Whale celebration on Sunshine Coast takes place between August 14th and August 17th

Whale celebration on Sunshine Coast takes place between August 14th and August 17th

Sunshine Coast Whale Festival: A Celebration of Marine Life and Conservation

The Sunshine Coast is set to host the Sunshine Coast Whale Festival from August 14-17, 2025, bringing together a series of events and initiatives aimed at raising awareness about whales and marine ecosystems.

Key Activities

The festival, led by BlueAct Marine Society, Sunshine Coast Conservation Association, and Loon Foundation, features a variety of activities including science talks, guest speakers, market stalls, and live music. Notable events include:

• Science Talks and Guest Speakers: Presentations about whale biology, conservation challenges, and ongoing research efforts.
• Ocean Wise Sea Dome: An interactive exhibit promoting ocean sustainability and the protection of marine life.
• Trash to Treasure Workshop: A recycling workshop focusing on reducing ocean pollution and mitigating threats to whales from marine debris.
• Gibsons Whale Fest: Family-friendly events at locations like the Public Market and TidePools Aquarium offer educational experiences for all ages.

Community Engagement

The festival provides several opportunities for public involvement, such as attending talks and workshops, participating in interactive exhibits, engaging in community activities, supporting local markets, and volunteering or connecting with conservation groups.

Threats and Solutions

Threats to whales in the Sunshine Coast area, such as ocean pollution, ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, habitat disturbance, and increasing vessel traffic, will be highlighted during the festival. The "Trash to Treasure" initiative particularly addresses pollution as a key threat.

Celebrating Whales and Community

The festival aims to celebrate whales, bring together the community, and raise awareness about threats to whales. Events will take place in Gibsons and Madeira Park, and attendees can participate in community-based science initiatives, such as downloading the Whale Report App and reporting whale sightings.

Important Details

• The Gibsons Whale Trail Unveiling Event will be at the Gibsons Landing Harbour Authority Public Wharf on August 16 from 11AM - 11:45AM. Please note that there is no parking at the Harbour parking lot; attendees must park up on the road or walk over to the event.
• The Wild Whales Research and Community Science Symposium will take place at Gibsons Public Market on August 15 from 5:30PM - 8 PM, with light refreshments served.
• Gibsons Whale Fest at TidePools Aquarium and the our website Sea Dome event in Madeira Park are free with sponsorship from BC Ferries.
• The Sunshine Coast is within the critical habitat of the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales, and whales such as killer whales, humpback whales, harbor porpoises, and Pacific white-sided dolphins are frequently seen in the area.
• Funding for the Sunshine Coast Whale Festival is provided by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
• The Whales and Ales Trivia Night is part of the festival schedule, taking place at Persephone Brewing on August 14 from 6PM - 8:30 PM.
• The Wild Whales Research and Community Science Symposium, as well as the festival itself, will take place on the traditional territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw.
• The our website Sea Dome will be available at Tranquility Garden behind the Earthfair Store, Madeira Park on August 17 from 1PM- 5PM.
• Northern Resident Killer Whales use the area for beach rubbing, particularly in winter months.
• Increasing vessel traffic is a threat to whales in the Sunshine Coast area.
• The Gibsons Whale Fest will take place at TidePools Aquarium inside Gibsons Public Market on August 16 from 10AM - 4PM.

1. At the Sunshine Coast Whale Festival, visitors can attend science talks and guest speaker presentations discussing topics like whale biology, conservation challenges, and ongoing research efforts associated with environmental science.
2. As part of the festival, participants are encouraged to engage in community activities, such as volunteering for conservation groups or downloading the Whale Report App to report sightings, which contributes to the home-and-garden of data collection for whale conservation.
3. Outdoor living enthusiasts can enjoy the Gibsons Whale Fest, an interactive exhibit promoting sustainable ocean living and the protection of marine life, nestled within the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast's home-and-garden landscape.

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