Song of the Whale Caribbean Outreach Team 2006

The presentation begins with an introduction given by IMA colleague, Lori Lee Lum. She includes information on whaling which took place off the west coast of Trinidad in the Gulf of Paria during the nineteenth century. Whalers took approximately 25 humpback whales annually for about 25 years, which succeeded in nearly removing the entire stock.

Lori also speaks about the various strandings, primarily of pilot whales, which have taken place here all around the island in the last 20 years.  She also talks about the population of West Indian Manatee which resides in the Nariva Swamp on the east coast of Trinidad.  She emphasises the need for research and conservation of the marine environment and its inhabitants. 

After Lori focuses on Trinidad-specific issues, Bridget and Irene Seipt (IFAW’s guest marine researcher who is assisting with the work in the Caribbean) speak about Song of the Whale’s projects world-wide, including the work here in the Caribbean. They give a slide lecture on whales, dolphins and porpoises in general, focusing on the species found in local waters.  As part of the talk, sounds made by some cetaceans are played for the students. They hear vocalisations of spotted dolphins, orca whales, sperm whales, and humpback whales. All the sounds get a very big reaction from the students. 

Every school that is visited receives books for their libraries appropriate to the age-group. All the schools are extremely appreciative of these additions to their libraries, so that they can continue their education projects on marine mammals and the environment.