CONNECT AND PROTECT – OCEAN TOOLKIT
June 4
CURIOSITY GALORE
P: Chris Christie
MARINE MAMMALS
Have you ever been out on the ocean or standing at The Spit, Blind Channel, Nexen Beach or Britannia – or perhaps you’ve been out on the water.
You’ve heard a splash, or seen something, out of the corner of your eye.
It is possible that it was a seal, a sea otter or perhaps a sea lion. Or on a very lucky day, a pod of porpoises that appear and disappear, leaving you to wonder if you ever saw them at all.
These marine mammals are so playful and curious.
Maybe you’ve seen one, surfing those brackish waters, heading out to sea. You’ve imagined them smiling or throwing you a shaka.
These are some of the marine mammals that live here in Howe Sound, The Salish Sea.
Which ones have you seen?
Which ones do you hope to see?
And what is a mammal anyway?
“Mammals include humans and all other animals that are warm-blooded vertebrates (vertebrates have backbones) with hair. They feed their young with milk and have a more well-developed brain than other types of animals.”
Source: National Geographic Kids
https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/
Next time you’re by the sea and you hear some barking. Have a closer listen – where is that sound really coming from? It may not be the dog on the beach. Have a little look out to sea. . .
Sea Lion Spring - Howe Sound - Atl'kitsem by Bob Turner – (7:35)
WOW!!! How many species did Bob see – AMAZING…
ACTIVITY:
Count and name, the species you see.
What kind of Sea Lions are in the video?
What kind of fish are they eating?
Do you like anchovies?
Draw a picture and tell a story about your favourite sea being.
Here in Squamish, one of the most common and always welcome sightings are the seals.
There is something about their heads popping up and their eyes full of curiosity.
Perhaps you’ve been out on the water, and had the experience of having one follow you.
Here is a phenomenal video clip, of an unbelievable experience with a seal.
THE SEAL, by Bob Turner (5:36)
RESOURCES & ACTIVITIES by OCEAN WISE
SEALS
ACTIVITY – Seal Colouring Sheet
OTTERLY AMAZING
Facts
https://www.aquablog.ca/2020/05/otter-ly-amazing-facts-for-world-otter-day/
Urchin Otter Kelp – Food Web – Info & Activity - pdf (Ages 4 and up)
TAKE ACTION
If you see a Marine Mammal in Distress – Here is what you can do to help:
Stay back
Keep people and pets away
Call the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre at 604-258-SEAL (7325)
Rescue situations, and their recommended courses of action, vary dramatically depending on the species concerned. Other critical factors are also involved, such as age, behaviour, location and apparent health. Please don't try to help an animal on your own.
Source: Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue, An Ocean Wise Initiative
https://rescue.ocean.org/
DID YOU KNOW –
That we have someone teaching here in one of our Squamish schools, who loves oceans, porpoises and education.
Lauren Hartling is a bright light here in our community, giving a voice to a species that we do not know a lot about.
Thank You For Sharing Your Voice Lauren!
Next time you see her, give her a wave and a hello. Ask her a little more. . .
Here’s What She Has to Say:
“I grew up around freshwater ecosystems but I was always fascinated by the ocean.
I work hard to educate people of how we are all connected to the oceans and to understand how important that connection is (for example, every second breath you take comes from the ocean).
Porpoises are one of those inhabitants that not much is known about. For example, here in Howe Sound, the Pacific harbour porpoise was listed as a data deficient species (meaning we didn't even know enough about them to even guess how many there were locally), but thanks to researchers doing studies, we realized that they are actually a species of "Special Concern" in Howe Sound. This means that they are impacted by human activities on the water, and that regulations from the government and action from all of us are needed to protect their habitat and their lives.
Learning as much as we can about nature not only protects nature, but ourselves as well because we are all tied together.”
DIVE DEEPER
https://porpoise.org/
LISTEN LOUD – PORPOISE PODCAST, HOSTED BY LAUREN HARTLING
TWO PODCASTS:
1: What Are Porpoises? (14:21)
2: Drones, Brains and Robo Dolphins (35:05)
TAKE ACTION
Think of a Porpoise question, that you want to ask Lauren about.
Share Your Voice, For This Incredible Species.
P: Chris Christie
An amazing way to get out on the water and explore is to get on a Stand Up Paddle Board.
Get out there with your eyes wide open.
Be sure to do it safely.
Here is a good friend, of the Ocean.
BE INSPIRED. BE EMPOWERED.
With Tina Currie of Coastal Stoke SUP Squamish
Orca Readers
Voices In The Ocean, by Susan Casey
Dolphin Readers
Abigale the Happy Whale by Peter Farrelly, Illustrated by Jamie Rama
WORLD OCEANS DAY – PLAYLIST
How’s Yours Going?
Who’s Ready For A Dance Party. . .
OFFICIAL Somewhere over the Rainbow - Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole
PS. REALLY CONNECT TO THE OCEAN – AND STEP OUTSIDE
Wherever you are.
Please step out in air.
It needn’t be far.
But you must take good care.
Soak up the sun.
Splash in the rain.
Be sure to repeat.
Again and Again.
If you can visit a river or a stream, that is fab. Look all around, and see what is rad.
If the ocean does call, and you really can go.
Please go there and breathe. Saltwater for your Soul.
THANK YOU FOR JOINING US, IN A SQUAMISH WAVE OF CHANGE.