A ONE OF A KIND SUMMER PROGRAM FOCUSED ON OCEAN WILDLIFE
INTRODUCING THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST OCEAN WILDLIFE ACADEMY
A fully immersive experience exploring the rugged coast lines of Vancouver Island. Program attendees will gain invaluable experience in identifying and cataloguing the various marine mammals that we will see from day to day. A typical day at the Ocean Wildlife Academy includes a minimum of 2-3 hours at sea.
SUBJECTS OF STUDY
HUMPBACK WHALES
ORCAS aka KILLER WHALES
ORCAS aka KILLER WHALES
Study the various behaviors on display from feeding to socializing. Learn how to spot & track whales on the water, as well as ID and catalogue specific individuals
ORCAS aka KILLER WHALES
ORCAS aka KILLER WHALES
ORCAS aka KILLER WHALES
There are two very distinct populations of Killer Whales in our area of the Salish Sea. Participants will learn about the physical and social attributes that are unique to each population
SEA LIONS
ORCAS aka KILLER WHALES
SEA OTTERS
California and Steller Sea Lions share common haul out sites throughout the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This allows for easy viewing and study of these very interesting animals
SEA OTTERS
ORCAS aka KILLER WHALES
SEA OTTERS
Sea Otters are a keystone species of the coastal marine environment in the Pacific Northwest. Learn about how these animals, once eradicated, are returning to our seas
HARBOUR SEALS
ELEPHANT SEALS
HARBOUR SEALS
The most commonly found Pinniped in our area. Early summer is pupping season, allowing for opportunities to study their importance in the complex food chain
PORPOISES
ELEPHANT SEALS
HARBOUR SEALS
Dall's Porpoises and Harbour Porpoises are common sights. These animals can be spotted sometimes numbering in the hundreds, and are an important piece of the food chain
ELEPHANT SEALS
ELEPHANT SEALS
ELEPHANT SEALS
Race Rocks Ecological Reserve is the northern most rookery for the Northern Elephant Seal. Pups are born in early January and Bulls are commonly present for their annual molt in early summer
MARINE BIRDS
ELEPHANT SEALS
ELEPHANT SEALS
The coastal waters are blooming with life in the summer months. Various species of marine birds can be found feeding on baitfish, sometimes capitalizing on the efforts of large marine mammals
MARINE COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS
NAVIGATION & GENERAL SEAMANSHIP
RACE ROCKS ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
Emphasis on the importance of protecting our marine ecosystems in their entirety. Learn why even the smallest of creatures play a crucial role in the overall health of the Oceans
RACE ROCKS ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
NAVIGATION & GENERAL SEAMANSHIP
RACE ROCKS ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
Located approximately 10 nautical miles from the clubhouse. This protected marine reserve is where we can view nearly all species of interest throughout the season
NAVIGATION & GENERAL SEAMANSHIP
NAVIGATION & GENERAL SEAMANSHIP
NAVIGATION & GENERAL SEAMANSHIP
Learn the basics of navigation using a magnetic compass and navigational aids. Additionally, participants will get hands on experience with modern electronic nav. equipment
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
NAVIGATION & GENERAL SEAMANSHIP
NAVIGATION & GENERAL SEAMANSHIP
Program participants will develop a sense of responsibility for the conservation of our oceans. The study of human impacts on the marine environment will be in focus throughout the program
CURRICULUM
Summarized Breakdown of Program Contents
- Marine Safety and General Vessel Maintenance. Each day will begin with a briefing of the planned activities, with a stress on the importance of preparedness. This program will provide the necessary skills to safely plan and conduct marine excursions using easily accessed wind, weather and tidal data. Daily checks and instructions on the proper use and care of mandatory instruments and safety equipment for small vessels will reiterate the importance of being prepared for all situations. Attendees will also learn the basics of preventative engine maintenance and operation of mechanical systems found on small vessels, laying the foundations for crew competency in the field of marine sciences.
- Marine Mammal Identification. The various modules that are focused on Marine Mammal Identification will make up the bulk of the program. A combination of time spent both on the water and in the clubhouse, will focus on the identification of various marine mammal species. This program will provide an immersive look at all of the marine mammals commonly found in the Strait of Juan de Fuca including: Humpback Whales, Grey Whales, Minke Whales, Bigg's Killer Whales, Southern Resident Killer Whales, Harbour Porpoises, Dall's Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Elephant Seals, California Sea Lions, Steller Sea Lions, and various marine bird species as well.
- Marine Coastal Ecosystems. The Estuaries, Lagoons and Coastal Kelp Forests play a very important role in the overall health of both our Oceans, and our Forests. Study of the plants and animals that inhabit these coastal ecosystems, and their importance to the health of the greater global ecosystems will be emphasized throughout the various program modules.
- Navigation. Navigational skills are an absolute must for marine exploration. This segment of the program will teach the basics of navigation and nautical chart reading. Participants will also get hands on experience with modern electronic chart plotters, RADAR's and other electronic navigational aids.
- Seamanship. Participants will be assigned roles on a daily basis so that they are not merely passengers aboard the vessel. All course attendees will be trained to function as competent crew, assisting the captain in monitoring communications and navigation systems. Knot tying and rope splicing techniques will also be explored in both on and off shore lesson plans.
- Individual Identification. Using visual comparisons through digital photography, participants will learn to identify specific individuals within the various populations of marine mammals. Humpback and Grey Whales by their tales and dorsal fins. Killer Whales by their dorsal fins and saddle patches. We can even identify specific seals and sea lions by their colouring and fungal patches.
- Electronic Aids for Marine Mammal Research. First year attendees will get a basic introduction into the use of electronic aids such as Digital Cameras and Hydrophones. The benefits of this technology let us peak a little deeper into the world of the animals we study, while minimizing the effect of our presence.
- Environmental Stewardship. The biggest takeaway from this program will hopefully be an appreciation for the role each and every one of us must play in protecting the oceans and the acute ecosystems that exist within them. While on and off the water, our captains and program administrators will emphasize the importance of preserving and protecting the marine environment through conservation efforts. While in our travels we will likely encounter derelict "ghost" fishing gear, and other flotsam debris such as balloons and plastics. We will take this opportunity as a teaching moment. Various marine pollutants will be discussed (and collected) as part of our study of the human impact on the ocean environment.
