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STUDENTS ON ICE INVITES ALL OF OUR SITE VISITORS TO PARTCIPATE IN THE
‘ONE-TONNE CHALLENGE’

Take the Challenge
MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
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The 165-ft oceanographic research sailing vessel SEDNA IV will be our base for this great Students On Ice adventure in the Mingan Islands and Gulf of St. Lawrence area of Canada.

ABOUT THE EXPEDITION

Please also visit our STUDENTS ON ICE BLOG ... be a part of the journey!

The expedition will be led by Geoff Green, together with a team of educators and whale researchers including renowned whale expert Richard Sears.
Never has the world been so close to an open war on the last giants of the sea. While the member countries of the International Whaling Commission tear each other apart over the possibility of resuming whaling, scientists are devoting their lives to saving the last survivors of the sea.
We will spend over 10 days in and around the beautiful Mingan Islands and throughout the Gulf of St. Lawrence seeking clues to the lives of these magnificent whales.
The blue whale is the largest mammal, possibly the largest animal, to ever inhabit the earth. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) banned all hunting of blue whales in 1966 and gave them worldwide protection. Recovery has been extremely slow and part of Richard Sears’ work is to put the blue whale on the endangered species list.
Participating students will take part in a hands-on education and research program, which will involve searching for the whales, photo identification of the whales, taking biopsies from the whale’s blubber, and even collecting whale poop! We will also conduct several oceanographic studies, look at the history of the region and whaling in general, address many of the relevant environmental issues of the day, and seek solutions.

BLUE WHALE TAGGING ... watch a live movie! © MICS Richard Sears CLICK HERE (Note: .MOV file - high speed recommended)

Student “researchers” will have the chance learn navigation and sail the SEDNA. Kayaks and Zodiacs will help us get up close and personal with the whales!

During the expedition, we are going to be discussing and contributing to both the Harbour Porpoise and the Blue Whale Consultations! A great way to have our expedition and the students make a significant and potential impact on things. Please visit www.sararegistry.gc.ca for more information. Also - you can download the SARA Consultation Booklets yourself...

• Booklet One: Harbour Porpoise (PDF)
• Booklet Two: Blue Whale (PDF)

Sharing space and time with these gentle giants is a life-changing experience. This expedition is a remarkable opportunity to be on the forefront of whale research and conservation. The journey begins with a preparatory visit and expedition briefing at the Mingan Island Cetecean Centre located on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence in eastern Quebec.
Please contact the SOI office for further information.

Toll free: 866-336-6423 Tel: 819-827-3300 Fax: 819-827-9951
Email: expedition@studentsonice.com