parks Canada community relations officer based at Fort Rodd Hill.

Fisgard was completed in November 1860, six weeks before Race Rocks, earning it the title of Canada’s first West Coast lighthouse.

That and the easy access to the site garnered it federal heritage status, something yet to be granted to Race Rocks lighthouse, Mumford said. The lighthouses were the only two built during the colonial period, he added.

NOTE: This is incorrect as Race Rocks was designated a heritage Structure in 1991

The lighthouses were funded by a loan from the British government that the Vancouver Island colony never fully repaid.

There are rumors that the materials used to build Race Rocks were brought over as ballast in ships from Scotland, but that just isn’t true, Mumford said.

“Shipping rocks around the world doesn’t make a lot of sense when you start to think to about it,” he said with a laugh.

Parks Canada has the original contracts for its construction, clearly showing the material was sourced locally. The lower portion is made from granite blasted from the island. When that ran out, sandstone was brought in to complete the top portion.

NOTE: an alternate explanation is provided here and reference is made to the T. Appleton report.

That change in materials would account for the restoration work needed as sandstone doesn’t stand up to the elements as well, Mumford said.

The lighting mechanisms and the metal lantern (a term to describe the metal top portion of the lighthouse) came from England, along with its first lighthouse keeper, George Davies.

Davies lived and worked at the Fisgard lighthouse for the first two months of its operation before moving to Race Rocks with his family. He was keeper there until he died in 1866.

The tradition of keepers on the island continued until 1997 when the Coast Guard automated the light.

Since that time Pearson College has stationed “eco-guardians” on the island to ensure technical systems such as web cameras and solar panels are maintained, as well as to monitor human impact on the marine reserve.

For more information on the history of Race Rocks and its lighthouse, go to www.racerocks.com.

reporter@goldstreamgazette.com

 

 

 

Elephant seals born on Middle Rocks at Race Rocks,2009

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Subject: Possible baby Elly on Middle Rock Also:
Although the Elephant Seal haulout on middle rock is over 500 metres away, from the remote camera5 we have been watching the other females still out there in the last few days… and now finally today ……..
Feb 3 10:02 AM. e-mail Exchange:

From Pam: Morning Garry…..have just been watching the middle rock with Slash and the two females.
I believe there MAY be a baby with them.  I’m attaching  a couple of blurry shots because I could not get a really clear view.  However, if you look to the left of Slash you will see a small dark shape.  In one pic it looks as though it has its mouth open, showing the red inside and in the other shot it had moved.   What do you think?   Could it be that the “injured” ES came up on to the rock to give birth?

Pam 12:22 PM – I’ve been watching for about 20 mins and am pretty sure there is an infant there, suckling from the ES with the scars.

Garry-12:28 PM-Pam I think you’re right.  and there’s a patch of blood on the top of the rock as well.. I have predicted there will be three babies from these three females as all look to be at the same level of maturity.
 
Pam-12:51 PM- Just came back up here to the computer.  Three eagles were fighting over something – most likely the placenta.  I noticed the red patch of possibly blood too.  Attached three more pics I took earlier.  Two of them show the pup feeding and the other (again very blurry) showing its head just popping up in silhouette.
Ryan – 1:08 PM- Yes, from Pam’s photo I’d definitely say that there is another baby out there.  I’ll see if I can get any closer photos later today. Ryan 2:39 PM-Lots of eagles out there for sure, certainly showing more interest over there than when the pup was born here.But Pam’s pics definitely show a new live pup out there, so that makes 2 at least!
In the picture above, an eagle is eating near the elephant seals for a few hours in the afternoon. So we think that there is at least one and maybe two more pups on the Middle Island.. More tomorow..
(click on this image to enlarge)e-mail From: Ryan
Subject: a clear shot on a clear day
Date: February 4, 2009 9:38:36 AM PST (CA)
Beautiful day out here, got this clear shot of the pup between both females.  Hard to say which is the mom, I think both have milk on their muzzles, so….?Ryan
At 4:00 PM of Feb 4. The new pup was doing well here seen on he left. Up to 5 eagles were also close by eating the afterbirth or perhaps another dead pup.. The following are from remote cam5.
And eventually by the end of the day on Feb 4, elephant seal pup 2 was on fine display and the scavenger ravens and bald eagles were still hanging around. Ryan was able to zoom in with his telephoto from Great Race Rocks to get these great shots.
In the next few days, the eagles were eating away at something and the young one shown above had disappeared. It is unfortunate they tried to have pups on this Middle island since there is just not very much room.  It is also possible that easterly winds washed the young off the Middle rocks as they are so exposed. So Ninene ended up as the only surviving pup this year, We believe that three pups were born in all at Race Rocks this year. This is the first record for any births this far north as far as we can determine.See the pups born on Middle Rocks in 2010

