#emma's pod

[californiatransients]

4/3/19 - Emma’s pod, the CA140′s, return to Monterey Bay in preparation for the gray whale migration season.

Video by Monterey Bay Whale Watch

[californiatransients]

Meet the Matrilines - CA140′s

Someone had requested info on the CA140′s a little while back, so I decided I would do a series called “Meet the Matrilines” profiling some of the most common pods in California!

The CA140′s, often referred to as “Emma’s Group,” are one of the most regularly-seen pods in Monterey Bay, known for specializing in hunting gray whales (as well as other marine mammals like seals, sea lions, and dolphins). The extended family includes a total of 10 whales across four generations, all profiled below. (Top photo by Daniel Bianchetta)

CA40 - female, mother of CA137, CA140 Emma, and CA163 Liner. She is approximately 60 years old, and travels with her older son CA137. The two will occasionally meet up with Liner, Emma, and her offspring. (Photo by Pat M. Hathaway)

CA137 - male, brother of Emma and Liner, approximately 35-years old. He travels with CA40 full-time. (Photo by Michael Sack)

CA140 - female, nicknamed “Emma” for the distinct notch in her dorsal fin. She is the matriarch and leader of the pod, approximately 35-40 years old. (Photo by Clinton Bauder)

CA163 - male, nicknamed “Liner” or “Scratchy” for the distinct marking on his right eyepatch, approximately 20-25 years old. He is the younger brother of CA137 and Emma, travels with her group full-time. (Photo by Pat M. Hathaway)

CA140A (no photo available) - Emma’s oldest offspring, approximately 22 years old, travels separately. Has been seen traveling and hunting with CA51A’s subpod.

CA140B - female, nicknamed “Louise.” Emma’s 15-year old daughter, CA40′s granddaughter. She has a distinct center notch in her dorsal fin. (Photo by Fascination Wildlife)

CA140C - male, Emma’s 12-year old juvenile son. (Photo by Tim Zoliniak)

CA140D - Emma’s youngest offspring, approximately 5-years old. (Photo by Selena S. Rivera, @cetuselena)

CA140B1 - Louise’s older offspring, approximately 4-years old. (Photo by John Mayer)

CA140B2 - Louise’s newest calf, nicknamed “Little Bee.” Approximately 2-3 months old. (Photo by Daniel Bianchetta)