Risso’s dolphin reports belong along California’s Pacific coast and offshore waters, not at the inland places listed as general state landmarks. Deep water close to the continental margin offers a better setting for this squid-eating dolphin than beaches, bays, or the Central Valley.
Reports reach their clearest high in May, with smaller rises in August and early fall. They still span the calendar, as boats and shore surveys can meet these dolphins in any season. Calm seas and changing survey effort shape the monthly curve, so it doesn’t measure the offshore population.
Full species profile