See the Elephant seal index Gallery and Taxonomy

First Elephant Seal born at Race Rocks: January, 2009

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First baby Elephant seal

First baby Elephant seal born on Race Rocks

suckle2

jan30mombabe Ninene nursing on mother elephant seal Bertha.
allthree

Misery, probably not the father, Bertha and Ninene in the first days

Ryan has observed a lot of aggression on the part of the young male which had previously been named Misery by Mike Slater.
babyandmom

Initially a healthy female baby and mother.

The baby was born beside the helicopter pad, and has spent the first day there, trying to nurse. The interference by the aggressive male has made this difficult.

January 30, 2009: This is what we believe is the first elephant seal pup to be born at Race Rocks. It arrived last night or early this morning. See the daily log also for updates. Ryan and Adam have dubbed the pup NINENE, after the WSANEC (Saanich people) moon that it was born under, meaning, child or offspring

 

Adam Harding took this video at close range from the top of the helipad.The second one was taken on the morning of February 1 from inside of the Marine Centre on Great Race Rocks

In the weeks that followed, Nine went through a  In the month following the birth, the pup Ninene, which Ryan observed was a female , went through an incredible amount of trauma while being attacked viciously by the young male Misery. Here we document the process. It is not a pleasant site and at the time of writing, it is still not certain whether this pup will survive. After 4 weeks, weaning took place and the mother left permanently. On the California pupping beaches, the pups normally stay on the pupping grounds often guarded by a male for 5 to 8 weeks longer, without feeding. Then they get hungry and go to the water to feed on their own in shallow protected water . If Ninene makes it that far it will be quite exceptional. Caution: may not be suitable for children.

bruisepup bite
Bruises showing on the pup. Male grasping the pup

Elephant Seal Male Aggression Videos

The trauma of her first four weeks when she was nursing were minor compared to what happened when her mother left and she was weaned. The young male we have called “Misery” turned on Ninene and beat up on her severely, so much that we considered she was very close to death. Ultimately she was saved by Slash, our old elephant seal, possibly her father, who took on the young male. The following images are not the worst of what we had to watch while this drama unfolded.
​

   
This photo was taken on March 3, a few days later the mother had left the island leaving Ninene alone to be weaned. Ninene had moved to the other side
of the engine room. 		She was looking fairly good, with
evident weight gain from 4 weeks of nursing.
(photos by Garry Fletcher)

Misery on the lawn

After the female left, Misery was relentless in his attacks on Ninene. His throat red with Ninene’s blood the next morning.

Ninene the next day in critical condition.

After the second night after the female left, Misery returned to the island with three large sets of puncture wounds.

He laid low for a few days on the lawn below the flagpole.

Presumably the wounds were from the only other male around, Slash. When he returned to the island Misery soon left for good

Ninene retreats to the rocks on the south west corner of the island.

March — shortly after the beating, Ninene was coated in dried blood

Recuperation took place out on the south west shore, well away from the centre of the island.

