When group after group of pantropical spotted dolphins began to swim in front ofour fishing boat, we became very excited-our trip would not be in vain.

Bottlenose dolphin These are frequently stars of the show at marine parks. The bottlenose dolphins around Taiwan are stocky, bold, and dexterous. （photo by Liao Hung-chi）

This project was a whale and dolphin survey, carried out jointly by scholars and fishermen. Besides having research assistants from scholarly institutions, graduate students, and nature photographers, the group also had a fishing boat captain with 17 years experience.

Fraser's dophin Blue-gray on the back, white on the stomach, with short noses, these dolphins have relatively small fins and tails. They have a black stripe running from the eyes to anus; the stripe gets wider as they age. （photo by Pan Chin-lung）

It was July and August, the height of summer. Our rough and ready vessel had no cabin to rest in, and only incomplete equipment. But everyone, based on their fondness for whales and dolphins, overcame the intense sun and the unsettling waves. We all survived seasickness and sunburn, and learned how to get a firm position on the rolling deck so we could take clear photos. Most importantly, we had to react quickly to the swift movements of these creatures amidst the waves.

Risso's dolphin These powerfully built creatures, with blunt heads and not readily visible mouths, have the nickname "monk's head." Along the body are pale-colored marks that look similar to scars from wounds, which get more grey-white with age. （photo by Yang Shih-chu）

In these two months, the old captain learned to tell different species apart, and how to observe their various behaviors. Most importantly, he realized how he had failed to develop friendship with whales and dolphins during his career as a fisherman. As for those from scholarly institutes, through this project they got to see dolphins and whales thriving in their natural habitat, rather than just the corpses or captive creatures (in marine parks) they had seen in the past.

False killer whale Characterized by a blunt head and narrow chest, colored a rich, pure black tone, and with a slightly curved sickle-shaped dorsal fin, this creature reminds one of a mysterious and noble knight in armor. （photo by Yang Shih-chu）

This was a small first step for us, but a giant step in helping the island of Taiwan shed its blinders and extend its perspective to embrace the sea.

Killer whale We met up with these travelers along Taiwan's eastern coast. These creatures have an outgoing and friendly attitude, as if deliberately trying to belie their frightening name "killer whales." They come almost close enough to the ship to touch them.... （photo by Liao Hung-chi）

I would like to thank Chou Lien-hsiang and her research team at the Department of Zoology at National Taiwan University, the Liberty Times, Morning Star Publishers, and the Hui Lan Cable Broadcasting Company. They provided enormous assistance with funding and other areas to complete the first phase of the project.

Beaked whale Thieves of the ocean depths, with bird-like snouts, they far exceed our abilities and imaginations in terms of distance, depth, and speed underwater. This type of whale can only be viewed at a distance. （photo by Yang Shih-chu）

But how many whales and dolphins are there, after all, around Taiwan? What are their migration habits? How much is their environment changing? How great an impact is this having on them? There are just far too many questions, and they will require extended observation to answer. We plan to continue with year-round at-sea surveying. We are currently working hard with all sectors to find help to get the necessary funding and equipment.

The Photographers

Yang Shih-chu: A specialist on whales and dolphins, he has worked on research projects with the National Science Council and the Council of Agriculture.

Liao Hung-chi: A marine-literature writer, he won China Times literary prizes in both 1993 and 1995.

Pan Chin-lung: Captain of the Yuchin No. 6, he is a veteran fisherman with 17 years of maritime experience.

p.39

Spinner dolphin

A group of flying mammals skims the ocean surface, with long snouts and small bodies. One of the special features of spinner dolphin behavior is their many twirling mid-air antics.

(photo by Yang Shih-chu)

p.40

Pantropical Spotted dolphin

Their spots become increasingly prominent with age. They love swimming in front of boats; usually after testing things out once or twice, one small group after another will take the same course as the boat. Sadly, it is just for this reason that they are often killed by fishing boats.

(photo by Yang Shih-chu)

p.41

Bottlenose dophin

These are frequently stars of the show at marine parks.

The bottlenose dolphins around Taiwan are stocky, bold,

and dexterous.

(photo by Liao Hung-chi)

p.41

Fraser's dophin

Blue-gray on the back, white on the stomach, with short noses,

these dolphins have relatively small fins and tails. They have a black stripe running from the eyes to anus; the stripe gets wider as they age.

(photo by Pan Chin-lung)

p.42

Risso's dolphin

These powerfully built creatures, with blunt heads and

not readily visible mouths, have the nickname "monk's head."

Along the body are pale-colored marks that look similar to scars from wounds, which get more grey-white with age.

(photo by Yang Shih-chu)

p.44

False killer whale

Characterized by a blunt head and narrow chest, colored a rich, pure black tone, and with a slightly curved sickle-shaped dorsal fin, this creature reminds one of a mysterious and noble knight in armor.

(photo by Yang Shih-chu)

p.45

Killer whale

We met up with these travelers along Taiwan's eastern coast. These creatures have an outgoing and friendly attitude, as if deliberately trying to belie their frightening name "killer whales." They come almost close enough to the ship to touch them. . . .

(photo by Liao Hung-chi)

p.45

Beaked whale

Thieves of the ocean depths, with bird-like snouts, they far exceed our abilities and imaginations in terms of distance, depth, and speed underwater. This type of whale can only be viewed at a distance.

(photo by Yang Shih-chu)