xpansion of
such observer programs is enormous.

Because of these initial successes and the large number of requests for
packets from persons working at sea off the Atlantic coast of North
America, this guide was planned. Many of the errors and deficiencies of
the Pacific Guide have been corrected, and the discussions of the ranges
of many of the species have been expanded with considerations of the
major oceanographic factors affecting their distribution and movements.
While the present volume, like the Pacific Guide, is intended as an aid
to the identification of living animals at sea, new materials have been
provided to aid in the identification and reporting of stranded
specimens, a major source of data and study material for museums. This
new dimension is expected to assist the U.S. National Museum, various
regional museums, and other researchers actively collecting cetacean
materials for display and study in the implementation of their stranded
animal salvage programs. Through a cooperative effort of this kind, the
best possible use can be made of all materials that become available.

As a part of continuing research, this guide will be revised whenever
possible. Suggestions for its improvement will at all times be welcome.

* * * * *

Funds for the preparation of this guide were provided by a grant to
Stephen Leatherwood from the Platforms of Opportunity Program, National
Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, Tiburon, Calif., Paul Sund, Coordinator.

CONTENTS

Introduction 1
Classification of cetaceans 1
Dolphin or porpoise 5
Organization of the guide 5
How to use the guide 7
To identify animals at sea 7
To identify stranded animals 7
To record and report information 7
Directory to species accounts:
Large whales:
With a dorsal fin 10
Without dorsal fin 13
Medium-sized whales:
With a dorsal fin 14
With