March 5. Ninene is spending her time with her serious injuries out on the South west corner

March 5, 2009. Its hard to imagine how she can recover from these injuries

By the tidepools on the south west corner

March 9, Her condition is improving.

Injuries near the base of Nine’s tail from Misery’s rough treatment.

March 5 2009, Slash has driven off Misery and is now lounging on the lawn

March 5, Slash has taken over the place on the lawn where Misery was located

Battle scars on Slash. While on the island with Ninene, he never paid any attention to her.

The bottom of Slash! We have a feeling that Slash was the father of Ninene, as he is the only one we have seen breeding there over the past few years.

cluster behind her deep neck wound was a large boil, possibly from infection or a parasite, that burst after a few days

In the last week of March, she made her first trip down to the docks and then went back across the island to stay a few days near the tower.

March 25, 2009 the scar on her back is gradually returning to normal.

down on the boat ramp. She is spending more time in the water now as she tests out the environment, having to learn everything on her own.

rmninenemar30final

On April 2, 2009, Ryan sent the following e-mail: “I haven’t seen the elephant seal pup for a couple of days, and I suspect she got into the water on the east side of the island the night of March 30. If she’s seen again I’m sure her neck scar will be a good identifier.

ninenefinal-1

A total of 8 weeks had passed since her birth, and 4 weeks since weening. She had a rough start but hopefully will now be able to survive in her own.”

in the USA

Ninene in the USA


The photos above weer taken by Garry Fletcher, Ryan Murphy and Raisa Mirza

On April 7 we were forwarded an e-mail from Dyanna Lambourn, a Marine Mammal Research Biologist, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in Lakewood, WA with this picture by Duane Benedict of the Port Angeles Police Department of a Northern Elephant Seal pup that showed up in Port Angeles on April 2nd. She indicates “I suspect it is probably the pup from Race Rocks… I went to the Race Rocks website and it appears that “NINENE” left around that same time. The pup is hauled out in downtown Port Angeles and the plan is to relocate her to the tip of Edis Hook on US Coast Guard Property today. Hopefully the pup will also be tagged.”

Link:Ninene turns up in down-town Port Angeles in the next few weeks.

Ninene turns up in down-town Port Angeles in the next few weeks.

 

 

The article “Beached elephant seal moved to Ediz Hook“also appeared today in the Penninsula Daily News

 

 

 

 

 

Link:She is tagged with red tags and then released back at the waterfront

She is tagged with red tags and then released back at the waterfront

 

 Seal pup likely “Canadian born” now she’s missing in the Penninsula Daily News, Port Angeles.

Link: The last we see of Ninene with the red tags is on Taylor Beach. Scars healing on her neck. And then on April 15, 2009, she returns to our shores. The last we see of Ninene with the red tags is on Taylor Beach.

 

 

 

 

 

Winter for Slash:2008

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A wintery day at Race Rocks and Ryan takes a few pictures of Slash

See other pictures Ryan Murphy has taken at Race Rocks

 

See the file on Slash

See the Elephant seal Index File

 

Elephant Seal Occurrence at Race Rocks. ( Index)

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Elephant Seal Occurrence  at Race Rocks.See the Dec 02- Dec 03 period of the study of the LGL report of 2003:5.1.4 Northern Elephant SealNorthern elephant seals were the least abundant pinniped throughout the study. Maximum daily counts ranged from 0 in the late autumn to 22 in the spring (Figure 9). There were no consistent patterns in the difference between census counts in the morning and in the afternoon. The maximum differences between any pair of daily surveys (n=49 pairs) were +12 and -5 animals and the median daily difference was 0. Sex and age class data were not recorded for all animals, so only general conclusions can be made. Based on size and general appearance, adult females and sub-adult males were the most abundant. A few adult males were observed, but no pups were sighted. The peak in abundance during spring 2003 corresponds to the time of year when adult females and juveniles haul out to moult their fur (Stewart and Huber 1993).Also see the graph of distribution for the  Dec 02- Dec 03 period of the study of  the LGL report of 2003:
The information below has been extracted from records ,videos and photographs  by Pearson College personnel in the Daily Log (not continuous) 2001-2008, and the monthly photo albums of Pam Birley, Sept 2001 to November 2008.It is not a complete observational record, but it does give evidence through several years of the times of the year that this species are present at Race Rocks. Records concentrate mainly on what elephant seals were visible on Great Race Rocks.Some specific dates recorded :Winter , 1997: Throughout the winter of 1997, two female elephant seals stayed just south of the tower on Great Race Rock. In February, these four females and at times three others hauled out on the middle island, north of Great Race Rock. In 2001, two and sometimes three large males were on the island along with three or four females. They occupied this position on the middle island through the summer and into the fall of 2001 and did the same in 2002 and 2003.June 2001 video of female e at docks

