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"We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men; and among those fibers, as sympathetic threads, our actions run as causes, and they come back to us as effects."
— Herman Melville |
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WhaleFest Symposium-Stories of the Changing Seas
In Alaska, human reliance upon ocean resources has existed for centuries. Both the Indigenous and European cultures have been shaped by the marine environment. Native people have an ancient reciprocal relationship with the sea. Later, the European sea otter and Northern fur seal harvest created a booming fur trade when Seattle and San Francisco were mud rutted villages. Although we are still dependent on the sea, the way people use the ocean has changed. Today multi-million dollar fisheries and important subsistence uses still define the coastal communities of Alaska. While we acknowledge that change is a constant in the oceans it's time to ask whether the human influence on the sea has become a risk to the survival of the marine environment that sustains most of the life on earth.
This year the Sitka WhaleFest will bring a renowned group of speakers to explore these questions during the three day science symposium:
●How have our lives been shaped by the ocean?
●What are the historical connections linking people to the sea and how are they changing?
●How do we understand these changes and accommodate for the changes to come?
We will explore emerging issues and the new frontiers in studying the marine environment. We will also discuss the role science can play in the conversation concerning the long term health of not only the ocean but of everything that is influenced by the sea. |
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Whale Watching Cruises
Join WhaleFest scientists and researchers aboard an Allen Marine vessel for an educational whale watching adventure in Sitka Sound. Whale watching cruises are offered Saturday and Sunday mornings, departing from Crescent Harbor. Proceeds benefit Sitka WhaleFest thanks to the generous support of Allen Marine Tours. |
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WhaleFest 10K/5K Run/Walk at Whale Park
Join the crowd at Whale Park rain or shine, receive a special WhaleFest run t-shirt and watch for a whale along the way! |
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Reception for Scientists & Registrants-Sitka Sound Science Center Aquarium
Come to the Sitka Sound Science Center and enjoy hors d'oeuvres and drinks before heading off to the Maritime Monthly Grind. The Molly Ahlgren Aquarium will also be available for viewing during the event. |
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Sea Chanty Concert
Don Sineti, the fun loving sea chanteyman from the east coast uses his deep, rich voice to teach and instruct, as well as entertain. |
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Maritime Monthly Grind
The marine-themed Maritime Monthly Grind promises an evening of laughter, song, dance and a dessert contest. This fun filled family event coordinated by the Monthly Grind crew will feature local talent including WhaleFest Speakers and Sea Chanteyman, Don Sineti. |
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Market at WhaleFest, Market Cafe & Silent Auction
Shop for beautiful marine-themed crafts and jewelry at the WhaleFest Market. Learn about local non-profits and enjoy lunch at the Market Cafe. Silent auction items will be available for bidding during Market hours. All proceeds from the silent auction benefit Sitka WhaleFest. |
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Sitka WhaleFest Banquet
Enjoy an evening featuring the WhaleFest Keynote speaker, Katy Payne a delicious dinner and the WhaleFest wines! |
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Student Marine Art Show
Come to WhaleFest and enjoy fabulous artwork created by students from the local schools. Artwork is placed throughout the Centennial Building and can be viewed during the entire WhaleFest symposium weekend. |
