Whale watching on-line! Come along with Anne Smrcina, Education Coordinator at Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, as she reports the sightings of humpback and northern right 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 giantsÑwhich grow to 60 feet long and weigh up to 100 tonsÑsurvive 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 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. Finally, students will have the chance to "interview" other students who will take actual whale-watching expeditions and report their experiences.
© Journey North 1996