http://www.racerocks.com/racerock/archives/videlseal2a.htm

Nov1 2001: The two juvenile elephant seals that were hauled out in the little bay with a group of about 20 harbour seals, swam out into the large kelp bed along the east side of Gr. Race just before 14:00 and had not returned before dark.Have not seen the large bull elephant seal that spends a good portion of the year stretched out atop West Rock.

Nov. 2 2001. The 4 Northern Elephant Seals regularly hauling out in various areas of Gr. Race spent several hours on the boat ramp enjoying the sun.

2 Elephant Seals that have been hauled out all day. The Harbour seals are hauling out as the tide ebbs and unless disturbed will stay ‘high and dry’ until the tide comes in again.

Dec 15 2001: –Today is the first day we have seen the large male elephant seal back on middle rock

Dec 16th 2001: As we watched for the whales to come back a 3-4 metre bull Elephant Seal drifted by and came into the small east bay.I did get some video as he floated around with just his head and unmistakable nose above the surface.He stayed in the bay only 12-15 minutes,arched his back,flared his great nostrils,dove into a wave and was gone! We often hear the elephant Seals vocalizing at night, it sounds like a calf bellowing in a tin can, but not lately, and from the sound of the roaring 45+ knt. not tonight either!

Dec 15 2002:

Another 15 California Sea Lions lined the dock. Middle rock was quite populated with another 200 or so Sea Lions mostly Northern, and one very large Elephant Seal.

Jan3, 2002:It is so quiet with the light wind that we have heard Elephant Seals vocalizing tonight.

Jan 7 2002: The bull Elephant Seal is still hauling out on the rocks below the engine room and for a few hours, usually in the morning, floats leisurely along the shore, upright with his head and snout just above the surface. With the fairly light winds we are able to hear his distinctive ‘bellow’ mostly at night.

Mar 12 2002: The largest bull elephant seal and the juvenile spent the day on the grass in front of the house, the large bull did make one trip to the ramp and back but the juvenile was quite still except for the occasional stretch and yawn.

April1, 2002:

he two elephant seals have inched their way up the ramp to within 8 inches of the boat house door and show no signs of leaving.

April 11, 2002: We now have 4 Elephant Seals on Gr. Race, two bulls, 1 fair sized female and the small juvenile from the ‘incident’ yesterday. The 2 bulls and the juvenile are stretched out on the grass between the winch house and our front porch. The juvenile seems non the worse for violent encounter yesterday but has stayed close to the house. In the 13 years that we have been here we have often had elephant seals haul out on the boat ramp and even as far as the grass around the houses but they were always the smaller juveniles up to 2 metres.

June25, 2002: One of the large Elephant Seals spent several hours floating with his head just above the water near the east tip of Middle Rock.

Aug 2, 2002: The elephant seal hauled out on the boat ramp early this morning for a couple of hours then returned to the area near Middle Rock.The east bay was a favourite today with about 15 harbour seals and their pups. The mothers and pups that frequent the dock area did not show up until around noon, I think they avoid the elephant seals especially with the pups still quite small.

