Vision
The majestic blue whale is the largest animal to have existed, sitting at the top of the ocean’s food pyramid. Growing to be more than 100 feet long and weighing as much as 200 tons, the blue whale plays a critical role in maintaining our oceans.
Despite its size and significance, the blue whale is an endangered species. Reducing the threat to this extraordinary marine mammal requires research and public education to help guide better policy and practice.
That’s why, when a deceased blue whale washed up on the shores of Liverpool, Nova Scotia in 2017, two Dalhousie professors seized the opportunity to turn this tragic loss into a meaningful and educational experience for students, and the community.
The bones of the blue whale were prepared and preserved by Dalhousie students and faculty, scanned for a 3D model, and then prepped to be mounted in the atrium of Dal’s Steele Ocean Sciences Building. When the Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity opens to the public in 2025, Dal will join the ranks of the Royal Ontario Museum and the Natural History Museum in London in displaying blue whale skeletons as an educational tool and a poignant reminder of the care we must take to protect our oceans.
Dive In: The Blue Whale Project continues to raise funds to help support the time and resources needed to bring this project to life. Your donation will attach your name or the name of the loved one to the project, becoming part of this important community exhibit.
A number of bones are still available! Make your mark today!
For more information about donating, please contact Elizabeth Benoit at elizabeth.benoit@dal.ca.
Supporters
Sarah E Stevenson$500.00
David Barclay$1000.00
In honour of Danielle Moore, from the faculty and students in the Department of Oceanography.
Anne Timmins$500.00
Laurena MacAdam$1000.00
Hon. Wilfred P. Moore$1000.00
To repeat my statement in the Senate of Canada in January 2016 as sponsor of Bill S-203 (end captivity of whales and dolphins): "Whales and dolphins do not belong in swimming pools."
Jane Ritcey$1000.00
Donald Maynard$100.00
Dal Biology of the 70's and 80's was the fuel for the curiosity that opened the world of science to me.
Graham Doyle$500.00
This will enable faculty and students to learn more about this large whale.
Isabelle Aube$100.00
"As a teacher, I am always learning. The Blue Whale Project is a great example of this."
Laura Wood Jacoby$100.00
Ian&Caroline Wood$100.00
Jill Hayden$1000.00
Donated on behalf of the Dalhousie BACK Program, a Dal Med team doing research on back pain. We support this initiative to raise awareness about the connection between environmental sustainability and human health. And yes, we named a BACK bone!
Owen Sherwood$500.00
What an honour to support this amazing educational opportunity for the Dal community.
Adrienne Junek$500.00
What a great way to give back to science, oceanography, and the study of our planet.
Donald Ross$100.00
Katherine Kerley$100.00
For the love of the ocean, to inspire future scientists.
Alex Mifflin$100.00
Franklin Schwing$250.00
As an alumni (PhD 9189) I recognize the great education Dalhousie provided me and generations of scientists who are making a difference for society and our environment.
Paula Mercer$100.00
