Marine Mammals
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed so that students achieve a working knowledge of the marine mammals that frequent the northwest coast of North America. At the end of this program, students will be able to interpret animals natural behaviors found in the wild and lead informative discussions about the natural surroundings along the coastline to a varied audience. The secondary objectives include: increased environmental awareness, enhanced interpretive and teaching skills, development of leadership and teamwork skills, increased self-confidence and improved public speaking skills.
“Broadreach has a way of teaching you life lessons without being pushy or 'cheesy'. ” — Laura Moore, Lookout Mountain, TN
COURSE OBJECTIVES
- 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
LECTURE TOPICS
- Introduction to local marine mammals
- Introduction to pinniped structure and physiology
- Social structure
- ID techniques
- Communication
- Otters, kelp forests and ecosystems
- Conservation and Management
FIELD STUDIES & EXERCISES
- Whale observation tours on research vessels
- Cliff observations
- Orca lab
- Overnight sea kayaking and camping expeditions in Barkley sound and Johnston strait
- Learn Kayaking and navigation techniques
- Hike
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