Dec 4 2002: Juvenile Elephant Seal has hauled out on the boat ramp and as usual with these mammals is not bothered by our presence

Jan 2 2003: A large elephant seal came ashore this morning on the boat ramp but did not stay long as the swells were tossing 5-10 lb. rocks almost to the door of the boat house, a dangerous place to stretch out for a nap. The Elephant Seal has been spending part of the night near the dock the past week and vocalizing quite a bit. There is a Northern Sea Lion hauled out about 3 metres from the front porch, he looks a little thin and has several small wounds on his head,he spent the whole day there, hardly moving at all.

Jam 3 2003: Today the swells were not so big and the huge Elephant Seal spent most of the day floating about by the dock, he hauled out on the ramp for about 4 hours and is now back in the water snorting and bellowing. The Northern Sea Lion hauled out by the porch has not moved very much all day.

Jan4 2003: The elephant seal spends a lot of the day floating about close to shore and periodically hauls out on the boat ramp for an hour or so.

Jan 8, 2003: The Elephant Seal spent some time leisurely floating in the east bay and along the south shore below the engine room but did not haul out on Gr. Race.

Jan 9, 2003: 1 small Elephant Seal is hauled out halfway down the western slope of the largest of the southeast rocks. Also there is a rather thin looking Northern Sea Lion that could be the one with the head wounds that spent several days hauled out by himself near the house, just too far away to get a good look.

Jan 10, 2003: The Juvenile Elephant Seal and the lone Northern Sea Lion are still hauled out on the west slope of the south east rocks.

Jan 13, 2003: The juvenile elephant and the skinny looking Northern Sea Lion have left the haul out on the slope of the southeast rocks. There is a wide range in size in the Northern Sealion population hauled out just now -quite a few in fact in the 300/500 lbs., about 1/4 seem to be the really mature fellows some as big as 2000lbs. Usually there are mostly males but some of the smaller animals look very much like the females which appear more cylindrical in shape and colour more uniformly brown.Very easy to tell the Northern Sea Lions even at night by their growling which they seem to do a lot of as they tend to feed at night.The California Sea Lions sound like a pack of large dogs. Mostly what we hear these nights are the Northern Sea Lions and the snorting, bellowing Elephant Seals.

Jan 14, 2003: The large Elephant Seal floated along the south shore of Gr. Race until near noon then hauled out on the rocks just below the fog horn tower where he remained the rest of the day.

Jan 16, 2003: The large Elephant Seal continues to spend the night and early morning floating around Gr. Race then hauling out for the rest of the day, lately on the south side below the engine room.

Jan 18, 2003: The Elephant Seal floated leisurely in the dock area all morning and in fact we had to wait around for nearly half an hour for him to move away so we could launch the boat for a quick trip to Pedder Bay

Jan 19 2003: We have a very disturbing and sad situation here with one of the Elephant Seals. In the late morning an elephant seal hauled out by the boat house, it was immediately apparent that this poor animal has had a run in with a boat prop. There are several deep gashes in the fore head just above his eyes. One eye is very bloodshot and the other eye seems to be getting red. There are other wounds or slashes from the head down to below the front flippers. The wounds are curved slices like a series of long parallel ‘slashes on both sides.The deepest gashes are on the head and right side cheek area. We checked on him all during the day, just before dark he moved into the water. The other much larger elephant seal is still around and happy to say he has no marks on him. He has hung around by the dock all afternoon and at times quite loud. I do wonder if there is any communication between these two great creatures. They are really quite placid most of the time and we can get as close as a foot if we approach from the front. Hopefully the one fellow’s wounds are not fatal. People must take extra care moving boats through the area to avoid hitting seals and sealions and causing what must be very painful injuries. See http://www.racerocks.com/racerock/archives/vidinjureseal.htm for a video of the elephant seal.

Jan 22 , 2003: The big Elephant Seal spends a good deal of the day in the dock area vocalizing often enough to let us know he’s still here,when he really bellows he is loud enough we can hear him over the roar of the wind and the sea!

