Field School: Whales & Seals

Whales & Seals: Marine Mammals of Cape Cod A Cape Cod Field School April 26-28, 2013 3-day course: Friday-Sunday Inhabiting a vastly different realm from us beneath the surface of the water, whales and seals are an intriguing and mysterious group of animals. The biological adaptations and life histories of these marine mammals - from oxygen retention for deep dives to underwater feeding strategies - are fascinating and varied. And the changing relationship humans have had with these creatures over… Show more time - from whaling and bounties to current conservation measures and scientific studies - are equally complex. During this weekend course, we will delve into the rich natural and human history of whales and seals and the marine and coastal communities we share. Cape Cod is an ideal region to study marine mammals. The rich and productive waters of Cape Cod Bay and Massachusetts Bay are feeding grounds for the large baleen whales, smaller toothed whales, and seals alike. Seals also use our coastal waters and secluded beaches for pupping and raising their young. Thus, Cape Cod offers excellent chances to observe these animals in their natural environment. In addition to two boat trips (an off-shore whale watch and a trip into the waters around Wellfleet Harbor), we will also spend time walking beaches and exploring harbors to increase our chances of sighting a variety of species including both grey and harbor seals, humback whales, fin whales, minke whales, white-sided dolphins, harbor porpoise, and North Atlantic right whales. In fact, the past several years have featured record numbers of right whales in Cape Cod Bay. In 2012 it is estimated the 65% of the world's population of this highly endangered whale was within Cape Cod Bay during the spring months! Lectures and visits with local marine and fisheries biologists will complement our outdoor field experiences. In addition to the two boat trips, guided field trips, lectures, and transportation for field trips, this course also includes a welcome dinner on the first evening. Sanctuary housing is available at $30 per night. Instructor: Carol "Krill" Carson is a marine biologist and founder and president of New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA). She is also a Senior Visiting Professor at Bridgewater State University and the Outreach Education Coordinator for Captain John Whale Watching and Fishing Tours based out of Plymouth, MA. Krill has watched and studied a variety of marine mammals since 1980 both on the east and west coast of the US. Registration is required. Call (508) 349-2615 for details. See http://www.massaudubon.org/catalog/listing.php?program_code=1196-WF13SP1 for more information.

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