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JSKWICS

WIC EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

MARINE MAMMAL INTERPRETIVE COURSE

PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES

  • To relay bio-diversity, adaptations, research and conservation issues of marine life in the Pacific Northwest - mammalian to invertebrate. Emphasis on marine mammals as "ambassadors" of the marine ecosystem.

  • To facilitate identification of marine mammals and knowledge of guidelines/appropriate practice in marine mammal viewing.

  • To relay the importance of the role of marine education and strategies to provide effective education.

  • To use artifacts of the Whale Interpretive Centre to illuminate the above aims.

PROGRAMME CONTENT

DAY 1 ( 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

  • Introduction.

  • Marine biodiversity - introduction to invertebrates and importance of algae.

  • The evolution of human attitudes towards marine mammals.

  • Activity: "Incredible Invertebrates Treasure Box".

  • Classification and adaptations of marine mammals.

  • LUNCH

  • Characteristics and research of marine mammals (includes vocals).

  • Sea otter (vs. river otter).

  • Pinnipeds (seals, sea lions and elephant seals).

  • Baleen cetaceans (gray, fin, minke and humpback).

  • Toothed cetaceans other than Orca (Pacific white-sided dolphin, Dall's and harbour porpoise).

 

DAY 2 ( 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

  • Introduction.

  • Natural history, research and conservation concerns of Orca.

  • LUNCH

  • Anthropogenic threats to marine mammals. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada listings and updates.

  • Discussion of marine mammal viewing guidelines and developments with regard to regulations.

  • Role, ethics and motivation for role in marine education - delivery of 20 discussion points.

  • Review of information, evaluation and feedback. Share resources.

INSTRUCTORS

Jackie Hildering. Jackie is a biologist dedicated to marine education. Her current roles include: program delivery as DFO's Education Coordinator on N. Vancouver Island; Head Naturalist for Stubbs Island Whale Watching; board member (past manager) of the Whale Interpretive Centre and President of the Top Island Econauts Dive Club. Her history includes 14+ years teaching and writing curriculum for high school biology. Jackie is an avid diver whose knowledge of the local ecosystem extends from nudibranches (sea slugs) to cetaceans.

DATE & TIMES

2-Day Intensive Courses are available by request.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

  • $200.00 + GST for 2 day course.
    Fee includes a 25% donation to the Johnstone Strait Killer Whale Interpretive Centre Society.

  • Minimum required: 10 participants

  • Maximum number: 18 participants.

  • Certificate delivered for active participation

LOCATION

Telegraph Cove, Northern Vancouver Island, BC. Telegraph Cove is a 4-hour drive north of Nanaimo. Camping and lodging available in Telegraph Cove (www.telegraphcoveresort.com) or the nearest community, Port McNeill, which is 30 minutes further on the North Island Highway. Telegraph Cove is a historic fishing community and we will be utilizing the surrounding areas for the course as well as the Whale Interpretive Centre.

 

FURTHER INFORMATION

Johnstone Strait Killer Whale Interpretive Centre Society

Telephone: (250)-928-3129 (Mid-May to October) or (250) 928-3117 (October to Mid-May)

E-mail: society@killerwhalecentre.org