Jan 23 2003: The large Elephant Seal continues to circle Gr. Race all day and all night. As for the wounded fellow (SLASH) there have not be any sightings today.

Jan 26, 2003: The Elephant Seal hauled out on the boat ramp out of the wind and spent the day,not always quietly soaking up a little sun.

Jan 29 2003: The Elephant Seal continues to divide his time between the boat ramp and the water by the dock.

Feb. 3 2003: The large male Elephant Seal is still hauling out on the boat ramp for several hours at a time then returning to the water to leisurely circle the island just off shore.He is not as vocal as he has been but do hear him snorting every half hour or so.

Feb 4 2003: The large Elephant Seal has not returned to the boat ramp but we do now have a juvenile that appears to be going through it’s ‘molt’.

Feb. 5,2003:. The young Elephant Seal seems settled in for an extended stay in front of the boat house and except for rolling from one side to the other a couple of times has not moved much.Unlike the big males this juvenile ‘growls’ if anyone approaches within 8-10 feet,we keep our distance anyway, don’t want to add stress to an already stressed animal.

Feb. 11, 2003: The molting juvenile Elephant Seal is still hauled out next to the boat house and just likes to be left alone.The Elephant Seal that was injured has returned! He has moved inland about half way across Gr. Race near the Science building. The wounds look like they are healing very well, his eyes are clear and healthy looking. The other male Elephant Seal still around but did not come ashore today.

Feb. 21, 2003:Still hear the Elephant Seals at night,sounds like they are going into the water to feed about 1 a.m. and returning a couple hours later. The one that hauls out by the boat house is the more vocal one.The smaller one roams the island but usually ends up behind the boat house,seems to like the grass.We are careful to take a flashlight at night, never know where he will be stretched out in the dark!

Feb. 12 2003: The injured Elephant Seal has moved over near the engine room, he seems to like the long grass. We haven’t heard him vocalize but the other big fellow is quite noisey. The molting juvenile Elephant Seal left sometime during the night.

Feb. 17, 2003: The Elephant Seal still spends most of the day near the end of the dock with 2 or 3 ‘haul outs’ by the boat house usually in the early morning and mid afternoon and since he often floats just below the surface boaters should take special caution in the area.

Feb. 23

Feb. 20, 2003: he 2 big Elephant Seals both spent the day hauled out,one on the boat ramp and the recovering one in the long grass between the Science centre and the boat house. We can get quite close without disturbing them but for some reason they react to people wearing red jackets.

Feb. 23,2003: The recovering Elephant Seal was very restless,spent most of they day moving around the island trying to find the best spot.He finally settled near the south end of the boat house.The other Elephant Seal spent the day in his usual spot just below the door to the boat house.

Feb. 26, 2003: The recovered Elephant Seal still spending a good part of the day roaming about then usually settles down behind the boat house. The recovered Elephant Seal still spending a good part of the day roaming about then usually settles down behind the boat house.

Feb26: 2003: The 2 Elephant Seals hauled out most of the day. The one by the boat ramp is not bothered at all with our coming and going in the boat, even the noise from the winch for the boat dolly does not bother him,he does turn his head to use his good eye to watch the boat move up the rails and we are careful to give him lots of time to back out of the way. Once the boat is put away he usually stretches back across the rails in his favourite spot!

March2, 2003: The 2 Elephant Seals still spending most of the day hauled out on Gr. Race,the one that had been injured prefers an inland spot while the other one favours the boat ramp.We hear them after midnight,they can be quite noisy going and returning from feeding.

March5,2003: The 2 Elephant Seals are still hauled out, the ‘roamer has stayed tucked in behind the boat house out of the wind.The other has become a fixture by the boat house door.

March 6, 2003: They tied their boat at the outer end of the dock, maybe a little intimidated by the Elephant Seal stretched out on the ramp,but most likely they didn’t want to disturb him. He is actually very docile especially if you approach him slowly and carefully.

