The WhaleFest Science Symposium is a popular annual event with students and faculty alike, who travel to Sitka, AK to enjoy a week of scientific discovery with leading experts in the field. Due to the pandemic, learners can attend virtually for free this year. Both for-credit and community education options are available.
This year’s theme is “Ocean Connections: Culture and Communication,” and will explore the many forms of culture and communication that are tied to the marine environment. Through the lens of Indigenous knowledge and scientific discovery, attendees will examine the web of interconnections that makes up the world’s oceans.
Symposium speakers include:
Deasy Lontoh – (State Univ of Papua) - Leatherback sea turtles – involving community in conservation of leatherbacks in West Papua
Hal Whitehead – (Professor Dalhousie Univ) - Social organization and culture in sperm whales
Dan Olsen – (North Gulf Oceanic Society) - Killer whale communication, diet, and social behavior
Heidi Harley – (Professor of comparative psychology New College, FL) - Dolphin communication
Maija Katak Lukin – (Superintendent at Western Arctic National Parklands) – protecting and preserving natural and cultural resources while preparing for changes in the arctic climate.
Learners taking advantage of the for-credit and community education options through the
ENVS 260 Directed Studies: WhaleFest course will attend class from 6:30 – 8:30 pm on the following dates:
- October 27
- November 3, 10, 17, 24
- December 1
WhaleFest symposium times for students to attend are:
- November 5, 10:00 am – 12:00 PST
- November 6, 10:00 am – 12:00 PST, followed by discussions with the presenters
- November 7, 10:00 am – 12:00 PST, followed by discussions with the presenters
Virtual marine mammal necropsy – (optional but must attend all three sessions) 10-11:30 PST Nov 5, 6 and 7)
Attendees can prepare for and attend the Sitka WhaleFest Science Symposium November 5 – 7 by visiting: http://sitkawhalefest.org/
To register for the ENVS 260 course for credit visit pencol.edu and click on “Class schedule.” For the Community Education course visit: https://bit.ly/3m8eyvP .
For more information, contact Barbara Blackie at bblackie@pencol.edu.