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(Back to Humpback Home Page)
Background
Whale watching on-line! Come along with Anne Smrcina,
Education Coordinator at Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, as she reports the sightings of humpback whales
on their spring migration from wintering waters in the Caribbean to the northern summer feeding waters in the North
Atlantic.
Along the way, students will explore why whales migrate and why they go where they do. Students will learn that
these gentle giants-which grow to 60 feet long and weigh up to 100 tons - survive by eating tiny ocean plankton
and small fish. At the same time, they build up huge fat reserves to live off during their migration south when
they will stop eating entirely.
They'll also explore the ocean process of "upwelling" which creates
a far-reaching food chain that whales and many other ocean creatures depend upon. In addition, students will study
the conservation issues facing these endangered creatures and explore why one species, the humpback, is making
a stronger recovery than the northern right whale. Students will have the chance to "interview" other
students who will take actual whale-watching expeditions and report their experiences. Finally, if we're lucky,
we'll receive reports on gray and humpback whales and an orca or two from our friends in the Pacific.
Copyright 1999 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to our feedback form
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