March 7,2003: Both Elephant Seals still hauled out most of the day,one on the ramp and the other a bit restless today moving from place to place,ended up behind the boat house.

March 8, 2003: The Elephant Seals took to the water which at 7.4? would be warmer than the air at 0? with the blowing snow and NE wind at 30+ knts.

March 10, 2003: The 2 Elephant Seals hauled out all day in their usual spots.

March 13, 2003: he one Elephant Seal we call the roamer did not haul out today but the other big fellow moved up out of the way of the swells on the ramp and spent the whole day with his nose literally pressed against the boat house door

March 17, 2003: The larger Elephant Seal in his favoured spot but the ‘recovered’ one spent quite some time trying to plan a route to the water-he moved down to the ramp but seemed reluctant to get too close to the other which had spread himself across the tracks, so he went overland! 3/4 of the distance was fairly soft grass but the last 20 ft. was a rough and rocky descent just east of the winch house.

March 20, 2003: The Elephant Seal that seemed a permanent fixture on the ramp slipped into the water early this morning and has not returned-miss seeing and hearing.

Mar 26, 2003: Just the one Elephant Seal today in his usual spot on the boat ramp

March 27, 2003: The Elephant Seal took to the water just after 7 this morning and had not returned by dark, did not hear him at all, he may have hauled out on one of the other rocks.

April 3, 2003: Did a boat trip around West Race and the Middle rocks and counted 11 Elephant Seals hauled out.There were 3 fairly large males and the rest assorted smaller males and females.The one big fellow that has been hauled out near the boat house for the last few weeks was floating about just off the south tip of the middle rock.There were 5 Northern and 14 California Sea Lions also hauled out with the Elephant seals

April 6, 2003: There were 13 Elephant Seals,12 hauled out on Middle Rock and the one large male floating about close to the shore this afternoon.The Elephant Seals have been joined by about 20 California and 9 Northern Sea Lions

April 14, 2003: There were about 35 California and 9 Northern Sea Lions hauled out on Middle rock with the Elephant Seals.

July 22, 2003: The 2 smallish elephant seals still hauled out and staying close to each other.The big fellow continues to haul out behind the boat house for a time each day.The three do not interact, infact the 2 smaller ones do their best to move out of the big fellow’s way as he ambles along the sidewalk to ‘his’ spot.

Dec 25, 2003:  Pinniped census in the reserve: (Animals hauled out) —North Rock :0 Middle Rocks : Northern Sealions:65, California Sealions:1 —–Great Race Rocks : Northern Sealions: 8, California Sealions: 4 Harbour seals:7, Elephant seal :1(Male) West Race Rocks California Sealiion: 1 ( About one third of the animals observed were very young ) . Weather conditions: Wind West 32 , Sea 3′- Heavy Swell. Other noteworthy sightings : We estimated approximately 2500-3000 Herring Gulls on the island today.

Jan 3 2004: I see today that Mike has camera3 aimed at an elephant seal – This adult male must have moved up on the lawn behind the boathouse to get out of the northern gale today. This is probably the one who recovered from the encounter with the boat last year. ( see in the marine mammals video archive.) On camera 1 today there is a male and several females out on the middle rock . Precipitation is snow 5.5 cm

Jan 9, 2004: Over 250 Northern Sea Lions ( many juveniles) on middle rock only today- One large male elephant seal there also and one on Great Race – ( On the lawn near helipad- check on the robotic camera ) Several bald eagles on the rocks.

Jan 24 2004: Two elephant seals haul out on the lawn and provide evidence of mating behaviour. See http://www.racerocks.com/racerock/marmam/elseal/elsealmate.htm The female has a large cut around her neck indicating an old injury.

Feb 27, 2005: (PB photo).. adult male

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66339356@N00/1793151876/in/set-7215760277115 8045/

Feb. 13, 2006,( PB video) mating on middle rock http://www.racerocks.com/racerock/video_3/elsealsex1.mov

Feb,26, 2006 (PB photo)(not slash)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66339356@N00/1793559936/in/set-72157602768459534/

April 14, 2006: Census photo taken of middle rock at least 8 elephant seals are included.

