As in previous years, I have been asked to summarize cetacean data collection programs involving platforms of opportunity in the United States. This information is compiled annually in a US Progress report to the International Whaling Commission. Those who have provided information in previous years have already been contacted for an update. However, I would very much appreciate hearing from others that collect data opportunistically from whale watching boats and other vessels in the US (such as ferries, fishing vessels, etc). Our annual summary contains very basic information on the area worked, species studied and techniques used in 2009. To be included in this summary, please contact me at jrobbins@coastalstudies.org before April 27, 2010. Thanks in advance, Jooke -------------------------------------------- Jooke Robbins, Ph.D. Senior Scientist Director, Humpback Whale Studies Program Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies 5 Holway Avenue Provincetown, MA 02657 ph: 508-487-3623 x116 fax: 508-487-4695