November 5, 2023, by Lisa Teas Conaway

2023

WhaleFest Theme

Sound Science: Voices from the Ocean
This year’s Sitka WhaleFest explores the theme of “sound” science from a variety of angles: using sound waves for communication within the ocean, how scientists use sound to study underwater ecosystems, diverse approaches of inquiry in our natural world, and connections to current research in Sitka Sound. Join us as we learn more about what is happening below the waves and celebrate the critical importance of SOUND science.

Events

Thursday, November 2

8:00 am -10:00 am Snorkel + Sauna

4:30 pm -6:30 pm Tongass to Table

5:30 pm -6:30 pm Marine Art Show

7:00 pm -8:00 pm Film Fest

 

Friday, November 3

9:00 am -11:00 am Scientific Illustration Class

10:00 am -4:30 pm Market & Café

12:45 pm -1:00 pm Welcome & Opening Remarks

1:00 pm -1:45 pm Symposium speaker Lauren Bell
– How Sound are Sitka Sound’s Seaweeds?

2:00 pm -2:45 pm Symposium speaker Kevin Boswell – High-tech spying: using sound to observe complex behaviors of marine life

3:00 pm -3:45 pm Symposium speaker Kim Goetz
– Can pingers reduce accidental captures of harbor porpoise in fishing nets in Southeast Alaska?

7:30 pm -9:00 pm Maritime Grind

 

Saturday, November 4

8:45 am -11:30 am Marine Wildlife Cruises

9:00 am -10:00 am WhaleFest Run – 5K, 10K Run, & 2 Mile Walk

10:00 am -4:30 pm Market & Café

1:00 pm -1:45 pm Symposium speakers Christina Bonsell & Matthew Burtner
– Sonification of Alaskan Coastal Habitats

2:00 pm -2:45 pm Symposium speaker Heidi Pearson – Humpback whales in the time of Covid-19: Examining their responses to changes in vessel traffic

3:00 pm -3:45 pm Symposium speaker Erin Falcone – In the Active Voice: Beaked Whales and Underwater Sonar on a Busy Navy Training Range in California

6:00 pm -7:30 pm Marine Mingle

8:00 pm -9:00 pm Marine Trivia Night

 

Sunday, November 5

8:30 am -11:30 am Marine Mammal Necropsy

8:45 am -11:30 am Marine Wildlife Cruises

11:00 am -3:00 pm Market & Café

1:00 pm -1:45 pm Symposium speaker Hans Thewissen – What are they talking about? The evolution of sound and hearing in whales

2:00 pm -2:45 pm Symposium speakers Billy Adams
& Kate Stafford – Listening to the Arctic

3:00 pm -3:45 pm Symposium speakers: Jan Straley, Michael Castellini, Hans Thewissen, Madison Kosma, & Kate Stafford
– The Sounds of Alaska and a Tribute to Craig George

Details can be found at SitkaWhaleFest.org