The Classroom

This was an intensive summer course on learning about and studying marine mammals. Time in the classroom included lectures on physiology, behaviour, and ecology. We also did many workshops. I practiced with Raven acoustic software, successfully completed a photo-identification assignment on pilot whales, and simulated the funding of a research project with a given budget. I also counted dolphins from aerial footage.

The most memorable activity on campus was watching and participating in the necropsy of a harbour seal and harbour porpoise. During the necropsy, I cut tissues off the bones so that the skeleton could be used in a display.

In addition to classroom time, we set out to Bay Saint Lawrence, Cape Breton for our field work and camping trip. I had a great time bonding with my classmates during the road trip and working collectively on the campsite to ensure a smooth-running camp.

The Field

We spent multiple days going on boat outings with the Cape Breton Pilot Whale Project, in variable sea conditions and weather. I learned about the proper methods (parallel, never head on, never cut them off, etc.) and distances to approach pods in a boat.

In a group, we developed a mini project on the long-finned pilot whales. We investigated whether surface synchronization between a calf and its ‘babysitter’ decreased as the calf age class increased. On the boat, I distinguished between the calf age classes, as required for my project. I was also able to practice photographing these animals. I love being out in the boat and seeing these animals is amazing every time. I have seen pilot whales before from my grandfathers fishing boat, however, this is my first time seeing them in groups this large (>20 individuals) and displaying behaviours such as spyhopping, tail slapping, and swimming on their side.