Earl of March and West Carleton – Day 3

Wednesday morning the students were on the bus bright and early to head to Blacks Harbour where they boarded the ferry for Grand Manan Island.  While on the ferry the students conducted a transect survey of marine mammals.  They saw lots porpoises but the larger whales were being elusive.
 
Upon arrival on the island the group drove to meet Peter to go whale watching.  The group was very lucky and got to see three humpback whales, two of which were a mother and calf pair.  The baby was so cute and very active at the surface, rolling and splashing around.  The baby was curious and wanted to stay around the boat even when its mother was trying to get it to go elsewhere.  It was an amazing encounter!
 
That evening the group had a presentation from Laurie Murison of the Grand Manan Whale and Seabird Research Station.  Laurie talked to the group about the North Atlantic Right Whales, which are endangered.  She spoke about why the whales are endangered and some of the hazards for these whales such as ship strikes and entanglement.

The ferry for Grand Manan.

The Day's Catch, the whale watching boat.

Humpback waving hello to the students.

Humpback dorsal fin.

The whales were very curious.

Three humpbacks in a row.

Spyhopping to see what's going on above the water.