Jan 2007 :(PB photo) Two individuals, possible Slash and a female?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66339356@N00/1793395765/in/set-72157602771188891/

Jan 14 2007: (From Census file video)At least one large male on Middle rock

May 28, 2007: A young male and female at the boat ramp (picture in PB DIARY)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66339356@N00/1793559743/in/set-72157602768481458/

June 28, 2007: Slash on boat ramp(picture in PB DIARY)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66339356@N00/1793618307/in/set-72157602768483920/

August 2007: (PB photo) two new elephant seals on lawn, perhaps one very young male.http://www.flickr.com/photos/66339356@N00/1793677311/in/set-72157602768487684/

December 2007: Slash returns,, (PB photo)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66339356@N00/2144129986/in/set-72157603564537908/

December 11, 2007: Slash showed up at noon (picture in PB DIARY)

December 12, 2007:  possibly one other with Slash out on middle rock

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66339356@N00/2144129975/in/set-72157603564537908/

Jan 17,2008: PB photo” http://www.flickr.com/photos/66339356@N00/2201777700/in/set-72157603715095611/

February 26 2008:  (PB photo) Female on dock.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66339356@N00/2297209880/in/set-72157603839644139/

February 29, 2008: female on lawn

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66339356@N00/2301780973/in/set-72157603839644139/

March 2, 2008:PB photo of a female on the lawn. http://www.flickr.com/photos/66339356@N00/2312433894/in/set-72157604021972398/

March 16,2008: PB photo of female elephant seal.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66339356@N00/2341013333/in/set-72157604021972398/

May 4 2008: photo in census file showing at least 3 elephant seals on Middle rock.

June 3 2008 Three male elephant seals were observed on middle rock. Two California and 1 Northern sealion are all that are left on the islands.

June 10, 2008 No Sea lions were seen. Very few harbour seals are around today. Estimated 10.

Two elephant seals on middle island, old Slash and one juvenile male ( dark colored)

June 12, 2008: Erik and Garry checked out and photographed the reported entangled elephant seal on Middle Rock. File opened at http://www.racerocks.com/racerock/eco/taxalab/miroungaa/roped.htm

June 17, 2008 One elephant seal on Middle island, and Slash, our favourite old elephant seal hauled out on Great Race again this morning, but he had moved over to middle island in the afternoon. The entangled one we saw last week was not around this afternoon.

July 12, 2008 Slash moulting (PB photo)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66339356@N00/2672749236/in/set-72157605939335337/

July 21 2008. Slash on Great Race behind boathouse.

July 23, 2008: Elephant seal changed location; now behind boat house.

Slash spent from 5:00PM to 8:00 PM in the sea, otherwise up behind boathouse. ( preset 1 on cam 1) He has 3/4 of his old hair moulted off, new light gray color beneath. The old hair was light brown.

July 24, 2008 Slash moved down again to the shade of the Workshop as it is very hot at noon.

July 25, 2008 Slash now moved up to his spot on the lawn west of the Science house. (Can be seen on camera2)

One other male elephant seal and one smaller female remain out on the Middle rock.

July 28 2008 Blasting by the DND sent the 5 newly returned sea lions into water. Slash hits the water to cruise by the dock. 18 Ecotour boats sited in channel close to sea lions (also later main dock where Slash was lying by boat house).

Aug 20. 2008: Three males, slash absent.

Sept. 23, 2008 One juvenile male elephant seal was up on the lawn by the science house.. Slash has not been around for some time now.

Oct. 27, 2008: possibly one male out on middle rock.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66339356@N00/2965657528/in/set-72157607795979132/

For November of 2008  they have been absent. We expect them back in mid December.

Data Compiled by Garry Fletcher, Nov. 29, 2008