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Course Description
This course is a survey of the natural history, biology, behavior, threats, and conservation of marine mammals. Coursework will consist of both academic discussions and field work designed to introduce students to the methods and equipment that marine mammal researchers commonly use. Students will be studying with the Bamfield Marine Science Center and serving as naturalists-in–training at the Whale Interpretive Center in Telegraph Cove and on the Stubb’s whale watching boats. |
Course Objectives/Outcomes
Each student should attain the following:
- An in-depth knowledge of the local marine mammal populations
- A strong background in the current issues surrounding these populations
- An ability to use props, artifacts and in-field observations to educate a wide international tourist audience about the marine mammals of BC
- Insight into the “industry” of eco-tourism
- The course further investigates the cultures of local communities on the coast:
- The history and present day whaling objectives of the Ou’hai’at 1st nations group
- Traditional dancing and artistry of the U’mista
- History and present issues surrounding the fishing industry, from canneries to fish farms
- Ability to interpret animals natural behaviors found in the wild
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Lecture Topics
- Intro to Oceanography and Environment of Marine Mammals
- Marine Mammals of the West Coast
- Marine Mammal Adaptations
- The Odontocetes
- The Mysticetes
- Feeding, Diets and migrations of marine mammals
- Social Structure and Communication
- Conservation Management and Whaling
- Ethics in Eco-Tourism & Interpretive Tactics
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Field Studies and exercises
- Kayak exploration and mammal observation in Deer Group Islands
- Boat trips for marine mammal sightings
- Harbour seal census, photo identification techniques, oceanographic data collection
- Learn plankton tow survey techniques
- Lab work: Transect, dissection and skeleton manipulation
- Interptetation: Northern and Southern resident killer whales
- Barkley Sound Exploration (diversity, distribution, and abundance of marine mammals)
- Conservation Case studies workshop
- West-coast trail hike observing marine mammals in Pachena Bay & exploration of Brady’s Beach
- Exploration of Whale Interpretive Center
- Telegraph cove whale census
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Sea Kayak in Barkley Sound
and Johnstone Strait |
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Study Orcas and Marine Mammals |
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Work Alongside Marine Mammal
Scientists and Naturalists |
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Live and Study at the Bamfield Marine Science Centre |
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Earn 3 Credit Hours |
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Earn 35+ Hours Service Work |
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