The port at Paita, Peru, is on the central western coast of South America. The water temperature is cold due to the Humbolt current, while the land has a subtropical desert climate. This location was good for whalers because it was fairly near to the line. The line refers to a hunting area along the equator. Fish and squid filled the Humboldt Current, and the current passed within hunting distance to the shore station. The shore station was a land based operation for processing oil, making this a favorite area for hunting sperm whales.