What comes to mind when you think of whale sound? Mystery? Nature? Something soothing? What about submarine experiments, ocean noise, and Pink Floyd? In BC, a setting famous for its killer and humpback whales, this sound represents far more than scientific curiosity or passing amusement. In this talk, I argue that whale sound is far more than a 'natural' emanation. It is a constructed phenomenon that involves different forms of human labor, leisure, and listening. Whale sound can tell us a lot about the changing value-systems that have defined the BC coast over the past forty years, and offers insight into the grave ecological threats posed to whales today. If listening to whales is never ‘innocent’ of broader social forces; it is nevertheless suggested that listening is one of the few remaining ways to form appreciations of this wondrous and at-risk taxon.

Whale music will be provided!

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The presentation will also be available on the worldwide web at our Livestream webpage.